The problem with aluminum at the coast isn't an oxide that has to be
removed. It's just the opposite -- the problem is that salt water
removes the oxide that needs to be kept intact. Aluminum is a very
active metal, which oxidizes almost immediately on exposure to air. The
oxide is a hard, non-porous ceramic which, after forming a very thin
layer, prevents any further contact of the aluminum with air. The
problem is that aluminum oxide is slightly soluble in salt water and
other acids. So the oxide coating is removed by the salt water, exposing
more aluminum to salt water and air, allowing it to corrode. It does
help to coat metals with grease, but only because it prevents the salt
water from contacting the metal or, in the case of aluminum, the oxide
coating. But the last thing you want to do is intentionally remove the
oxide coating.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Bruce L. Bergman wrote:

Has anyone done any testing (RF resistance) on squirting some NOALOX
compound (or other anti-corrosion sealants) between the aluminum
elements and scrubbing them clean to remove the oxide film before
bolting them together? Should help a lot, especially along the coast.

Works great on AL power wire at 60Hz...

-- Bruce --

(KBPY-8540 - wait, they discontinued those calls. Oh well...) ;-)