Gas vent corrosion.

[Simon1]

Just noticed the gas vent outside the bench seat window is corroding and the aluminium has gone powdery. Has anyone else’s gone like this?

 

[Wildcamper]

This is classic aluminium corrosion. The white powder is aluminium hydroxide, or aluminium carbonate, or both. It is commonly found where aluminium is exposed to warm wet conditions made worse in your case by the presence of carbon dioxide which in the presence of moisture gives the weak acid carbonic acid. You also see it on boats where aluminium is exposed to sea water. If possible, I would exchange the aluminium part for a stainless steel one. A less effective solution would be to paint the part with a heat resistant paint, but this would not be a long term solution.

 

[Simon1]

This is classic aluminium corrosion. The white powder is aluminium hydroxide, or aluminium carbonate, or both. It is commonly found where aluminium is exposed to warm wet conditions made worse in your case by the presence of carbon dioxide which in the presence of moisture gives the weak acid carbonic acid. You also see it on boats where aluminium is exposed to sea water. If possible, I would exchange the aluminium part for a stainless steel one. A less effective solution would be to paint the part with a heat resistant paint, but this would not be a long term solution.

Thanks for the explanation,
You would think they would paint this part from new at the factory. I’ve only used it once yet it looks about 20 years old.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Yr 680 must still be in its warranty period. Take it to your dealers for them to sort. No ifs or buts.

 

[Wildcamper]

Thanks for the explanation,
You would think they would paint this part from new at the factory. I’ve only used it once yet it looks about 20 years old.

I'm surprised it is not stainless steel. Can't comment on VW's manufacturing process. As said take it back to the dealer.

 

[Jester]

Just noticed the gas vent outside the bench seat window is corroding and the aluminium has gone powdery. Has anyone else’s gone like this?

View attachment 77197

Hi Simon,
I noticed this on the very first GC I ordered back in 2019,but rejected for other reasons so looked out for this on its replacement. the second one turned up and was fine even after a lot of use. now on to the 680 only used last weekend but from the start it doesn't look like the first 600 ie semi corroded. Wondering if Truma updated the part. do you know manufacture date of your van.

Will

 

[Simon1]

Hi Simon,
I noticed this on the very first GC I ordered back in 2019,but rejected for other reasons so looked out for this on its replacement. the second one turned up and was fine even after a lot of use. now on to the 680 only used last weekend but from the start it doesn't look like the first 600 ie semi corroded. Wondering if Truma updated the part. do you know manufacture date of your van.

Will

Hi Will,
It’s an early MY21 model so maybe they have upgraded the part since. I’ll bring it up when van goes in for its service(note to self, must check when that is!) as I don’t think it’s an immediate safety issue.

 

[Jester]

Hi Will,
It’s an early MY21 model so maybe they have upgraded the part since. I’ll bring it up when van goes in for its service(note to self, must check when that is!) as I don’t think it’s an immediate safety issue.

Morning Simon.

Ill have another look at mine when i get it back as its just having the bumper and bonnet wrapped.

Will