Main Gas Line Crimped

[rbcarbo]

I have recently acquired a 1978 Sovereign International 31'. Upon inspection found main gas line crimped approx 5' downstream of connection to propane bottles. I cut the line behind the crimped area and disconnected from Propane regulator (see pics). I purchased some 5/8" type K copper gas line (same as original equip and some compression fittings. The plumbing supply store I advised that it would take special equipment not available at HD or Loews to bend type K tubing and flare this stiff tick walled tubing. I have been reading the Forum and found that compression fittings are not recommended, only flared fittings. so my dilemma is how to flare and bend type K tubing and how to join with flare fitting to the existing pipe. In the forum I have seen re-piping with black pipe and the softer L type 1/2" copper and where to purchase tubing bender and flaring tool at Harbor Freight for around $40. Harbor Freight does not have anything that will bend or flare 5/8" type K copper tubing. Has anyone out there in Forum land repaired copper gas tubing with the original 5/8" copper tubing. And where can I get tubing hangers? I went to boltproducts.com and found them, but they do not sell direct to public.

[tjdonahoe]

Got my soft tubing at Home Depot and the tubing bender there also or at ace hardware..

[rbcarbo]

Thanks, but I would like to repair with the original type k tubing if possible.

[TennTex]

To clarify some of the tubing questions, I would recommend Jammer's post #4 on this thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f287...on-114851.html

I could not find soft K tubing or 5/8 - 3/8 reducing tees anywhere in my hometown nor at McMaster. I ended up ordering tubing from Copper Tubing Sales/ICS Industries which seemed the best place to get a shorter (still min 60') length. Other sources required 150' or more. No trouble bending this with spring-type tubing bender. I found the tees only through Amazon. (I wonder why VTS, OODM, etc, don't sell these.)

I hope this helps.

Alan

[NavyCorpsman]

Looks like you've got all the good advice already. The insulated hangers you need can be found at Lowes in the electrical section. IMHO flared unions are the best way to go, and will be trouble free for the life of the tubing.
Welcome to the forum and if you need help PM me. We love our 78 Sovereign.

[TG Twinkie]

Take both pieces of tubing to a heating and air conditioning shop. They have the tools and know how to flare it. You could get the tubing there as well. If you don't have it yet.


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[carl2591]

I do a fair bit of work with LP and NAT gas and have a nice one piece tube flaring tool that works like a charm. It cost a bit more than the standard stuff you get at lowes, harbor freight etc but in the long run they preform better and the flares are correct size for the pipe and nut resulting in longer life with no leaks.
here the one I like.

WP160277 Flaring Tool - Grainger Industrial Supply