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Any hoons got tips on how to keep an early model's magnesium clutch case from rotting out in the water pump area? Is there a particular coolant to use or to avoid?

I just scored a good set of '88 cases and want to make sure that the clutch case lasts as long as possible.

Its a lost cause, the damage is probably already done.

Run it untill it starts leaking then buy a newer case

is there any kind of paint, anodising or powdercoating that will do it?

what about rubbing lead on it that way the magnesium isnt actually touching the antifreeze????

I coated mine with epoxy, which worked great until it didn't. If you don't mind taking the risk of showing up for a ride and having a stream of fluid piss out of your water pump when you start it, it isn't an issue.

If you want to fix it permanently you can get the whole side case for about 120$ brand new and pick up a cr250 clutch cover for 15$ on ebay.

There's nothing to be fixed right now. I've got a low hour '88 clutch case that has very minimal (if any) deterioration--I just want to keep it that way if I can.

not sure the corrosion process can be completely eliminated. honda coolant or distilled water mix should greatly reduce it.

I have heard good things about the waterless coolant.

nmdesertrider wrote:I have heard good things about the waterless coolant.

I hope so! For $38.95/gal it ought to be good stuff. But thanks for that tip, because I might just pony up.

nmdesertrider wrote:I have heard good things about the waterless coolant.

why arent you using it if its so good ?

My old Suzuki VL1500 street bike had some sort of coolant that was maintenance free. The first year I had it, I had to call the bike shop and ask them how to winterize the bike, because I couldn't find a way to drain the system and there was no radiator cap. They told me to not worry about it, the coolant never needed to be changed unless the engine was tore down. I was made to believe that it wasn't H2O based.

why arent you using it if its so good

I have got a modern cover- and my bike is always leaking so it would cost me 1000$ a year to run the stuff

I would recommend having it powder coated. Second choice would be:

http://www.por15.com/

Waterless coolant would negate any corrosion...

You need to add an anode to the cooling system..... something like this....

http://www.amazon.com/Flex-lite-32060-A ... B001GR09S4

The electronegativity of magnesium is lower than zinc, so it won't work.

nmdesertrider wrote:The electronegativity of magnesium is lower than zinc, so it won't work.

That was the "something" part.... Beryllium is more anodic than magnesium, but I dont know if its available? Couldnt find anything on the Inna' net.

Sacrificial anodes are not a good idea in my opinion. The "corrosion" still takes place, it just attacks the anode faster than the rest. This corrosion bi-product is still going to be circulating in the cooling system plugging shit up...

If you have ever used a sacrificial anode in a swamp cooler you will know what I mean...

Most of the mangled mag pumps I have seen were runnign strait water or some shiotty coolant mix. buy blue bottle honda coolant and that pump will last a number of years.

Thanks everyone. I'm armed with some good info and ideas.

cant say ive ever seen a aluminum cover rot. plenty of them 20yo. or aproaching 20 years anyway