OzSTOC

No Parking Zone! => Hobbies outside of OzSTOC => Topic started by: SteveR on April 24, 2018, 05:02:55 AM

Title: Corrosion advice for a non-ST reST
Post by: SteveR on April 24, 2018, 05:02:55 AM
Howdy all!  I'd appreciate some input from some of our seasoned mechanics on a restoration project I'm working on at the moment...

Long story short, water-cooled aluminium block engine, originally had a couple chromed pipes in the cooling system.  Chrome has gone to pot, so I'm planning on sanding them back and doing an electrolysis copper-plating on them (partly for a cheap corrosion resistance, mainly for the aesthetic).  Just wondering if anyone had any experience with copper PLATING in a cooling system using Ethyl-Glycol coolant?  I'm just wondering whether the plating on the inside could have the potential to play up if it's not perfect (or even if it is!).

Appreciate any input, tanks guys. 
Title: Re: Corrosion advice for a non-ST reST
Post by: Gadget on April 24, 2018, 06:59:06 AM
Plug the ends of the pipes before plating so it only goes on the outside.

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Title: Re: Corrosion advice for a non-ST reST
Post by: SteveR on April 24, 2018, 10:07:56 AM
Plug the ends of the pipes before plating so it only goes on the outside.

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...I hate it when the answer is that simple!! Haha! Thanks mate, will do.
Title: Re: Corrosion advice for a non-ST reST
Post by: Brock on April 24, 2018, 11:58:18 AM
You could also try using brass or stainless fittings, they are more alloy friendly.
Title: Re: Corrosion advice for a non-ST reST
Post by: STeveo on April 24, 2018, 05:21:29 PM
Radiators are (old ones) made of copper so cannot see it being a problem. If your worried about corrosion why not use waterless coolant? This is what I use in all my liquid cooled bikes, no corrosion, no overheating and lasts for ever.
http://liquidintelligence.com.au/products/motorcycle-super-waterless-coolant (http://liquidintelligence.com.au/products/motorcycle-super-waterless-coolant)