Re: [DML] Coolant Bottle Failure Mode

["Toby Peterson" <tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ryan - There is a concern with galvanic corrosion between the 
stainless steel coolant bottle and the aluminum elsewhere in the 
cooling system (engine block, various pipes, water pump, etc.).  The 
two materials are a couple of groups away from each other on the 
galvanic scale.  If conditions are right (temperature, acidity levels, 
various chemical conditions) a corrosion cell can be established 
between the stainless and the aluminum, with the aluminum becoming 
sacrificial.  That said, if the coolant is a correct mixture of a good 
quality antifreeze with an additive package that inhibits corrosion, 
and the mixture is renewed every two years (as is often recommended), 
the chance of this corrosion happening is relatively low, and the pace 
of the corrosion will be very slow.  There are many engines out there 
with a mixture of materials (cast iron, alloy steel, aluminum) that do 
not have issues because of the modern chemistry in antifreeze.  As I 
recall, stainless steel is one group further removed than alloy steel 
from aluminum, so the galvanic potential is increased somewhat with 
the stainless / aluminum mix.  Any questions? (~grin~).

Toby Peterson VIN 2248 "Winged1"
DeLorean Parts Northwest, LLC
www.delorean-parts.com


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Ryan Wright" <ryanpwright@...> wrote:
>
> On 3/19/06, Martin Gutkowski - DMC Ltd <martin@...> wrote:
> > Hi Dave
> >
> > I'm in the "keep stainless away from my cooling system" camp too, 
so
> 
> Other than aesthetics, is there any reason for this?
> 
> -Ryan
>









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