Contrary to popular belief Stainless is not a cure all. A lot depends on the
particular alloy used and the antifreeze and water flow can be a problem on
the inside. In the industrial process de-ionized water world we do all sorts
of stuff the maintain sanitary stainless piping systems.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Beierl
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2011 10:33 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: S/S coolant pipes - a different vulnerability?

Dear Volks,

Now that overall galvanic corrosion has been laid to rest, take a look at
this for a couple of scary photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/dbeierl/PittingCorrosionInStainlessSteel#5478091
019245298018
.  Not sure how long it took on that trowel, but I've seen it go through a
good-quality saucepan in a few days.  Quite a surprise when the water
started squirting out the side.  Thickness was similar to the trowel, maybe
a bit less.  Could this be an issue for the Vanagon underbody coolant pipes?
It certainly can be in marine applications.

Here's a place to start continuing to be scared, especially if you live
where they salt the roads.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitting_corrosion .  Thinking of it tonight
because Providence is apparently pretty much shut down from ice, haven't
heard a car go by in about five hours now.  Heard one siren in that time.
Reckon they'll be salting tonight some time, after they get chains on the
trucks maybe?

Yours,
David
ps - Alistair, maybe this will take your mind off those bleeding bleed
nipples for a little while...

--
David Beierl -- dbeierl@attglobal.net