Copper Plating on Oil Tank?

[bobmagyar]

Anyone know what the purpose of the copper plating on the oil tank is?.

The outside is painted and the inside is covered in oil.

Perhaps it is just to prevent corrosion after the black paint gets a few flaws in it.

I am about to redo a pair of tanks and would like to understand the true purpose of the copper.

Thanks

[Rick Cabell]

The copper was for corrosion resistance.

[manu72S]

Hello,

The copper is also used for dispersion of heat.

Manu

[911pcars]

They could have made the tank out of aluminum and saved some weight and provided some add'l surface area for cooling as well. Probably wasn't in the budget.

A replica al oil tank sounds like a good product for an entrepenuer.

Sherwood

[72targa]

Like this?...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/914Q...6_oil_tank.htm

[caproader]

Guys,

Was the copper plating both on the outside and the inside? Recently I rehabbed a 73 tank. When I tried to have someone put copper plating on the inside that said that the baffles on the inside prevented proper flow for the eletro-plating process. If that is the case, how did the factory put any copper plating on the inside?

John, proud member # 322

[RandyWebb]

The copper is almost completely useless for dispersion of heat.

[Type911]

Slightly OT here, but is it pretty common for these older tanks to leak?
Mine weaps at the drain plug (with a new washer) & on the sides
of the tank. Something that needs a bit more investigating when the
next oil change is due.

[Tom F.]

Slightly OT here, but is it pretty common for these older tanks to leak?
Mine weaps at the drain plug (with a new washer) & on the sides
of the tank. Something that needs a bit more investigating when the
next oil change is due.

I wouldn't let it go. I have heard that the tanks can rust from the inside, so you may have pinhole leaks. Remember, the oil goes directly from your tank to your crank, without filtration. So, if you have rust inside the tank, there is a chance of rust particles finding their way to your bearings.

[RandyWebb]

An Al tank would be nice - the one Sherwood referenced is actually heavier, but that could be overcome - & it would put a stop to the rust issues.