I haven't heard of magnesium being used for the purpose, but zinc anodes are
common practice in the boating community. I, too, have always wondered if
that would be a useful application in cars.
"Ole" Olson
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: cobra@cdc.hp.com (Roland Dudley)
Sender: owner-tigers@autox.team.net
Reply-to: cobra@cdc.hp.com (Roland Dudley)
To: TBallou@lanmail.rmc.com (Tom Ballou)
CC: tigers@autox.team.net
Date: 97-05-27 17:16:52 EDT
> Copper and aluminum are both excellent heat transfer materials. However
they
> don't mix well. In fact, they are bitter enemies! When they are put
> together the result is rapid and destructive corrosion. Even when linked
> tiles on the scape shuttle), but doesn't transfer heat well at all. If you
> are going to switch some components, you need to think about switching
> everything - radiator and heater core (and thermostat). Otherwise you will
> have constructed a battery and the aluminum component will be sacrificial
> anode. Could be your intake, radiator, those expensive aluminum heads.
Quite true. I've notice the same thing in my aluminum water pump body
and intake manifold. Here's a counter measures that was suggested to
me: Install a chunk of magnesium in the radiator or header tank as a
sacrificial anode, perhaps suspended by a stainless wire or chain so
that it can be easily checked and replaced. Anyone ever tried this?
Roland
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