If the water tube is a later replacement as you suspect. look
it over to see how well it held up. Assuming the motor saw extensive use and the tube is in
good condition you may conclude the material is right for the the application. Soft copper tubing is more easily bent and flared than steel tubing as well as being easier to source. IF you can use the old tube as a pattern to make a jig the replacement tube will be faster and easier to
to make. Leave a little extra at both ends and trim to length after installing. I have made several for my Early Mercury/Wizards. Other brands and models may be more or less the same.Good Luck
