Ford Escape Shadetree Cooling system fix

[bluestream]

My daughters Escape developed a leak in the cooling by-pass steel pipe that runs from the lower rad hose, behind the catalytic converter, and up to the thermostat housing. The cat on this engine (2.0L Zetec 4) is bolted directly below the exhaust manifold on the front side of the engine. I tried to find a new by-pass locally but to no avail. I decided to take 5/8 copper tubing and bend in it the shape of the by-pass and I installed it. It was meant to be a temp fix, but the more I look at it, it may be fine to leave in, at least it won't rust out.

Is there any reason I should be concerned about this copper in the cooling system? The only thing I can think of would be some type of galvanic corrosion with the aluminum head or the cast block

 

[Boomer]

Can't answer your question on galvanic corrosion but if concerned, just get a piece of stainless tubing and have it bent. Replace the copper.

 

[The_Jeff]

Copper vibrates and cracks. Has no place in a car anywhere. You have a little time assuming it's attached to rubber hose on both ends, this will absorb some shock.

 

[TomYoung]

I love the shadetree approach as much as anyone, but have more than a few concerns about this "repair." First, although copper works great in the home, there's both chemical and mechanical stress put upon this. Plus, as the "bypass," I imagine that there could be air in this pipe at any given time.

You probably have a little bit of time -- and a 2003 Escape is a vehicle that is probably perfectly servicable and aging nicely. I would go to the Ford dealership and order the part, which I bet is pretty inexpensive.

Good luck!

 

[SuperDave456]

I agree with what has been said. The vibrations will cause the copper to work harden then crack. Think of bending a coat hanger back and forth, it gradually hardens, then it breaks. Copper does this quite easily.

Go and order the part from the dealership TODAY. If that pipe splits you will either be stranded or will cook an engine.

 

[onion]

I think people so far are being overly cautious about using copper. Sure, it isn't common in small automotive applications... but copper is used routinely in the cooling systems of large industrial applications like buses.

And as for vibration, as long as the pipe is properly supported, it shouldn't be an issue. International trucks used a copper line directly off the engine-mounted air compressor for decades (to dissipate heat). And diesel-powered mobile refrigeration units use copper for their refrigerant lines. Both of these applications see A LOT more vibration and last A LOT longer than a Ford Escape ever will.

So as long as the line is put together well, and as long as it's well-supported with p-clips, zip-ties, or something... I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[caravanmike]

Originally Posted By: onion
I think people so far are being overly cautious about using copper. Sure, it isn't common in small automotive applications... but copper is used routinely in the cooling systems of large industrial applications like buses.

And as for vibration, as long as the pipe is properly supported, it shouldn't be an issue. International trucks used a copper line directly off the engine-mounted air compressor for decades (to dissipate heat). And diesel-powered mobile refrigeration units use copper for their refrigerant lines. Both of these applications see A LOT more vibration and last A LOT longer than a Ford Escape ever will.

So as long as the line is put together well, and as long as it's well-supported with p-clips, zip-ties, or something... I wouldn't worry about it.

i agree! the series 60's, and cummins ism's we have at work all have copper tubing in the engine compartment! and we all know how much diesels vibrate! mike

 

[mechtech2]

Copper has no place on a car???
What about the umpteen jillion radiator and heater cores with copper or brass?

 

[bluestream]

This is copper tubing, so it is designed to be bendable. The tubing is clamped to rubber hose at each end, and clamped to the old rusted out tubing in the middle.

Changing this to the factory part is going to be a big job and the exhaust pipe and converter have to come off (rusty bolts) I think I am going to leave it for now.

 

[mechanicx]

I think if you have it connected to rubber hose on each end then there shouldn't be much issue as far as work hardening or galvanic corrosion. This vehicle use G-05? I'd probably prefer the original steel line but this should be OK.

 

[another Todd]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Copper vibrates and cracks. Has no place in a car anywhere.


Anywhere??? What do you have against copper electrical wire?

 

[bluestream]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
I think if you have it connected to rubber hose on each end then there shouldn't be much issue as far as work hardening or galvanic corrosion. This vehicle use G-05? I'd probably prefer the original steel line but this should be OK.


Yes, just changed the cooland with G05 and distilled water.

No air goes through this tube, just a constant flow of coolant.

 

[Chris142]

That piece of Copper pipe will probly outlast the car. Leave it alone.

 

[roadrunner1]

if the copper is attached by hose at each end then galvonic corrosion isn't a issue, leave it and it will outlive the escape