Boost signal line in copper

Slyclone

Slyclone

Well-known member
Truck came with a autometer boost gauge never hooked up. I purchased some autometer copper line I think its 1/8 diam tubing.

I had issues with truck running rich, smoking and all sorts of crazy stuff. Chased my tail for a long time replacing what I thought were bad parts. dist module, replaced all plugs and wires, 02 sensor, and I think the last sensor was the ECT sensor which control the signal to ECU for engine warm up.. last ditch effort in hoping it would mend the rich run condition or stop it from over fueling.

Im moving the truck tomorrow and just had it started I was working on something under the dash and I notice sparks. Right away I thought I am going to have a fire. (something not seen during day under dash) electrical gremlins

My question is- Is the copper tubing causing a problem here? It is making metal on metal contact at the compression fitting (RPM booster fitting setup) and I found a existant hole and ran my copper through the fire wall and snaked it up the pillar with a nice short run and gradual bend. I moved something and seen the sparks and it arc out all over. How can it be picking up juice and I wonder if this is the little bugger that has hindered me for the past 2 years? Is the copper a mistake and causing a issue?
 
atkonkler

atkonkler

Is this your bush?
Re: Boost signal line in copper

For boost gauge I used vacuum tubing for everything from boost controller to boost gauges in my truck. Never used copper.
 
Slyclone

Slyclone

Well-known member
Re: Boost signal line in copper

I forget why I used it but it seems like a mistake. May have to switch over to the plastic stuff. Copper stuff must be for other applications.

Seeing sparks leads me to believe there is a problem. Still does not explain why there is juice in I will have to test around with my multi meter to see where its picking up the charge and causing a spark.
 
berzerker

berzerker

wookie
Re: Boost signal line in copper

ditch the copper line asap ! pick up some proper air line at a parts store or heavy duty truck dealership just tell em you need some spaghetti air line they'll know what you need . the sparks coming from the copper line are a sign of ether a bad engine ground and the copper line making contact with other metal inside the cab, and makes a temporary ground or the line is making contact with a power source then shorts out when making contact with metal . I'd guess the ground may be your issues and is most likely causing your truck to be running like poo . also make sure to tap the air line into the port at the upper intake that the brake booster air hose connect's at .
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: Boost signal line in copper

you can use copper boost gauge line. I think think are more reliable long term than a plastic line line that will eventually crack. Plastic lines are more convenient. You are probably are missing one of your engine grounds or the battery was relocated and not properly grounded to the engine.
 
Don W.

Don W.

Stab it and steer it
Re: Boost signal line in copper

I vote against copper as well. Copper "work hardens" which means as it flexes, even a little bit, it slowly becomes rigid and will crack at the fittings. Doesn't happen overnight, you may never see it but that's what it does. Nylon line which you should find at any good hardware store is much easier to install. Fittings will be there also. Just keep it away for any direct contact with the motor.
 
Couger1968

Couger1968

Dazed and Confused
Re: Boost signal line in copper

I ran copper many years ago and it has worked fine. I used short rubber lines to actually connect it to the engine and gauge. I was concerned running plastic through the firewall and up pillar as it might rub something or get punctured.
 
Slyclone

Slyclone

Well-known member
Re: Boost signal line in copper

Tough call on what it could be. Just noticing the sparks last night made me skeptical in the copper line and all the problems I have had in the past.

I did relocate my battery but it is not far at all. All the original wiring is there. I am almost positivie I have the grounds in the right area. I did not choose to go far with battery it is under the passanger headlight. Smaller and lower than the original.

I purchased the RPM hose kit which replaces the original rubber booster hose in exchange for a braided stainless line its already got provisions for the boost signal fitting. That part is metal from engine manifold to the brass compression fittings. Only other spot it is making contact is through the fire wall.

Those who are running copper have no sparks or issues either? maby just put some tape on the line there its making contact? or some heat shrink tube..
 
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