Sacrificial Anode

[19Fordy]

"But, I also use antifreeze that is made for modern motors with aluminum components."

Makes sense to me also. I use 22 quarts of pink color Prestone GM Dexcool.

Years ago there were reports that the mixing of the green antifreeze with the pink antifreeze caused major sludge coagulation problems in the cooling system, so don't mix them together.

[tubman]

Well, after a long discussion with my partner and a little foray into electrolysis. I have come to the conclusion that my original idea for a sacrificial anode is bad execution of a good idea. In short, the whole thing works by electrolysis, which requires continuity. A chain makes a very poor conductor of electricity and the use of one in this instance, while looking fancy, is a bad idea. I will elaborate in a new thread.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by tubman

A chain makes a very poor conductor of electricity and the use of one in this instance, while looking fancy, is a bad idea.

Kind'a like trying to PUSH something with a chain....that never works very well either. DD

[petehoovie]

Anode Radiator Cap






Item Name: Anode Radiator Cap
Item Price: $26.00
Item SKU: RC-**

• Attracts electrolysis to itself
• Easy to install, easy to check, easy to replace
• Saves expensive aluminum parts
• Works on Type A and Type B electrolysis
• Starts working immediately. No waiting for chemistry to work
• *Please include vehicle Make-Model-Year-Engine when ordering*

Make/Model/Year Product DescriptionThis ingenious device attracts electrolysis to it, saving the aluminum parts from being attacked. Made of magnesium, the anode works 24/7. Whether used as a prevention additive, or as part of the remediation process, this sacrificial anode is an important element of the overall strategy. Since electrolysis is "lazy", and takes the path of least resistance, electrolysis will attack the sacrificial anode, leaving our aluminum components unharmed and intact.

Hands on research* has show a significant reduction in available electrolysis voltage when using The Anode. When used with The Arrestor, our experience shows a long term voltage drop can be achieved and maintained. The Anode will also attract other cooling system contaminates that can then be easily removed. Regular inspection of reservoir and overflow tube suggested, as tendency to "float off" debris to reservoir has been observed.

[petehoovie]

Products on the market to fight electrolysis >

http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/catalog.htm

[tubman]

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My anode is a lot bigger and my cost is a lot smaller.

[Brian]

A chain makes a very poor conductor of electricity and the use of one in this instance, while looking fancy, is a bad idea

Substitute the chain for a braided cable...ensure both ends are solidly affixed

[drolston]

I have been around boats a lot and seen the damage that can be done if sacrificial anodes are not maintained. Not taking a chance on my Offy heads.

For about $10 at MAC's you can get a zinc anode with a thin wire attached. I wrap the end of the wire loosely around the brass center of the radiator cap. From there it hangs down into the radiator water without blocking flow. I keep about 20% of the green/yellow antifreeze in the radiator, but after about four years the anode was half eaten away, and replaced it.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by tubman

My anode is a lot bigger and my cost is a lot smaller.

Now your bragging!

[tubman]

Ya know, I had looked at that anode from Mac's and after I considered the source, I passed on it. In retrospect it looks like it would work fine. Magnesium is even less "noble" than zinc, and when I saw the price on the anodes on Amazon, I stepped up on those.

[ford38v8]

Sacrificial anodes have always been factory installed in residential water heaters as far back as I remember, and replacements available at hardware stores. Good idea to pull them out once in a while to confirm that they haven't been completely dissolved away. They do have to be installed without Teflon tape, but pipe dope does provide the needed continuity.