RE: [DML] Stainless in coolant system

["Nelson, Allan" <abnelson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul is correct.  Connecting the tank (or radiator) to the engine block with a wire will complete the circuit.  This is exactly what you want to avoid.  For galvanic corrosion to occur, the two dissimilar metals must be in contact with each other (connecting them with a conductive wire would accomplish this as well) and with a common media/electrolyte (coolant in this case).  Radiators and engine blocks are not typically in contact with each other so the potential for galvanic corrosion is very small.  If a sensor or some other device was connecting the radiator to the block with wiring, the concern would be valid.  If the coolant tanks in a DeLorean are only attached to the chassis and connected to the cooling system with rubber hoses, there should be no problem with them being stainless steel.  Likewise, stainless steel coolant pipes, if otherwise isolated from the engine (and radiator) with rubber hoses in between, should not pose a threat.  Again if there are sensors in these pipes that get connected to the block in some fashion (unlikely), that would be a bigger problem.

 

Al

 

________________________________

From: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Paul Gress
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:56 PM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [DML] Stainless in coolant system

 

As with any electrical circuit, it needs to be closed to draw current. 
If you connect (wire) the copper radiator and the aluminum engine block 
together, there is a voltage potential is through the electrolyte or 
antifreeze. If there is no connection, there is no current running 
through the electrolyte (open circuit). So, as was stated before, 
electrical isolation is good for the radiator if it's copper. Also 
copper (231 BTU/hr-ft-°F) is more thermally conductive then aluminum 
(136 BTU/hr-ft-°F), so copper would make a better radiator then aluminum 
being almost twice as thermally conductive (silver being the only metal 
more thermally conductive then copper). So, if an aluminum radiator and 
a copper radiator were exactly the same dimensions and had exactly the 
same number of cooling fins, the copper radiator would exchange more 
heat due to the fins being more thermally conductive and able to supply 
the wasted heat quicker.

Paul

Marc Levy wrote:
> If I understand the science behind this (and I am not sure I do), the problem is that a battery is created because of the dissimilar metals being separated by the liquid. So, the "Potential Difference" (or Voltage) created between the Aluminum and Stainless is what causes damage to the Aluminum (the weaker metal). 
>
> Assuming what I wrote above is correct, a wire between the SS bottle and aluminum engine would "short" the battery out... so there would be a potential difference of zero... But, would that stop the damage to the Aluminum?
>
> Maybe someone who understands this can explain it better. :)
>
> 

 


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