Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

whiteshadow · Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 78

I now want to reassemble my 1933 Singer engine, which has a number of internal copper oil pipes. It would obviously be a good idea to anneal these these after 80 years, but how can that be done without all the soldered fittings (hard!?) ending up on the floor.......I really wouldn't like to have to remake!!

Kelsham · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:35 am Post subject:

I had to soften some copper pipes on the engine of my 1932 BSA Trike. I heated the pipes up away from the nipples and therefore only softened part of the pipe.

If you require a better job you may have to resolder the nipples/connectors.

I expect they are silver soldered? If so a good heat source will be needed.

Regards Kels.

Salopian · Joined: 05 Jan 2010 Posts: 354 Location: Newport Shropshire

At the risk of being shouted down (I can take it!) don't think I would bother. Never had a problem in years gone by with such pipes and there is the risk I think of forming internal scale which could cause future problems.
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Jonathan Butler
Alvis SD 12/50 1928 MG TD 1950

Kenham · Joined: 12 Mar 2012 Posts: 209 Location: Kent

I think I agree with Salopian, if they have lasted for80 years with no problem I would leave well alone. If you are worried it is probably easier to start again with new material. If they are silver soldered surely they will stand anealing anyway.

whiteshadow · Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 78

That was my thoughts!

The advice from the club was to heat up and drop in water......more I think to boil out the crud in the pipes than anneal them!!

I think there is more risk in me remaking the quite complex pipes than leaving well alone!