Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

[Jimmy G.]

Pros and cons from some experienced NCRS chemists / engineers. OK to run brass with aluminum??

[Jim L.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

I wouldn't do it. Galvanic corrosion is real. Aluminum petcocks are readily available and that's what should be used.

Jim

[Larry M.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

Have had a brass petcock in my OEM Harrison aluminum radiator for over 20 years. No apparent problems or leaks.

However, as Jim says, having same or similar metals is always advisable.

Larry

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

Does NAPA or Pep Boys sell an aluminum one. I tried several places with no luck.

[John H.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

Does NAPA or Pep Boys sell an aluminum one. I tried several places with no luck.

Jimmy -

Tom DeWitt has them (www.dewitts.com).

[Mike E.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

I'd spend the extra bucks and get the aluminum--bad experience back in the 70's with brass on aluminum.

[David K.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

I went absolutely bonkers, trying to get a GOOD aluminum petcock.After MANY attempts I finally got a good one, but it was sure tempting to just get an aluminum plug. The petcocks would all just seize. This was before they were even used. I can't remember what happened anymore to get a good one, but it was an ordeal! Yes, new radiator and new petcock in 2008.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

My experience with aluminum petcocks is to use them as plugs. They will then look right and, if you remove amd apply using the hex portion, they will last a long time. Took me about 3 ruined ones to figure this out. They do seize and you'll spin the handle off trying to unseize them, having to open them as a plug anyway.

Stu Fox

[Joe L.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

Pros and cons from some experienced NCRS chemists / engineers. OK to run brass with aluminum??

Jimmy------



Keep this in mind: GM did not use special aluminum petcocks with aluminum radiators because the ordinary and mass-produced brass ones would work just as well.

[Joe R.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

Jimmy------



Keep this in mind: GM did not use special aluminum petcocks with aluminum radiators because the ordinary and mass-produced brass ones would work just as well.

"Huh"!!! What did you say again please?

JR

[Joe L.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator / Brass Petcock

"Huh"!!! What did you say again please?

JR

JR-------


"Translation": If GM had determined that there was no problem using a standard brass petcock with an aluminum radiator, they would not have gone to the expense of creating a specification and part manufacturing order for a special, extremely limited-use petcock utilizing an aluminum body.