Fram warning

[ERA Chas]

This is about the Fram HPGC-1 FUEL filter-not oil.

Just bought a fresh one as I change it out every 2nd season. The new one says 'Made in Turkey' -not sure where the 2008 one was made. Well the Turks (wish Turk was still on here ) can't follow engineering drawings any better than the Chinese, Indians, Mexs' or any non-US suppliers.

The stamped recess in each end of the cartridge which receives the rubber sealing washer is smaller by maybe .020" than the 2008 model. The result is the supplied washers are too big for the recess in the new cartridge. You can't get a good seal which is dangerous for leaks.

Amazingly, the OLD washers fit the new cartridge perfectly-maybe because they soaked in gas for 2 seasons. Since they were in perfect condition I used those on the new filter and it closed up securely.

Just a heads up to users to be sure you have a gas-tight seal.
Here's the filter I'm talking about:

[Tommy]

Thanks for the heads up. .... Are those copper fuel lines?

[WardL]

The copper jumped out at me too. You really need to change them to something made for gasoline. Copper is for water. You might think it is better than rubber, but I think it gets brittle and would need replacing at some point.

[ERA Chas]

Yes, copper. I had tried stainless but couldn't get the bend radius because it's so stiff. I used stainless on the fuel log feed line with much softer radius bends.
Been replaced twice since '96. Inspected carefully each time and they were perfect when removed. Pliable still after use and no cracks.
Thanks for the concern.

[jwd]

Get rid of that copper line. There's a reason why it isn't approved for fuel line use and has NEVER been approved for use with any manufacturer. It will crack with any vibration. Hope you have good insurance, if they cover you for such a blatant error (some don't). Do it right or don't do it.

[Gatorac]

I've seen a car on fire from using copper.

[Silverback51]

It is pliable, but it will fatigue and then crack.

[patrickt]

If copper cracking from vibration is the issue, why is a copper line suitable for the pressure line for the oil pressure gauge?

[Jerry Clayton]

Do I see teflon tape on some inverted flare fittings????

[Jerry Clayton]

Most lines on oil pressure guages will have a loop to absorb the vibration/work hardening.Remember that years ago we didn't have some of these more modern materials

[jwd]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If copper cracking from vibration is the issue, why is a copper line suitable for the pressure line for the oil pressure gauge?

Don't know what to tell you. The original oil pressure lines on Corvettes are NOT copper. They are steel. Maybe Ford had another of one those "great ideas" Honestly, never seen any ORIGINAL lines made of copper anywhere in the auto industry, but I've only been restoring cars for 40 years (Fords included).

Jim

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jwd

Don't know what to tell you. The original oil pressure lines on Corvettes are NOT copper. They are steel. Maybe Ford had another of one those "great ideas" Honestly, never seen any ORIGINAL lines made of copper anywhere in the auto industry, but I've only been restoring cars for 40 years (Fords included).

I thought Corvettes had oil pressure lines that were OEM copper plated steel. Anyway, any truth to this post on vetteweb?
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_09.../photo_13.html

[jwd]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I thought Corvettes had oil pressure lines that were OEM copper plated steel. Anyway, any truth to this post on vetteweb?
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_09.../photo_13.html

Some were copper plated steel, some were galvanized plated steel, but none were pure copper because of the problems associated with it.

Only a fool would use one for a fuel line.

[patrickt]

In that post on the VetteWeb the tech quote was: "Luckily, copper oil-pressure-line kits are available from most auto-parts stores. The copper line will be less likely to leak, and if pinched will seal itself rather than spewing hot oil onto the driver and passenger." Any truth to that?

[jwd]

Originally Posted by patrickt

In that post on the VetteWeb the tech quote was: "Luckily, copper oil-pressure-line kits are available from most auto-parts stores. The copper line will be less likely to leak, and if pinched will seal itself rather than spewing hot oil onto the driver and passenger." Any truth to that?

I can't say one way or another. One thing for sure, they NEVER came from the factory that way.

https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...sure-line.aspx

https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...sure-line.aspx

[cdnus]

Originally Posted by jwd

some were copper plated steel, some were galvanized plated steel, but none were pure copper because of the problems associated with it.

Only a fool would use one for a fuel line.

ouch!!!!!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by cdnus

ouch!!!!!

I dunno... in my experience ol' ERAChas tends to be pretty handy with his Cobra repairs.

[jwd]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I dunno... in my experience ol' ERAChas tends to be pretty handy with his Cobra repairs.

That may be true BUT, in this case, he's wrong to use copper fuel lines. I seriously doubt that anyone who knows anything about cars would argue this point.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jwd

That may be true BUT, in this case, he's wrong to use copper fuel lines. I seriously doubt that anyone who knows anything about cars would argue this point.

... and the fact that they are used all the time for fuel lines in boats?

[jwd]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... and the fact that they are used all the time for fuel lines in boats?

Years ago I used to race off-shore boats and I've never seen copper fuel lines on any boats I've inspected. Not to say they weren't any. Just never seen them. The big thing on boat inspections were compatible fuel hoses and an approved check valve at the tank. Regardless, use whatever you want. It is common knowledge about the inherent copper lines.