Copper or not?

jaybird56

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
31
i am changing from short shaft to long shaft and water tube broke do you really need copper tube or can you use alum.? will it make a difference which type is used?
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: Copper or not?

Are you replacing the tube, I think a new one is made of copper.
If you are trying to patch it up, how are you going to attach a copper tube to an aluminium?
 

jaybird56

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
31
Re: Copper or not?

will connect them with a 3/8s rubber gas line and clamps, already put it together and checked water flow is good, will test on river next week, might just be a temp fix . what yall think use copper or if works this way leave it??
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Copper or not?

If it was my mtr I wouldn't feel good about it. Get a new tube and install it. JMHO.
 

hall832

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
234
Re: Copper or not?

I agree with metriccrescentwrench & boobie, get the correct part and install. Peace of mind.
 

the machinist

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 7, 2002
Messages
711
Re: Copper or not?

If you are going to even be close to saltwater, the aluminum will disintergrate.
 

jaybird56

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
31
Re: Copper or not?

why is the water line copper ? most of the rest of the motor is aluminum. does anyone know?
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,089
Re: Copper or not?

Copper doesn't usually corrode.
Aluminum is cheaper and easy to mill.
Handles heat real well too.
 

jaybird56

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
31
Re: Copper or not?

thanks jerryjerry05 i didnt think about the heat,, it is close to the exhaust at the place i joined together but i dont think it gets very hot and has water all around it when in use. still plane on testing it in river this weekend and next water pump change i will go back to copper
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,089
Re: Copper or not?

The aluminum will last a long time.
I saw a guy fix his broken tube with just a piece of hose stuck over the tube.
Worked for over 10 years.
Saw PVC pipe in there too.
Lot's of jury riggin going on. :)
 

jaybird56

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
31
Re: Copper or not?

The aluminum will last a long time.
I saw a guy fix his broken tube with just a piece of hose stuck over the tube.
Worked for over 10 years.
Saw PVC pipe in there too.
Lot's of jury riggin going on. :)
thats good to know since it has a new water water pump in it, might be a couple years before i want to take it apart again,,,Thanks
 
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