CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[Tim in Phoenix]

Guys

Is there a metallurgist in the house? I am aware that dissimilar metals in contact will corrode; is stainless steel proven to be inert with aluminum? Should we explore nylon screws?


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[draganm]

If that is a problem it's minor compared to the 2 big issues

1) the original steel (Black) fill screws would rust and leave 2 rusty streaks down the tube face.
2) The anodize fails (all over) and the Alum. corrodes severely from contact with the Glycol.
I also don't see any anodizing on the fill screw threads, it looks like they drilled and tapped them after the anodize process.
IF the holes had been made slightly larger, the threads cleaned thoroughly , and then Anodized there would be no reaction at the fill holes since Anodize is a type of Ceramic (Oxide).
Best thing to do now after the fact is
1) pain the entire chamber with 2 part Opoxy Black paint
2) put a little RTV Silicone on a stainless steel screw before installing it.
I wouldn't use Nylon since it needs to squeeze the rubber gasket on the sealing washer.

[Tim in Phoenix]

Thanks Dragan

I do not seek to pull the tubes apart to paint anything. I have seen rust from steel screws on a few tubes. I want to store some tubes for myself that may not get used for several years; am I better off to replace the glycol with distilled water until needed? Or rinse out and leave empty until needed???


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[draganm]