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Is copper tube and solder joints suitable in a high vibration environment such as inside an engine?

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rcx194

Automotive
Jan 3, 2016
49
I've had to make some modifications to an engine to fit into a custom buggy. One of the modifications is a custom oil pickup to fit the new sump. This is basically a tube with a mesh that sucks oil from the bottom of the engine and then distributes it to all the bearings.

Plumbing copper and solder joints are a very quick and easy solution for a custom oil pickup, and would only require basic tools to make.

I already have one problem, that copper is rated to 250 deg C, which would put it at 100% of temperature capacity when used in an engine. I'm also concerned about vibrations as I've previously read that copper can fail when vibrated.

Does anyone have experience or provide any information that would help my decision?

I can't think of another solution other than using steel and buying pre bent tubes, a tube swaging tool, and brazing them together. I have brazing equipment and a MIG welder, but no TIG welder.

I started making the copper pickup before someone reminded me of the vibration problem. I've attached a photo.

Many thanks.
 
 https://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=1ac07a63-7cbc-4968-956f-61e6803397e3&file=IMG_20221111_205959.jpg
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No solder, use silver or sil-phos brazing alloy for the joints. Use heavy walled tube and support it with brackets.
 
That statement applies to all metals and is not specific to copper. That's why I said to use support brackets. Copper piping is routinely used on reciprocating refrigeration compressors that vibrate just like engines and operate at much higher temperature. Copper piping was very commonly used for on engine applications in the past as well.
 
Don't use common water Cu tube, you need heavier walls such as type "K".
And braze, solder is way too weak.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed
 
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