Electronic rust prevention

[Anthony]

I've seen these electronic rust prevention devices advertised, and just recently on 2 Guy's Garaqe. They attach to the battery, and then to the frame and give the car a constant negative charge which supposidly prevents oxidation(rust).

My question is - Does it really work?

Has anybody ever used these devices? What was your experience with it? Do you think it is a worthwhile purchase for my everyday vehicle up here in salt country?

Thanks.

[Woodz428]

I've heard of them ,but never seen one in action. This is an old philosophy, that was supposedly why early cars had a positive ground battery, to ward of corrosion. Since they were also heavier metal I don't know if you can draw any REAL conclusions, buta ll the ones I've had sure do suffer less from rust than most of the Mustangs I've done.

[Gas_in_my_veins]

We use something similar to this in the elevator trade. With the large steel jack assemblies lowered deep into the ground, hydraulic jacks have a natural current flow that passes through the ground move through them. It causes ADVANCED rusting and deterioration, eventually leading to leakage and pressure loss.

To combat this, long electrodes are lowered into the ground and a reverse 'negative' current flow is passed out of one electrode, moves through the jack assembly, and into the opposing electrode. It substantially reduces the rust and oxidation caused by this. It is primarily used in areas where the water table is higher than avergae.

Don't know if that helps much, but there could be a correlation. Then again, this product could fall into line with most 'radar jammers' and 'gasoline magnets' that increase fuel mileage.

Rich

[Jack21]

What you're describing is the prevention of corrosion (rust) by Cathodic Protection. It's commonly used to prevent rust on buried pipelines, and tanks.

CP can be done electrically through an impressed current, or chemically by using a Sacrificial Anode of magnesium, or zink.

Not sure it would work in keeping a salty steel frame from rusting. Better off cleaning the rust off, and coating bare metal with paint, or oil.