[DMCForum] Re: Martin's allergy to stainless

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It isn't just stainless -- ALL steel will react unfavorably with
aluminum in the presence of moisture. Witness DeLo owners snapping off
8.8 fasteners all over the place. The process is called "electrolysis"
(was around long before the hair removal technique). Some people claim
that stainless reacts worse, but I disagree. Is a moot point anyway --
I'm gradually converting my engine to stainless nuts on stainless
studs, starting with cooling system components. 

Speaking of which, has anyone bought some of Rob Grady's 7mm stainless
studs yet? I've asked him twice to quote me length, whether shouldered
or full thread, and a price, but have yet to get a reply. Guess I'll
find out at Mid Atlantic. If they aren't too expensive I'll do my
valve and timing chain covers.

Back to the subject of electrolysis -- the best solution is helicoils.
Edelbrock's aluminum heads are fully helicoiled. They will weld
themselves to the aluminum rather than the fastener. I also think
coarse threads are less susceptible than fine threads due to the
reduced contact area. 

BTW: I've found the perfect solution to screws welding themselves to
the access panel rivnuts inside the trunk -- plastic screws.

Bill Robertson
#5939

>--- In DMCForum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx> wrote:
> Well, the specific answer is that it *should* be fine, given the 
> anti-corrosion additives in anti-freeze. If it were just water, you set 
> up the same "battery" Toby talked about and the aluminium side of the 
> battery will corrode, which in this case is the engine. However, it'll 
> take many years to give any evidence of effect, and as I say, probably 
> will be fine with half-decent anti-freeze with corrosion inhibiters.
> 
> I am *personally* going to stay bloody-minded on this and use a
brass or 
> ally header tank.
> 
> Martin
> 
> Walter Coe wrote:
> 
> >Hey Martin, I've 'heard' you say a couple times now that it
> >is bad to let coolant come in contact with stainless steel.
> >Can you say why?  I really like my shiny stainless steel
> >header bottle.  You got a technical background, so tell us
> >what exactly it is that is so bad?
> >
> >Barefoot Walt
> >and as you can tell, I've been...
> >
> >  
> >

---

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