Because of my set up, I need to run some sort of tubing for my external oil system. Braided hose/fittings just won't work. What do you guys recommend for tubing? aluminum, copper or other?
Thanks.

Steel tubing... copper and alum both work harden over time

I sure wouldn't use copper. Copper can work harden from vibration, and eventually crack. I'd be leary of aluminum for the same reason. I'm thinking steel or stainless steel would be a better and safer option. The factory doesn't use copper or aluminum lines for transmission and brake lines for a reason.

Hard lines are a NO,No unless you have flexabile attaching sections.Hard lines can be used only if it is a short distance on fixed componant and not effected by vibration.Never use copper.Stainless is good for short runs but can crack with vibrations or movement especially at the connections.

Thanks guys.. I am in such a corner with this set up. I have 67 Coronet with a factory V8 K-frame. I am running a 66 Hemi and using the shumacher (sp?) conversion mounts. I am also using a Milodon external single line oil system. My pick up runs straight out (aiming towards the wheel rather then to the front of the car) and there is just no room to run a 45 or 90 fitting in there. I thought I might run a hard line and be able to bend it to the angle I need to get it facing down toward the pan.
But basically a hard line here would not be a good idea because of vibration and cracking?

Bob hit this nail on the head, DO NOT USE HARD LINES.!!!! A line fractured at the fitting on my Daytona back in 2010 and gave me quite a ride.

There is nothing wrong with hard line.. it just needs to be
mounted right.. look at heavy equipment.. thats all steel line
unless it goes past a moving part(like a bucket) then it gets
hose.. but even the connection points are rigid .. on a car the
factory puts steel all the way down the chassis for the fuel &
brake lines but they use a hose to jump to parts that move(the
engine)... its all about the mounting

Makes sense.. Thanks Mr. P

Why not change your oil pump configuration? Use the Milodon pump w/ the external p/u that comes right off the pump towards the front of the car and then you can use a stock oil pump cover. Would give you more options and clearance.

yeah, I have thought of that too.. its all about the $$$ though.. If I can't do something with line then that is going to be my next step.

Point well taken Mike,but being a heavy equipment operator and mechanic and working in the heavy construction industry for 53 years.it's been my experience that most leaks and line failure occurred on hard lines at their attaching brackets and at the fittings.Almost all hard lines on heavy equipment end with a flexiable line to attach to all operated parts.

With most external pump set ups you can use a plate between the block and pump or a pump with front pickup ports.

Bob.. I was a heavy equip operator and wrench when I was in the
Army.. I still have a track loader.. thats why I mentioned the
heavy equip and also knowing that you have equip.. some guys dont
check the attachment points for the lines and they end up vibrating
and crack and yes if they crack it does tend to crack at a fitting

I'd stick with mild steel if you must run hard line.
One thing for sure, solid line needs to be supported solidly. That means at the very minimum at both ends. If length is more than 6" or so, I'd support the middle or more points. You shouldn't be able to move the tubing when you're done.

There may be an easier way, as described above.

R.

Well, what I think I can do is bend the tubing to make me the angle I need to drop down. I have a male AN -12 fitting coming out of the pick up. I was thinking of using 3/4" OD tubing, flaring it and then a sleeve with sleeve nut to attach to the fitting. Once the curve (probably 3-4 inch of hard line) is made I can sleeve and sleeve nut the other end of the hard line and run braided AN -12 hose to the bottom of the pan where there is an AN -12 90 degree. At the pick up, with 45 and 90 degree AN -12 fittings they not only don't fit (not enough room) the angle to the pan is wrong too.

Milodon used to and still may make a aluminium line that connected to the pumps with the front pickup and went part way to the pan with a #12 AN hose for the final few inches and hook up.These were flared fitting and we found many leaked at the flare and the flare split from constant vibration.Most flared aluminium tubing is weak at the flare from streching the metal.If your going the flared route used the nut and flared collars that help support the flare on the tubing.

You need the other early Milidon oil pump cover, there are three of them,one like you have top only,one has both rear and top and the third one has a rear entrance only for the fitting for that oil line

Well aircraft vibrate like crap and use rigid aluminum lines at 1800 psi and stainless in the 3000+ psi range in a non moving environment, its all about the types of bends and the support it needs. Most lines need support if they are like 2 feet long, depending on the diameter. I went with stainless .080 wall tubing for my oil pickup, my fuel lines will .035, 321 stainless with JIC flares. Tim


Some interesting reading for those of you who can read this dry stuff. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies...083-30_Ch07.pdf

If you have room for solid line,you'll have room for braided ????

I have and use one of those lines. They do use the collar and nut on them. I've had no leaks. However I find that ANY time you use a flared fitting you should wobble it as you're assembling and tightening it so that it seats in the sweet spot. This is particularly true with aluminum fittings as the aluminum is soft enough to bend/dent/etc while its being tightened but hasn't properly seated. Then it'll leak.

Maybe these photos will help the OP - not a hemi but gives an idea of hose routing out the end of the pump.

I went with rigid stainless because it does not have the problem of moving and rubbing on things. Those braided lines are not supported to keep them from moving. Just an observation. Tim