Has anyone had or tried having their header tank galvanised? Think it would be ok regarding temperatures and the sensor hole would use as a vent/drain hole for the galvanisers. Just a thought to try to slow the rusting process. Any ideas welcome thanks.

 

A proper galvanizer won't do it.

1st: because they use multiple fluids/acids which need to be drained quickly or will destroy the material
2nd: it is brazed in certain areas.

If you use the proper antifreeze, it won't rust. That also means to regularly replace/change the fluid/coolant.

 

Last time I went to the galvanisers with some products he told me they pickled things for 24 hours before galvanising so no rush there. Brazing is done at a much higher temperature than zinc melts at so I didn't think that would be a problem either. The big hole in my inner wing leads me to believe anti freeze is not sufficient which is why I wanted to try other ideas.?

 

No advice or comment on galvanizing. I'm not well enough informed. But that never stops me from rambling a bit

My guess is that, often as not, the header tanks are neglected. They don't get a good cleaning from time-to-time as (hopefully) the rest of the cooling system does. Gloppy stuff accumulates and promotes rot. Personally I take mine to the local radiator shop for a boil-out. After that, DIY cleaning every 2-3 years keeps 'em clean.

I've also seen a couple cars where the tank (and inner fender) have rotted due to a water-trapping build-up of debris between the tank and the inner fender.

Cheers
DD

 

I bought a stainless steel one and X over pipe. I have seen them on eBay. Or you could have a radiator shop make on from aluminium.

 

Brinny
There are loads of one-man stainless fabricators in England, ditto ally. If you look one up and give them a sample, I am sure you will get one pretty reasonably priced. You can buy radiator cap necks no bother, which is the only specialised part, so that can be supplied to the fabricator. I used this firm, who were really good, but I am sure you can find someone locally.

Unit 7 Creations Ltd.
Unit 6, 57 Thorby Avenue,
March Trading Park,
March, Cambridgeshire,
PE15 0AR
Tel Office: (+44) 01354-655-886
Mobile: (+44) 0788-665-7762


Greg

 

It's not the time IN the bath but the time BETWEEN the baths. As it will go through several baths, and galvanizers don't have hours to wait for something to drain, it has to go quickly. I had 2 transmission pipes ans the fuel rail zinc plated. Both were only just possible, as the fluid would drain well.

At least here, where they use more 'ecological' fluids, the fluids can react quite nastily of not drained sufficiently. As a comparission: I have an old header tank here. I removed it in spring 2016. It still has fluid in it. I don't know why, maybe too much sludge, but it might have a baffle or so inside.

I simply bought a new one for like £70 if at all...

 

Get a stainless header tank.

Thats all we get down here as Jag replacements, and mine has been there since 1994.

Like Warren, and NO issues at all.

 

Hi Brinny

While I'm a Big Fan of Galvanizing and have had the Chassis on my Land Rover done and also the Front Beam of my MGB.

Galvanizing the Header Tank, would be something that I would not risk in case any Zinc deposits blocked the Waterways in the Engine.

Or set up some sort of adverse Chemical Reaction.

So I agree with the others who've said, go for Stainless Steel or Aluminum, which is what I am going to do if/when my Header starts leaking.

Which should also be much cheaper than buying OEM there are loads of these Tanks on ebay and one of them could make a better replacement.


Galvanized Front Beam for my MGB

 

Thanks for the input lads