'Ankorsol'

[NB Alnwick]

For some time we had been searching for a good corrosion inhibitor for Alnwick's cooling system. We do not use anti-freeze because our engine room is never allowed to get cold enough for freezing to be a risk and, in any event, we can not be sure how the chemicals would react with our vintage Kelvin K3 - having spent the first 40 years of its life running on raw sea water.

 

In October we talked to the good people at Morris Lubricants Ltd of Shrewsbury and they recommended a product that they have developed as a corrosion inhibitor and cooling system lubricant for marine engines and similar applications - 'Ankorsol' which is sold direct from the manufacturer in boxes of a dozen half litre plastic bottles for about £50.

 

After thoroughly draining and flushing the system, we filled it with a mixture of clean water and 3% 'Ankorsol' - the mix turns the coolant a luminous green colour and, as a result, it is easier to see the level of coolant in the gauge glass and also to spot any leaks.

 

So far the results appear to be satisfactory - in three months the coolant has not discoloured and we have no leaks - whereas plain water and other products we have tried darkened or discoloured to indicate that some chemical reaction was taking place.

 

We haven't seen this product mentioned on this forum before and if it is as good as the maker claims it will undoubtedly prove useful to other owner/operators of vintage engines. We have also used it as a corrosion inhibitor in our central heating system (Squirrel stove with back boiler and three radiators) and the results there appear equally satisfactory. The only downside is that the product does not appear to be available (yet) at chandleries or boatyards and needs to be obtained by special order.

 

There is more information about our cooling system and this product on our website.

 

http://www.grahamoliver.com/news/news.htm

[onthecut]

Also heartily recommend their Ankor Wax product as a rustproofer. Modestly priced, available in different thicknesses and absolutely superb for doing the inside parts of the hull you're never going to see again once the fit out is done.

 

Mike.