Copper fittings in coolant system

[Mike Morriss]

I am putting a 1Z TDI into my Vanagon. To make the coolant hoses fit well, I have put in several fittings like T and elbow fittings made of copper. Is this likely to cause problems because of dissimilar metals in contact with the coolant?

How about galvenized steel?

Does anyone know what kind(s) of plastic fittings are safe to use in the coolant system?

Thanks,
Mike am4kids@kskc.net

 

[car54]

I doubt it would, most old radiators are made of copper....

 

[solstar]

it's true that old radiators were copper but the question is compatabality with antifreeze check with the mfg.of the fluid your putting in-it may be O.K. if your running water, but the glycerine alcohol or any other new long life fluids may cause a problems! /images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Smog]

My double cab Vanagon have OEM German copper tubes to bring the coolant from the rear to the front radiator....

 

[Metalnerd]

A couple of guesses:

1) Stay away from galvanized. The zinc is probably very reactive.

2) Surface area and proximity can make a difference. Small amounts of copper, placed in rubber hose some distance away from the aluminum and steel parts should not be too bad. The copper itself will last indefinately in that scenario and the aluminum sacrifice should be small. Electrical conduction along the rubber hose will be small (but not zero).

If you had large amounts of copper touching small amounts of aluminum, you could get rapid corrosion of the aluminium. The steel and iron parts are more reactive than the copper but less than the aluminum so they are likely uninvolved.

 

[Metalnerd]

Mike,

Be sure to keep us posted on your project.

 

[dieseltwo]

I would use nylon type fittings as your plastic choice. I was told that they take the heat the best. Copper,brass and steel fittings are also ok for antifreeze. I would not use galvanized fittings.[Dieseltwo,Bradford,Ont.,Can..]

 

[Mike Morriss]

Thanks Loads!

I'll keep you posted through postings on TDICLUB.COM

Mike