The Dark Side: V8, V6 & 4 Cylinder Engine Conversions and related radical modifications (brakes, transmission, suspension, drivetrain) for MGB, MGA, Midget and all other MG models. Purists beware!
Trying to figure out the smaller things now that we have the big ones pretty much done. I read where you don't use anything brass with the aluminum radiator, so that means changing out the overflow and the sensor (which has to be set up for this change anyway). What sensor have you found that works with this and where did you mount it? We were thinking of tapping a spot out to fit on the intake manifold.
Michelle---is that for the temp gauge or is it for the fan thermostat ? In my case I used a sensor on the intake manifold for gauge and Im using a bulb sensor inside upper rad hose for the fan. Im pretty sure the gauge 1 is brass installed in the aluminum intake with teflon tape --been there 6 years and no probs All the best -Gil
You are right Gil, it is the temp sensor. My husband told me last night that we should be able to use the brass sensor as long as we put it in the intake manifold. Evidently his friend who is building a 800 hp Camaro crossed this issue with the company who built his aluminum radiator, the company told him as long as it is put in the intake it is far enough away not to cause problems with the radiator itself. Now to find a sensor. Thanks.
Brass fittings will be OK to use in Aluminum.
Most instructions will say not to put any sealant on the sensor threads (since it may affect the grounding circuit and therefore the gauge reading) so if you are using sealant, make sure you're happy with the temp gauge readings that your seeing.
Brass and aluminum don't like each other. I've attached corrosion chart that can found on the Web and Astley's book as well.
http://www-mariachi.physics.sunysb.edu/wiki/index.php/Dissimilar_metals
Bill, where does one get gold or silver? Alot of the ones I have found so far do not specify the metal in the description.
Michele,
Get some zinc loaded anti-sieze compond. That is what is used in the electical industry to prevent galvanic action between aluminim wiring and brass/copper connectors. You can buy Ideal's Noalox at Lowes, Home Depot etc. Loctite also makes a zinc loaded product. I wouild look to McMaster Carr or some other industrial supplier fot that.
QUOTE: "Brass and aluminum don't like each other".......
True..... but only if you use seawater in your cooling system.
Speaking from personal experience, I've run a brass sender in my aluminum thermostat housing for 6 years and the threads still look brand new
If Michelle is converting her 1978 "B" and is retaining the original temp gauge then she is pretty well locked in to using/buying the compatible MGB sender (Moss 131-565)...which is brass!
OAT extended coolant has enough neutralizers/inhibitors that it doesn't attack metals in the short run - if it did there would be a lot of engines in trouble.