Carbide light trouble

[Skolzie]

My copper tubing is plugging with condensation, and it dries up. Tried Zing, which is a cleaner for the alum tubes on my pontoon boat, but the stuff in the tubing is too thick.

I am replacing the tubing, and need to know the configuration of the route. My fading memory keeps nagging at me that I read some instructions on this issue, some 16+ years ago, when I started doing the carbide lights. The pattern that I used worked very well for about 14 +- years, so I'm thinking on using that, again. I will also do a cleanout job on the tubes after each use, as I'm sure that this will eliminate any future problem.

Would appreciate hearing from someone who has hands on experience on carbide lights.

 

[Jack Innes]

Skolzie,

Be careful the material clogging your copper lines can be spontaneously explosive when dry!

From a welding trailing manual; "Copper pipe or pipe of other alloys containing more than 60% copper must not be used to pass acetylene. If acetylene is passed through such pipes, copper acetylide can form which is a very unstable compound and may explode spontaneously. Only black iron or steel pipe with threaded or steel welded joints is recommended for pipework for acetylene."

 

[lovat]

Well Dad, It looks like we should investigate a different material for the line.... what did Henry originally use? Red rubber hose all the way up?

 

[Jack Innes]

Well Dad, It looks like we should investigate a different material for the line.... what did Henry originally use? Red rubber hose all the way up?[/QUOTE]

Yellow brass or steel (not plated) would likely be safe. I think Lang's sells a kit made with brass tubing.

A quote from an early auto book;

 

[Skolzie]

I'm at again. In my line replacement, I did sub. a plastic T fitting and some short lengths of plastic tube,(for a condensate drain, ) and it worked well, for a while. My symptom now appears to be low gas pressure. I did the test with the actylene welder and it works rather well. Also I could use a replacement burner yoke. (the lava part). Where do I find same? Thanks Skolzie

 

[Layden B]

Have this good used one for sale. Click on my name and email if you are interested.