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Re: oil leaks

To: Chris Kantarjiev <cak@godzilla.studio.sgi.com>, triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: oil leaks
From: Larry Griffin <lgriffin@peace.edu>
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 96 13:03:11 PST
Priority: Normal
References: Conversation <9603261209.ZM7556@godzilla.studio.sgi.com> with last message <9603261209.ZM7556@godzilla.studio.sgi.com>
On Tue, 26 Mar 96 12:09:33 PST  Chris Kantarjiev wrote:

>> I'd be leery of a copper line in this application; copper tends to
>> work harden
>> over time, and I think it would crack. 

Been there, done that :-(

The DPO added a set of three gauges in the driver's glovebox of my 
Spitfire. The copper line from the oil gauge ran to a T-fitting on 
the engine, with no support between the firewall and block. 

Several years after buying the Spit, I was driving down the 
interstate when suddenly the oil light came on and the oil pressure 
gauge dropped towards zero. As I killed the ignition and coasted to 
a stop, a HUGE cloud of smoke billowed out from the car.  The copper 
line had broken at the T, covering the entire engine with oil. 

Luckily, there was no fire and no damage to the engine. I'm now a 
firm believer in carrying a fire extinguisher! :-)

-Larry


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Larry Griffin                                   Peace College
lgriffin@peace.edu                              Raleigh, North Carolina
1968 Spitfire Mk3 project                       work (919) 508-2297
                                                home (919) 790-0639












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