dot approved copper tubing between compressor to air tanks

[mhb285]

Who sells DOT stamped copper tubing so I can replace my air line from the new compressor I've installed for the storage tanks? My Google is not working..
thanks

 

[gimpyrobb]

I've never heard of such a thing.

 

[mhb285]

So what copper tubing do you recommend?

 

[m16ty]

Just the stuff in the plumbing section at the hardware store is about all you're going to find. It should work fine.

 

[o1951]

1

 

[gimpyrobb]

Copper NG- work hardens and becomes brittle.
Steel tubing.

Huh, I guess the copper in my 1953 wrecker is due to fail soon .

 

[gimpyrobb]

Just the stuff in the plumbing section at the hardware store is about all you're going to find. It should work fine.

I used this in my deuce when I swapped from the dual piston compressor to the single. Its been fine for 2yrs.

 

[m16ty]

I wouldn't think steel would be very good at all coming right off the compressor. With all the moisture coming off the compressor, I'd think the inside of a steel line would rust right away and cause all sorts of problems with rust in the system.

The stock line is copper.

I'd say plastic DOT line would be a good alternative anywhere else but coming off the compressor. That particular line gets very hot and plastic would melt in no time.

 

[rustystud]

You could go with some PTFE stainless steel line like I did. I installed an auxiliary air-tank and got rid of the old copper line. It had a lot of bangs and bumps and gashes on it. I don't have any pictures of where it comes out of the compressor, if you want I can take some tomorrow . You don't have to go as long as I did either. Just go to the frame (about 2ft long) and then use a DOT nylon hose to JIC junction.

 

[Recovry4x4]

These trucks have been plumbed with copper on the air side since day one. I don't think there will be any issues replumbing in soft copper.

 

[silverstate55]

You could go with some PTFE stainless steel line like I did. I installed an auxiliary air-tank and got rid of the old copper line. It had a lot of bangs and bumps and gashes on it. I don't have any pictures of where it comes out of the compressor, if you want I can take some tomorrow . You don't have to go as long as I did either. Just go to the frame (about 2ft long) and then use a DOT nylon hose to JIC junction.

That's exactly what I did with mine, for the same reasons. Works great!

 

[icecreamman]

I personally would use ACR (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration ) grade copper if I was going to use copper. It's produced to handle 500+psi and properly annealed for flaring and vibration resistance. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[rustystud]

The copper lines used in our deuces is not the same "grade" as the tubing you would find at Home Depot or Lowes Hardware. For one it is thicker and I'm sure annealed. By going with a flexible line like the PTFE hose I'll never have to worry about work hardening the hose like copper does. It will also take a "hit" from some random object (rock flying up from the road) without putting a gash or hole in it. Since it is stainless steel lined it can take a hit and will never rust. I also installed a heavy duty hose protective sleeve on it (double protection). Our buses used to run copper lines from the compressor to the "ping" tank. Now all the buses use PTFE stainless steel hose. There is a reason for that. I have not had to replace a single one of these lines since the transit department started using them. On the old style copper lines it was fairly common to replace a line at least once a week on a buss. For a safety item like the air-system I don't want to take chances.

 

[rosco]

I had one fatigue & break, right off the compressor. All copper tubing is not the same - talk to the plumber Guys.... its K, L, or M. It has to do with wall thickness. Copper work hardens with fatigue & vibration. To anneal it (soften it), is simple - just heat it red hot, and quench it, and its softened. I see copper tubing, right off the compressor as a weak spot, and did much the same as Rusty did, several years ago. While these trucks may be somewhat "Vintage", usually they don't have much milage on them. Mine has modest miles, but its the wide open spaces & somewhat inclement temperatures, that cause my concern.

 

[bonedoc]

I was looking to replace all my airlines and was already getting going with it using DOT airline when I came across this thread. Thank you Rustystud! I messaged him and he was great at helping me with the details. I went to my local hydraulic and hose shop and them made me everything right up and it worked perfectly. I did every line that I felt was to close to the engine for nylon with the PTFE stainless hose.

Here are a few pics.

 

[jbayer]

Nice job! I like your hoses.

 

[rustystud]

Bonedoc you really went to town on those hoses ! I don't even have that much PTFE hose on mine ! I only used it on the really important hoses, then used DOT nylon for everything else. Now you have the piece of mind knowing that your hoses will not break on you when your out in the boonies .

 

[mhb285]

View attachment 575914View attachment 575915View attachment 575916View attachment 575917View attachment 575918The copper lines used in our deuces is not the same "grade" as the tubing you would find at Home Depot or Lowes Hardware. For one it is thicker and I'm sure annealed. By going with a flexible line like the PTFE hose I'll never have to worry about work hardening the hose like copper does. It will also take a "hit" from some random object (rock flying up from the road) without putting a gash or hole in it. Since it is stainless steel lined it can take a hit and will never rust. I also installed a heavy duty hose protective sleeve on it (double protection). Our buses used to run copper lines from the compressor to the "ping" tank. Now all the buses use PTFE stainless steel hose. There is a reason for that. I have not had to replace a single one of these lines since the transit department started using them. On the old style copper lines it was fairly common to replace a line at least once a week on a buss. For a safety item like the air-system I don't want to take chances.

Thanks Gary,
I replaced my compressor line to the tanks with this also.... $90 with the fittings at Hose Man.... Now I just need the IP from AMBAC. Its suppose to be here today!