MTFCA Forum

I am getting ready to order the tubing that goes from the carbide generator to the cross tube that fits across the back of the radiator. I have seen several comments about this tube. My question is- what material should I use, Copper, brass or steel? Thank you. Craig

Brass. But what year?

I’m interested to know how the acetylene line is supposed to be routed. On my ‘13 it’s essentially straight, suspended at the rear by the hose to the generator, and clamped at the front on the forward hood shelf bolt.

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It is called the Rear Gas Line and is 44-inches long. Same size tubing
as radiator cross-over.

Beginning about June/July of 1912, the radiators were supplied
with the crossover piping soldered to the radiator and the brass radiator
shroud punched on each side with a 1/2" hole for the rubber gas hose.

A single clamp is supplied near the rear (red dot) and the tube is placed
inside the left frame rail and pushed through the cut-out of the wood mounting
block forward to near the radiator. Short hose to radiator and hose to generator
or Prest-O-Lite tank. Left splash shields were also 1/2" punched for hose in 1912.

I clipped the discussion we had years ago with RV how the 44-inches was made
up in 1912. I believe I used a 36" piece of tubing from the hardware store with a
sleeve to add 8-inches on my July 1913. My original clamp and cotter pin was still
in the frame rail so I used it.

Keith, the car I am working on is a 1914 roadster.
Thank you to everyone for the answers. Craig

Mark, Kenneth, many thanks for posting the links to previous discussions !

It would seem the line is placed inside the frame rail just forward of the control shaft, where it is secured by a clamp:
then it passes between the frame and crankcase support arm presumably the wood block bevel allows this (!)

Perhaps I have not read the information in the links well ? It’s still a mystery to me how the line passes the steering gear support on the frame - any thoughts ?

Morning, all,

Noticed that mention of copper tubing was made in text above.

My small local acetylene supplier warns against use of copper tubing with acetylene. It can produce copper acetylide which is unstable and dangerously explosive. Brass is okay.

Just sharing a concern.

Tnx,
Ron in HSV

I made mine from brass tubing from McMaster Carr. The fittings you will need are very hard to find.

Rich,

I just looked at my rear gas line and the crankcase support block was notched
on lower inside corner to allow the brass tubing through. The steering block on
mine wasn't notched enough so I just caught it forward of the steering
with the short piece of hose to the radiator piping. Ran it under steering...

Ken

Ken, thank you much ! So, if I understand correctly, you end the rigid tube behind the steering bracket, and use hose to flex under the steering and connect to the plumbing at the radiator ? Makes sense !

Rich,

Properly positioned (front to back) the 44-inch tube ends about 4" back from
the lower radiator tank so you can connect it with a short piece of hose. It's
set up to be installed from the back.

So after it went through the clamp and the crankcase block into the engine compartment,
I moved it over near the lower edge of the frame rail. Then under and past the steering
bracket several inches toward the radiator along the lower frame rail.

That leaves the rear end in the right position for the hose going through the
splash shield to the generator. Rigid brass so no need for any bends or kinks and
it hasn't moved in many miles of driving.

Kenneth, again, my thanks ! This makes more sense to me now. So, to be clear, when the tubing exits the crankcase block, you ease it out of the frame channel and under the steering bracket to end within 4” or so of the radiator connection ? No abrupt bends, just flexing the rigid brass tube -

Hey Craig , I have an original gas line clamp if you need one.

I had a bunch of those 1/4-28 bolts made recently. I imagine they will be available soon from Lang's.

While we’re on the subject, does anyone have any recommendations for a source of red rubber tubing ?

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 18, 2025 12:21 pm

I had a bunch of those 1/4-28 bolts made recently. I imagine they will be available soon from Lang's.

Thanks Larry! That's good to know!

Lang's (and likely the other vendors) sell the red rubber hose by the foot. You can also order red acetylene hose from McMaster Carr and welding supply sites.

Dennis,
I just made the bracket and the ¼-28 square head drilled bolt and nut. Thank you for the offer.
Craig

Craig.
Lessee your bolts and nuts!

: ^ )