Help with Aluminum Corrosion | Auto Repair Shop Dispute

  • Thread starter Thread starter tirpitz56
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Aluminum
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of aluminum corrosion, specifically in the context of an auto repair shop dispute. Participants are examining the nature of corrosion observed on an engine that was recently serviced, questioning the timeline and conditions under which such corrosion could occur.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes receiving an engine with significant orange corrosion after a two-month service, questioning the repair shop's claim about the speed of corrosion.
  • Another participant suggests that the orange-brown coloration may not be typical of aluminum corrosion, proposing it could be iron-based rust from carbon steel components.
  • A different participant expresses skepticism about the possibility of such rapid corrosion occurring in a garage environment, noting that they have only seen aluminum corrode after extended exposure to harsh conditions.
  • Another contributor agrees with the skepticism, suggesting that the observed damage might be due to chemical attack rather than corrosion, and mentions their experience with aluminum alloys remaining intact in storage for years.
  • One participant inquires about the specific alloy of the engine block, indicating that different alloys may behave differently under various conditions.
  • A participant shares a reference to a source discussing die-cast aluminum-alloy blocks, potentially providing context for the type of material involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus regarding the nature of the corrosion or the conditions that could lead to such damage. Multiple competing views remain on whether the observed corrosion is typical for aluminum or indicative of other issues.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about environmental conditions, the specific alloy composition of the engine block, and the definitions of corrosion versus chemical attack that remain unresolved.

tirpitz56
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I don't know if this is the place to post but I was wondering if there is anyone out there that is experienced when it comes to aluminum corrosion.
I am about to take an Auto Repair shop to court because I gave them an engine with 5,000 miles on it to swap into my car and when I received my car back there was an engine in it that had nasty, thick orange corrosion all over and it wasn't corroded equally either. It looks like it was piced together. They only had it for 2 months but they said this is how quickly engines corrode.
The pic on the far left and far right are the before pics with the nice clean head circled and the one in the center is after I got it back.
Thanks for any help in advance.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0595 with circle.JPG
    IMG_0595 with circle.JPG
    60.1 KB · Views: 554
  • IMG_2424 with circle.jpg
    IMG_2424 with circle.jpg
    94 KB · Views: 530
  • IMG_0598 with circle.JPG
    IMG_0598 with circle.JPG
    56.9 KB · Views: 577
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
I'm going to move this to the ME forum, where hopefully FredGarvin and Astronuc and others can offer opinions on Al corrosion.
 
As far as I know Al alloys do not corrode with an orange color. My guess is that the orange-brown is iron-based rust on carbon steel components.

Aluminum alloys usually form a protective oxide and that helps prevent corrosion. That protective oxide can be undermined if the aluminum surface is exposed to chlorides.
 
So do you think it would be possible for an engine to corrode like this while sitting inside of a garage for 2 months? I have only seen engines corrode after a couple of years of use outside in the elements like sand, salt and other chemicals on the road.
 
I agree that I have never seen aluminum do this. I wonder if this is really corrosion and not some form of chemical attack. I have had test rig parts made from various alloys of aluminum that have been in storage in uncontrolled environments for years with no problems. The only material I have ever seen corrode that quickly is plain carbon steels.

Do you, by any chance, happen to know what alloy the block is made from?
 
I found this on Aluminum.org.
"die-cast aluminum-alloy block with aluminum-alloy cylinder heads"
http://www.aluminum.org/antemplate.cfm?issuedate=09/01/2003&template=/contentmanagement/contentdisplay.cfm&contentid=7085
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Question about strengths of Aluminum/Titanium Tubing for a White Cane
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
How much weight can vertical aluminum angle support?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
17K
Automotive How long does engine oil really stay good?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Corrosion of aluminum alloy 319.0 help
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Chemically regenerating my auto's catalytic converter?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
Auto/Motor Get a 1945 Harley running again
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
9K
Advice needed for producing a water powered car model project
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Joining aluminum and ceramics - how to?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
Automotive Concerned about hiring after graduation. (Engine guy)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Is Engineering the Right Career Path for Me? Advice from a Scientist
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K