Proper Way To Cut Copper Oil Line

[1972BlueC20]

I need to cut my copper oil line under the dash so I can install another fitting on the line to temporarily hook up another pressure gauge to verify my oil pressure.

What is the correct way to cut the copper oil line without pinching it off which would restrict the flow.

I tried just pulling off the little ferrule crush sleeve thing in front on the current fitting so I could slide the fitting off and then put it back to the old fitting later but I can't get it to budge even when tugging on it lightly with pliers.

My aftermarket temporary oil gauge requires another fitting than what it used to hook up to an original cluster oil gauge. I tried to find an adapter to convert the current fitting to what I need but can't find one.

Any help is appreciated

[geezer#99]

Tubing cutter like this.
http://www.dynamitetoolco.com/Lenox-.../len-21009.htm
Home depot or other hardware stores have them.

[1972BlueC20]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Tubing cutter like this.
http://www.dynamitetoolco.com/Lenox-.../len-21009.htm
Home depot or other hardware stores have them.

You the man!!!

Will go buy one tomorrow!

[LockDoc]

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I use an X-Acto hobby saw with a fine blade to cut the tubing. The fitting you need for the back of your gauge is called a "Compression Sleeve Nut". I have a few of them for 1/8" tubing if you can't find one.

LockDoc

[1972BlueC20]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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I use an X-Acto hobby saw with a fine blade to cut the tubing. The fitting you need for the back of your gauge is called a "Compression Sleeve Nut". I have a few of them for 1/8" tubing if you can't find one.

LockDoc

Nice that's another option to.

Thx so much for the offer on the fitting.

I have the correct fitting already on the line to hook into my gauge cluster (original reproduction oil gauge) but I need a different fitting to hook the line into my aftermarket mechanical oil pressure gauge. I was hoping there was an adapter to convert the factory fitting into the fitting I need to prevent the need to cut the copper line but I can't seem to find one anywhere.

Whatever I do, I never want to un hook the line at the rear of the engine. That was a pain in the rear getting that line hooked up. I am still all scratched up and bruised from my arm hitting the brake booster while wrenching on the old oil sending unit first to remove it, then installing the copper line in its place. It's a very tight area at the back of my engine due to having HEI which is a bigger distributor and the kick down cable bracket and all the wires for my tach and 12v power source Ect

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 1972BlueC20

Nice that's another option to.

Thx so much for the offer on the fitting.

I have the correct fitting already on the line to hook into my gauge cluster (original reproduction oil gauge) but I need a different fitting to hook the line into my aftermarket mechanical oil pressure gauge. I was hoping there was an adapter to convert the factory fitting into the fitting I need to prevent the need to cut the copper line but I can't seem to find one anywhere.

Whatever I do, I never want to un hook the line at the rear of the engine. That was a pain in the rear getting that line hooked up. I am still all scratched up and bruised from my arm hitting the brake booster while wrenching on the old oil sending unit first to remove it, then installing the copper line in its place. It's a very tight area at the back of my engine due to having HEI which is a bigger distributor and the kick down cable bracket and all the wires for my tach and 12v power source Ect

Do you know what fitting you need to connect the line to the aftermarket gauge? I have a fitting that the original gauge line will screw into and it has 1/8" pipe threads (NPT) on the other end.....

LockDoc

[davepl]

Hate to admit it, but for that tiny line I cut it with side-cutters and squish it back round. I think it's too small, at 1/16th or so, for most tubing cutters. The ferrule does the sealing, not the tube end, so it's not really all that critical.

I think the dremel cutoff sounds like the best and cleanest approach!

[Jrainman]

Originally Posted by davepl

Hate to admit it, but for that tiny line I cut it with side-cutters and squish it back round. I think it's too small, at 1/16th or so, for most tubing cutters. The ferrule does the sealing, not the tube end, so it's not really all that critical.

I think the dremel cutoff sounds like the best and cleanest approach!

Agree most people would not have that size tubing cutter , but if you are looking to purchase one ................ Most tubing cutter Company's that make them call them IMP tubing cutters most IMP size tubing cutters will cut tubing Diameters' from 3/8'' down to 1/8 ''

[Dave K.]

After using the tubing cutter you might need to take a fine file and clean it up. Worth the extra effort and mine have never leaked.