2011 Honda Accord EXL non V6 - 120,000 miles from a private party.
Hi Scotty! I've really been enjoying your videos lately, and I watch them even if I don't have any issues with my car! I recently bought a 2011 Honda Accord (4 cylinder) from its original owner, and I took it to my mechanic to get it checked out. Mostly a solid report, but he pointed out some serious white oxidation taking place on the aluminum parts of the engine. I haven't seen much about this online, and you don't even have a video on it as far as I know which must mean it's quite rare! Is this going to be a problem either immediately or in the long run? I live in New Jersey where we get a fair amount of snow and salt on the roads which is probably what caused the oxidation and any other rust etc.
Also is there anything on the 2011 accords I should watch out for?
Thanks so much for making such informative and entertaining content for us so consistently.
External oxidation on aluminum parts is common and nothing to worry about. (Scotty has mentioned that on occasion in his videos.)
would have to see photos of what you mean
I'm not sure how to reply with a photo. A quick google image of "oxidation on engine" pulls up pretty comparable photos. Basically its just dirty aluminum engine parts with white specks all over.
so if you mean the main hunks of the engine (engine block, cylinder heads, intake manifold, etc.) those are typically heavy duty castings of between 1/4" to 1" thickness or more. A micron thick layer of oxidation on the outside of it is going to have absolutely zero effect on the functioning of that part.
I'm not sure how to reply with a photo.
Instructions for photos are covered in the post "READ THIS FIRST - Forum Guide" at the top of the board's "Visitor Info/Notices" section.
The following excerpt was taken from an article written by a mechanical engineer at mechical.com regarding the oxidation of aluminum.
"Aluminum is a highly reactive metal that tends to oxidize rapidly when it is exposed to air.
When aluminum is exposed to oxygen, it forms a thin layer of aluminum oxide on the surface that protects the metal from further corrosion. This process is known as oxidation.
The aluminum oxide layer that forms on the surface of aluminum is very hard and resistant to corrosion, making it an effective barrier against the elements.
However, if the aluminum oxide layer is damaged or removed, the underlying aluminum is once again exposed to oxygen, which can lead to further corrosion."
Yes aluminum oxide forms on all elemental aluminum within microseconds of exposure, but that oxide is clear and colorless. (gemstones are aluminum oxide with traces of other metals). You don't see splotchy corrosion on your kitchen foil for example.
The flaky stuff you see on car parts must be either contamination (acids or salts from moisture or air), or the casting is alloyed with other compounds.