Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?)

General spannery stuff
Post Reply
User avatar
Bear of Little Brain
On the Road
Posts: 170
Joined: 14 years ago
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK

Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?)

Post by Bear of Little Brain »

A few years ago I had to replace the Rappie radiator. After wasting time and money on a "fix", which leaked, I was able to obtain a new one. At the time I found out that aluminium radiators only have an expected life of 8-10 years anyway. Mine gave out on schedule. Somewhere, I also came across the notion of using zinc as a sacrificial anode in the cooling circuit. The zinc is, as I recall, supposed to take the corrosive action of ageing coolant in preference to the aluminium of the radiator itself. (I was reminded of this by the "What Coolant" thread.) Maybe some chemist here can confirm whether or not that is true/how it works.
Anyway, a quick Google has the usual "it's essential/it's unnecessary" opinions, with the balance being in favour (probably). As an intro, here's a YouTube:
[youtube][/youtube]

A technical explanation:
[youtube][/youtube]

An automobile solution or snake oil?


Any opinions?
User avatar
snapdragon
Moderator
Posts: 3245
Joined: 21 years ago
Location: Wiltshire

Re: Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?

Post by snapdragon »

Oh My !!

>>> whoosh>>>
....... :o

way above my pay-grade that is

errm yesnomaybe :?

I'll have a cider thanks :beer:
SnappY
~~X~X~{:>
User avatar
Spyke
On the Road
Posts: 803
Joined: 11 years ago
Location: Down Under

Re: Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?

Post by Spyke »

Finally got around to watching those vids, interesting concept. I do seem to remember sacrificial anodes on boat engines, when I was doing a lot of salt water boating, but that was for steel not aluminium, I think.

I'd be interested in seeing some pH values for new and old coolant, but I can't see that trying to keep the pH neutral would be a bad idea.
Road racing's where it's at - going round in circles all day is for hamsters.
pod
On the Road
Posts: 343
Joined: 21 years ago

Re: Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?

Post by pod »

From Forfar Academy chemistry lessons ( well done Mr Gibb)
The table for reactivity is
Magnesium
Aluminium
Zinc
Iron
Tin
MAZIT for short
Most reactive at the top.
So to protect an Al engine block your sacrificial anode would need to be magnesium.

Anything below Al will make the corrosion worse.

The concept work s well on steel oil rigs they bolt lumps of Aluminium on which decay in preference to the steel of the rigs,, galvanizing works the same way since Zinc is more reactive than the steel/iron it is coating.
The best way you can prevent an Al motor from corroding is change the coolant regularly.
Stay calm.
User avatar
Spyke
On the Road
Posts: 803
Joined: 11 years ago
Location: Down Under

Re: Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?

Post by Spyke »

:goodpost: :notworthy:

I just knew that Forfar should go down in living memory as somewhere more than just the place that the historic Forfar 4 East Fife 5 game was played!
Road racing's where it's at - going round in circles all day is for hamsters.
User avatar
Crap Tartan
On the Road
Posts: 1545
Joined: 16 years ago
Location: Sitting in front of the screen in Portpatrick again

Re: Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?

Post by Crap Tartan »

and lets not forget the world reknowned bridie and of course the late Bon Scott.

Two great influences in my life over the years!! lol
nil illigitimae carborundum
pod
On the Road
Posts: 343
Joined: 21 years ago

Re: Sacrificial zinc anode in radiator – discussion topic (?

Post by pod »

Bon Scott was from Kirriemuir ( he was 3 when he left Kirrie), your life may be in danger!

Forfar was once self sufficient in Bridies, Brogues, Ladders and had its own foundry amongst ither things. I am not technically a loon , but I am a teuchter fae Wellbank, though schooled in Farfar toon.
The less academically minded did tech till 14 at the Murroes, cos I was a swot I did Latin and Science. Woooo.

My Beesa has Nickasil lined Alloy barrels which were made by a loon fae Farfar.

Back to topic, change yer coolant and dont worry.
Stay calm.
Post Reply