ACF 50 use

[Rusty Nuts Garage]

Anyone had experience using ACF50  corrosion protection spray for aluminium? Would they recommend for a Seven?

[SM25T]

I use it on all sorts of stuff on vehicles. Not had cause to use it on aluminium though. Where were you thinking of ?

[Rusty Nuts Garage]

Engine bay, exposed struts/exposed aluminium. Will have a better idea when I get the car (December). Just that one of my biker neighbours has a Harley and he was raving about it. I know many Caterham owners garage the car for the winter and I was thinking of a way to keep the salt corrosion at bay.

 

cheers

Keith

[martyn]

I've got a couple of cans of ACF50.   Not really sure what to make of it. Hasn't been on the car long enough for any meaningful conclusions to be reached.

It is identical to WD40 in smell, perhaps more runny and a bit less oily.  I guess you could spray it everywhere, it certainly isn't going to do any harm (obviously be sensible - don’t go spraying it on the brake discs!).

My car doesn't have any other corrosion protection, so twice a year I'll jack the front up and spray ACF50 into the grot traps until it drips out by the rear wheel arches.  That’s ok if you're happy to top it up periodically, but if not, something a little more permanent (and messy) like Dinitrol 3125 might be better.

[Rusty Nuts Garage]

Thanks Martyn, that sounds exactly how I would like to use it. I had heard that the Dinitrol was more messy so probably will stick with the ACF and use it say twice per year.

[tbird]

Its brilliant for lubeing double glazing doors, hinges, and locks,   Martyn, strange I would have said it was a bit thicker than wd40, are you shaking the can enough  

[martyn]

Yes giving it a good shake.  It comes out sort of foamy sometimes, which I think might give it the illusion of viscosity.  But I think if you get it on your hands or leave it anywhere it runs all over the place and gets into all the gaps.

[ChristopheC]

I place the can in hot water for a few minutes otherwise I find it too viscous.

I spray a little quantitiy in a cup and use a rag for areas where a spray would be too messy : ball joints, steering arms, wishbones, dampers (protech with an aluminium body). It helps also to avoid overspray : it attracts a lot of dirt if the layer is too thick.

Good product but quite expensive and difficult to find on the continent.

 

[SM25T]

Christophe .... if you need any more, we can buy it in the UK .... we visit Belgium often, and also have several visitors from Belgium, Germany and Northern France passing our place regularly.

[ChristopheC]

That is really kind. Thank you. 

I will let you know when I run short of ACF50. I don't use it a lot and my can should last a long time :-)

 

[NeilCSR]

I've used this for many years on bikes.  Absolutely wonderful, I believe it was developed originally for use on alloy in aircraft.  Treated my BMWs - plenty of alloy - engine, final drive etc - as well as screwheads that weren't stainless.  Also use on any connectors that are exposed.

It comes out of the aerosol foamy but it will creep and spread.  I've also got a bottle of the stuff as well and use that on exposed threads etc, applying judiciously with a small brush.  Use it on the seven as well, exposed parts (front suspension joints particularly).  Apply it a couple of times a year, depending on frequency of cleaning and bad weather usage.  Much better than WD40 for corrosion prevention.

[Rusty Nuts Garage]

Thanks Neil,  that's very encouraging.  I'm having the car delivered to my door (hopefully December) , so applying ACF50 will be one of the first jobs!

[Gregs79]

Agree completely with Neil and have used it in exactly the same way. :-)

[Rusty Nuts Garage]

I must say, this has been a very gratifying post! Thanks again.