[s-cars] another list lurker finally buys an urS4! andaQuestion...

[Robert Myers]

At 09:25 AM 5/12/2004, Kirby Smith wrote:

>More specifically, the zinc is intended to sacrifice itself instead of
>the steel.  This helps keep the rust line from moving quickly, and, due
>to galvanic action, keeps the rust thickness in the already sacrificed
>area thin.  Audi's galvanizing job might nonetheless be suspect at
>various times and places.  I think every Audi I've owned shows rust on
>the surface to which the rear license plate lamps are mounted.
>
>Our own beloved WV Audifan and ex chemistry teacher should be able to
>provide an exact description, if he can rest his left wing for a bit.
>:)
>
>kirby


OK, Kirby, I'll see if I can type with only one hand - the left one, of 
course.  :-D))

Basically, your _righteous_ ramblings above are _right_ on the money.  I 
could give you some history on the name, etc., but - in a nut shell - the 
zinc is a more active metal than iron and it is oxidized rather than the 
steel it is bonded to.  Given time, once a scratch in the paint is present 
to expose the zinc and/or steel, oxidation will slowly "eat away" the zinc 
and, eventually, leave the steel fully exposed.  At that time it's 
Katie-bar-the-door and severe rusting will get started big time.

Here is a link to a brief discussion of Galvanic cells which, if you're 
interested, might prove helpful.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_cell


____

Rush Limbaugh on drugs.
Bill Bennett with a gambling problem.
Strom Thurmond with a mixed race daughter.
Somehow it all seems to fit.  :-)

Bob
*****
  Robert L. Myers 304-574-2372
  Rt. 4, Box 57, Fayetteville, WV 25840 USA WV tag Q SHIP
  '95 urS6 Cashmere Grey - der Wunderwagen  ICQ 22170244
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