> http://www.fastgermanauto.com/Products/ZSticks.htm

A very interesting web site about preventing head corrosion. It espouses:

1.Use of VW coolant because  of the lack of phosphate and the  inclusion
of special corrosion inhibitors intended for the waterboxer design.

2.Use of an oversize drain plug that has a screw through it into
sacrificial zinc rods that protect head STUD corrosion, which they feel
then leads to head corrosion. A suggestion that magnesium (more active
than aluminum) would be better than zinc (less active than aluminum) was
countered with the importance of preventing the head studs from corroding.
Unfortunately the drain hole has to be retapped for the plug to fit.

He also said that the protection seems to be working because the ZSticks
are flaking off and wearing on the vans coming back into the shop.

The concept of a sacrificial metal has some potential, zinc being OK if
the head studs are the real issue, and magnesium better if aluminum is the
main issue.  What a bunch of zinc and magnesium hydroxide would do to the
coolant is not obvious, certainly drive it more basic that it already is.
Raw magnesium might not last very long in boiling hot water, either.

Any chemists want to take a swing at this one?

3.FastGerman also promotes stronger alloy head studs and new heads
and of course they sell them.

Key question is whether STUD corrosion leads to  HEAD corrosion.
Anyone have any experience with this concept?

Cheers, Tom Neal  '87 waterleaker

On Sun, 23 May 1999, Rubatoguy wrote:

> Seems that FastGerman Auto is selling anodes that replace the drain
> plugs. Does anyone have comments on if these might work or not? (Note -
> the anode is attached to the drain plug)
>
> See them at:
>
> http://www.fastgermanauto.com/Products/ZSticks.htm
>
>
> Todd
> '88 Westy
>