At 09:18 AM 02/17/2000 -0800, you wrote:
>This subject has me thinking - what specific maintenance, other than
>flushing coolant and using the Autobahn brand, should one perform in order
>to prevent head gasket problems?  Is there a trick?
>
>Brent Christensen
>'89 GL Syncro Westy
>201,800 miles and going strong (new motor at 165,000)
>Santa Barbara, CA

Several basic maintenance items can extend life. Keep the motor clean. Keep
the battery clean. Keep all the electrical terms clean with boot seals in
order, particularly the main battery cables, both ends. Dirt and crud will
allow micro amperages to run all over creating a constant electrolysis.

Hook your VOM to battery ground then touch the positive lead to various and
sundry parts around the motor. See more than 0 volts??? Touch around the
battery caps. How much false load cross voltage??

Then try it with the motor idling. If there is a white patina building up
on the aluminum it is proof of electrolytic reactions going on that can be
stopped by maintenance.

If you unhook the battery, see what kind of voltage you get across the
chassis to the motor at various points. If there are any ions available for
transfer you will see some voltage. If no you know the coolant buffers have
not been overcome.

You cannot have pits without electrolysis.

Thanks to all who responded with data.

T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
San Juan Island, WA