aluminum head erosion
 

What is the cause of erosion around the water holes on an aluminum head ???

Coolant quality or galvanic action ???

Does this take place on the entire coolant surface inside the head ???

thanks
lynn

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

electrolysis between dissimilar metals. add some copper head gaskets to enhance the process.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

use a piece of magnesium as a sacrificial anode in the cooling system! the magnesium will be attacked before the aluminum. hope this helps.
tom

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

should we use copper gaskets or regular ones?????

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Use a magnesium anode and then use any gasket you want. Use anti-freeze as well. They are about 2 inches long and an inch wide. I use one with an aluminum head.

This is not a new or big concern. All modern engines have cast iron blocks or aluminum blocks with steel sleeves and aluminum heads.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Where can I buy a magnesium anode or get a little piece of magnesium? Thanks.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Any hardware store that sells water heaters , for home/motorhome water heater use sacraficial anodes and you can cut them to size if too long (usually 1" diam x 5". Probably other applications can be used also.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

VW engine blocks are Magnesium, if you have access to one.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Macs sells them.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

The early 21 stud heads were made of a poor grade of aluminum and the heads would often corrode themselves to the studs.It was not uncommon to have to smash the heads with a sledge hammer & punch & remove them in pieces.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Cummins or Detroit Diesel dealer should have what you are looking forbolt right into head or heater hose fitting on water pump.
Tony

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

OK, the first question answered. Thanks.

Does this erosion take place only in close proximity to
the iron surfaces or is it just as bad on the whole
interior of the head ???

lynn

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Electrolysis attacks the entire inside of the head. It can also plug up your radiator.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

I remember in one of the street rod mags an article about a company that makes radiator caps with a sacrificial anode attached with a stainless cable, I'll research it.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

columbia hit it on the head, the early aluminum heads were made of a bad alloy. The more modern aluminum can handle electrolysis much better. A customer of mine found a company in California making original heads with modern materials, im sure someone on here has the info.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

I put a set of new Eldebrock heads on and had to remove them about a year later. The electrolisis had almost ruined them. I had always had good anti freeze in the engine. The cylinder block was extreamly clean inside. I went back with graphite gaskets.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Kearney Pattern and Foundry inc. San Jose, Ca. makes really nice aluminum heads. Have a pair on a 35 that I am very happy with after worrying about the old corroded heads for years.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

I had a set of the new block letter heads on my engine for a year. Took them off and they were just like new. Also used copper gaskets.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

(1) poor metal in original heads
(2) copper gaskets
(3) Some Anty freeze has a short use life ,like 12 months then it becomes corrosive .
(4) it does corrode inside but more so were copper meets the head

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

In 1975 I put some NOS Canadian higher compression alloy 8BA heads on my motor. Took them off 8 months later when things got noisy after a valve seat fell out. One head bolt had frozen to the LH head and the only way I could get it out was by rotating the whole head. I was a teenager who didn't know about water additives or sacrificial anodes. Would either have helped?

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Hey 49r,
'anti seize' installed on the head bolts also help prevent seizing that you described.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Thanks Hardtimes. I've since only used thread sealant on the threads and haven't thought to put anything on the bolt shanks. Haven't had issues with cast iron heads, but do have a new set of Edelbrocks which I'm thinking carefully about before installing.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

Snyder's and most other "T" parts houses sell them under the name of head savers.

Re: aluminum head erosion
 

When I was rebuilding heads I would bead blast the eroded area an fill it with JB weld then mill then flat. worked great.