Rear heater Pipes

[park01]

Has any body changed the rear heater pipes to copper, leaving rubber hose conects at both ends to stop stress through vibration. My only concern is that Anti freeze/rust inhibitor will react with the copper?

Thanks Karl

[Phil Nottingham]

Its a good idea to replace the heater pipes as these are often overlooked and tehy can result in unoticed total coolant loss in less than a minute!

I have never heard of completely replacing with copper although I have used 1/2 pipe and fittings in parts and others have replaced the corroded alloy pieces under the bonnet with copper items.

I cannot see how there will be any problems with coolant as the rad has copper and brass components.

I did once think of using the modern plastic plumbing pipe as this will take the pressure and it is suitable for hot water.

In the end I used standard 1/2 inch heater hose protected by convoluted tubing used for electrical work.

[neddy]

Ditto, just don't forget to check those rear heater pipes as often as you check the engine bay rubber pipes.
As Phil says, they can leave you stranded and waterless if they are neglected.