Copper Trans Line wtf?!
 

I just had a local wrench do some work to my rig...I just had arthroscopic surgery on my wrist and figured I'd pay to do some trans line work on my rig. Well the parts didn't come in and they had a hard time finding the particular trans line that runs around the back of the trans from one side to the other. Well I was inspecting the job and grasp hold of it and went to wiggle it just to check and my hand slid down it...it was black paint and exposed that it was copper line! I've done as much googleling as I could and found a few posts that copper "work hardens" and will become brittle and isn't anywhere even close to be used for automitive use in this approach or any respect. Can someone please shed some light on what they would do or how they would approach the state licensed facility as to the negligence of this or am I over reacting on the idea that I feel this is unacceptable.

I would not be happy at all. The copper is just going to harden with the vibrations and it's a matter of time before they fail in my opinion.

i have ran copper lines on my race cars and derby cars never had one fail all my buddies run simular setup thats the first i ever heard of the copper lines getting brittle

Volvo using a copper type brake line to prevent corrosion... easier to bend too

It's called "cunifer". It's a copper/nickel alloy. Good stuff, bends and flares easy, doesn't corrode. I switched all of the steel lines on my truck to this or braided stainless. A lot of manufacturers are using this, not just Volvo. Most shops install this instead of steel as a replacement. It's great for Marine applications too.

Haven't had any problems with mine, its been 3 years since I installed them.

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On my 1st gen.

why would they spray paint it black if they were not trying to hide somthing?

I agree that copper hardens over time and vibration which becomes brittle. Thanks.

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I agree. 100%

Like Drothgeb said...Cunifer (nickel/copper alloy) lines should not be seen as the same thing as copper only lines.

Great observation: My point exactly.


UPDATE: When questioned about the copper line. Owner said that it was a recommendation of one of his Tech's that they used it often at a new car dodge dealership when faced with a similar situation of not having the line come in on the truck. And that he thought the same thing about copper becoming brittle and the fact I picked the truck up after hours he didnt' get to talk to me about the "temporary" line (not sure he would have said anything though) I didn't press it because of the backpedaling...the correct line came in the next day and it's been a week or so and going to have them put that on in the morning. Should be good to go.

The funny thing was...I did say, "Hell, I was beginning to wonder if you had <<Insert Local Plumbers Name>> putting in some hours down there." :rocking: