What is the Difference Between Brass & Nitrophyl Floats

1. Material Composition:

   • Brass Floats: As the name suggests, these floats are made of brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. Brass is a metal known for its durability and resistance to corrosion.
   • Nitrophyl Floats: These are made from a type of foam material called Nitrophyl, which is a trademarked name for a nitrogen gas-filled nitrile rubber material. It's lightweight and resistant to fuel, oil, and solvents.

2. Weight and Buoyancy:

   • Brass Floats: Being made of metal, brass floats are generally heavier than Nitrophyl floats. Their buoyancy is based on the displacement of fuel and the sealed nature of the brass enclosure.
   • Nitrophyl Floats: These are lighter due to their foam structure. Their buoyancy is a result of the trapped nitrogen gas within the foam, which makes them very buoyant and effective in fuel.

3. Durability and Longevity:

   • Brass Floats: They are quite durable and can last a long time if they remain intact. However, they can be prone to developing leaks over time due to corrosion or damage, which can cause them to fill with fuel and sink.
   • Nitrophyl Floats: While resistant to fuel and solvents, they can degrade over time, especially if exposed to certain chemicals or extreme conditions. They can become waterlogged or lose buoyancy, necessitating replacement.
     

4. Performance:

   • Brass Floats: They provide consistent performance but can be affected if they develop leaks or get dented.
   • Nitrophyl Floats: Offer good performance with the advantage of being lighter, but can degrade in performance if the material starts to break down. Know to absorb gas as they get old.

5. Application and Preference:

   • Brass Floats: Often preferred in older or classic car models and in applications where the durability of metal is desired.
   • Nitrophyl Floats: More common in modern vehicles due to their lightweight nature and good resistance to modern fuel additives.

6. Maintenance and Replacement:

   • Brass Floats: They can sometimes be repaired if they develop small leaks or dents.
   • Nitrophyl Floats: Typically need to be replaced if they show signs of degradation or loss of buoyancy. The Nitrophyl float is no hollow so will need to be weighed using a gram scale.
     

In summary, the choice between a brass float and a Nitrophyl float often depends on the specific requirements of the engine, the type of vehicle, and the preference for durability versus weight and modern material advantages.