The reason it's corroding there is actually an electrical reaction. It's called galvanic action and occurs between 2 (of some) dis-similar metals.

 

Sparky's either a pretty smart guy or he did his homework (or both).

He is correct and that is the problem, two dissimilar metals and water to not play well together.
People in boating call it (improperly) "electrolysis"
It's the reason boats have "zinc tabs," what is known as a sacrificial annode.

Here's what you options are, besides replacing the magnesium piece.

Evans is the ONLY product that will pretty much eliminate the issue 100%, and that's because it's water-free.
Downside is that because it's water free it will run a bit hotter.

Engine Ice will virtually eliminate or reduce the issue to nominal levels die to the corrosion inhibitors in it as well as the fact that it's diluted with Deionized water....which is dissolved mineral and metal free. That makes it less conductive.

So, your choices are:
100% assurance - Evans
Virtual elimination of issue - Engine Ice (I'd estimate a 90-95% reduction of issue)

 

thank you for responding to my e-mail mr.kimmey (aka engicedave aka... pres. of engine ice coolant).
thank you for coming on this forum to answer my ? about this problem. i found out the company i bought my cover from sent me a 05 instead of 04. im trying to return it so i can get a 04 alum cover. thought about using the 05 and using eng ice , i guess its evens or nothing.

sorry mr.kimmey, but that 5% of maybe could cost me another $180, but dont worry the "engine ice coolant " i did buy is going into my banshee. ive heard alot of good things about your product. alot of utility quads use it and also mx and drag bike. ive heard nothing but good about engine ice, again thank you for your responds!!!

any ? go to www.cyclelogic.cc (engine ice coolant)

 

Not a problem at all.
Rather be honest and lose a customer than mislead a customer.

If anyone would like to discuss this in detail, feel free to call out toll free number on our website

 

Has anyone had any problems with corrosion because of the magnesium cover on their LTR's that the Z's have had in the past/present??? I have a Z400 as well but luckily it's an '03. When I broke the motor down for rebuild last week this was the first thing I looked for. I've heard the problem is because the '04s+ came with the magnesium cover.

Since the LTR's also have a magnesium cover just wondering if anyone has seen an issue yet... I also own an LTR and want to avoid any potential issues upfront.

KawiKing, thanks for your effort to find out what may/what will work to avoid the issue. Right after break in on the LTR I immediately changed the fluids and used engine ice because that's all I run in all my water cooled toys. Glad to see I was sort of on the right track.

Thanks! ! !

 

Neither, I'm an electrician. LOL


s9195,
The ltr has the mag clutch cover, but the water does not run through that portion. It's like a 2piece thing, where most of it is aluminum. Now why the hell would Suzuki have done this if it isn't a problem??????

 

Better question is also why didn't they learn from Cannondale's mistake?
If your homework hasn't discovered it yet, Cannondale did the same thing.

 

Thanks Sparky. I didn't know that... but I do now.....

 

Isn't that interesting that Suzuki has yet to acknowledge this as a problem, but changed that piece to aluminum on the ltr. I'll bet that was one of the big hold ups in it's release. The reason they changed it to magnesium in the first place was to save weight, yet on their race quad it's aluminum. I'll bet they were afraid to acknowledge it and risk potentially losing sales on the LTR. Even now that they've changed it, to admit it now may give them too much of a black eye to really let the LTR get off the ground.

I think their failure to recognize this issue is a matter of stratagy.

 

can u powdercoat the cover? if you do and the run engine ice,will the engine ice do anything to the powder coat?