Zinc anodes to prevent corrosion.

[papa al]

Boats use them.

Would they help vs corrosion

on moto wheels, frames, engines, &c?

 

[eisfeld]

Quote

In fresh water, zinc anodes produce a film of zinc hydroxide on the anode's surface, which blocks current flow. Because of that, zinc anodes are not effective in freshwater and are used in saltwater applications instead.

 

https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/4326/zinc-anode

 

Guess they wouldn't be too effective on a motorcycle unless operated in salt water.

[VocalNeal]

Zinc anode , I believe , only work for galvanic corrosion because they are less noble than the other metals and are sacrificial.

 

For a bike just liberally coat all the bits you are worried about with WD-40 to dispel and moisture. Then keep the bike clean.

[MartinL]

Just as zinc can act as a sacrificial anode to protect against corrosion of steel, so can aluminium and magnesium.

 

Therefore your engine cases can prevent corrosion of your bike frame by slowly being consumed, if the bike's kept in a permanently damp environment.

 

Keep It Clean and Dry!!!! 

[papa al]

56 minutes ago, MartinL said:

 

Keep It Clean and Dry!!!! 

There-in lies a problem.

papa's bikes are always getting dirty and/or wet.

papa knows every worker at the carwash,

all of their children,

all of their names.

And yes, the Al/Mg is being sacrificed;

the Fe oxidises too.

Entropy.

 

In 'mercan neighborhoods

they bury zinc slugs in the ground

& connect to the steel gas lines.

No salt water around.

[Damrongsak]

There are more modern ways of dealing with corrosion if you actually ride the bike often.  Just plug it into a USB port on your scooter and atmospheric corrosion is a thing of the past.  We are working on a version for tropical climates that will not require a wool flannel shirt.