Coolant system metallurgy

[Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx>]

Hi All

The steel pipe that feeds the back of the water pump runs right down the 
centre of the "V" of the engine, and is very prone to getting rusty and 
failing.

I am currently at a point in my project car that I have all the 
aluminium coolant pipes off the car, and also could get hold of one of 
those engine pipes.

I have a very good tubesmith locally who could make all of these from 
stainless steel, but I suddenly thought "hang on, are you supposed to 
mix ally and stainless?" I'm sure my dad always used to moan at my mum 
for leaving an ally saucepan soaking in the same washing up water as 
stainless cutlery because it causes pitting in the stainless. To this 
end, I'm wondering what happens to the insides of the stainless coolant 
bottles?

Can someone tell me if I'm waay off track and that it may well be worth 
getting my coolant pipes made from stainless? (does anyone else want a 
set? :-)

Martin
#1458
#4426