Build Thread Nc 78 cj7

[Air Force]

I have been working on a frame up restoration for about 3 months now and got the engine back in it this weekend. I have come acrros an issue and would like to know how others have solved it. It is the fuel lines. This jeep had the usual rust when I purchased it. I had to cut the rear frame off and weld new parts in. Along with the frame, the fuel lines and brake lines were shot. I purcahsed bulk brake line and just made new ones, but I cannot find bulk steel fuel lines and anywhere I look on line is very expensive for the preformed ones. Anyone have an economical way of solving this issue. The old lines are a complete lost cause.

 

[CJ]

I replaced mine with aluminum. Couldn't find steel.

Aluminum - Tubing - SummitRacing.com

 

[IOPort51]

this made me wonder how ethanol affected aluminum. found this.
just FYI.

The Negative Affects of Ethanol on Recreational Boat Fuel Systems​

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) opposes the use of marine fuels that contain greater than 10% ethanol content by volume. This position is based on safety and durability concerns and supported by many well documented studies.

According to state boating registrations, there are over 12 million recreational boats in the United States. Boat builders utilize five types of materials to fabricate fuel tanks. These are aluminum, steel, cross-link polyethylene, high density polyethylene and fiberglass. For a rough estimate of today’s numbers, there are approximately four million boats that have aluminum fuel tanks; approximately seven million have steel or polyethylene tanks, and less than one million have fiberglass tanks. The data clearly indicates that the increased use of ethanol in gasoline has raised safety and durability issues for aluminum and fiberglass fuel tanks.

Aluminum Fuel Tanks

In the case of aluminum tanks, aluminum is a highly conductive metal that relies on an oxide layer for its corrosion protection properties. Low levels of ethanol, such as E10 (10%), are usually not a problem in aluminum tanks because the oxide layer provides a good measure of protection. The problem occurs when the ethanol content is increased.

There are two mechanisms that occur with ethanol. Both mechanisms are a result of the hydroscopic property of ethanol, meaning it absorbs water. The more ethanol in the fuel, the more water there will be in the fuel tank. Water not only causes the tank to corrode, it also causes the corrosion particles to clog fuel filters, fuel systems, and damage engine components. The corrosion rate can be accelerated under a number of conditions if other contaminating metals are present such as copper which may be picked up from brass fittings or as a low level contaminant in the aluminum alloy. Chloride, which is a chemical found in salt water, will also accelerate corrosion. In the long term, corrosion can perforate the aluminum to produce leaks that would cause fuel to spill into the bilge and end up in the environment. In the worse case it could cause a fire and/or explosion hazard. Boat fuel tanks are often located under the deck next to the engine where the operator might not be aware of a leak until it was too late. .

The second mechanism that can occurs with the increased use of ethanol based fuel in aluminum tanks is galvanic corrosion. Gasoline fuel is not conductive, but the presence of ethanol or ethanol and water will conduct electricity. The galvanic process that occurs to aluminum trim tabs, stern drives, shaft couplings, etc. will occur within the aluminum fuel tank. Boat builders are able to protect exterior aluminum boat equipment with sacrificial anodes known as zincs. Sacrificial anodes are not a feasible option for the interior of a fuel tank.

 

[CJ]

I try and stay away from corn laced fuel but if I have to use it it's always below 10%. Corn alcohol be for drinkin'!!!

 

[Air Force]

Good input from both of you. The Aluminum and Ethanol connection never occured to me. Interesting stuff.