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MG MGA - Tiny copper pipe

While I was cleaning out the engine bay, the 3/32" copper pipe that runs from the carberator to the vacuum advance on the distributon (I think) broke off at the nut attaching it to the distributor.

While I was fixing it I discovered that it had previously been misfitted: about half the inside diameter of the pipe was covered by the compression ring and the shoulder of the fitting.

After the repair I noticed an improvement in idling and acceleration. So the question is: Was the reduced performance caused by the restricted size at the mouth of the piping or because metal fatigue created a small gap and was drawing air into the system. Or am I imagining it......


Second question. Anybody recommend how to bend a 3/32" copper pipe so as not to create a kink? Do they make teeny tiny pipe benders?
Tysen

My guess is a little of both, the idle improvement due to the closing of a vacuum leak and the improved acceleration due to the functioning vacuum advance on the distributor. I've always been able to bend small copper tubing using my thumb as a support at the bend site. You could also find a small spring that would slip over the tubing to support and bend at the spring, then slide the spring off the tubing.
Bill Young

Another tip when rebending older tubing, try annealing the area with a propane torch to remove any work hardening of the metal, will bend easier and without cracking.
Bill Young

Tysen,
You cn also bend around a pipe. It usually works if you take your time.
mike parker

This thread was discussed on 08/08/2005

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