Can I combine galvanized and brass fittings? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71swb4x4 · 08-02-2005, 07:47 PM

I need a cross fitting for my valves, but all I can find is a galvanized one. I know it's bad to combine copper and galvanized, but can I combine brass and galvanized? Here is a picture of what i want to do.

FuelCellGuy · 08-02-2005, 10:33 PM

I don't see a problem with that setup. Why do they say not to connect copper and galvanized?? I've never heard of that one.....

Later, FCG

71swb4x4 · 08-02-2005, 10:41 PM

Well, it is much worse when running water through the pipes, but combining copper and galvanized steel helps promote electrolysis, which basically eats away the copper that is in contact with the steel.

FuelCellGuy · 08-02-2005, 10:50 PM

Ohhh.....I see.

krue · 08-03-2005, 03:44 AM

Electrolysis occurs when two different metals are in contact in (or containing) an liquid that conducts electricity. As long as you don't have too much moisture in it you should be alright.

gostranger · 08-03-2005, 07:40 AM

you are going to use some thread sealant or teflon tape that will slow down the process i have been running a combo on my truck for 2 years no problems!!

Shev · 08-03-2005, 01:07 PM

I've got some extra brass 1/2" port crosses if you need some...or you can get them from www.hoseandfittings.com ...that's where I get all my fittings from and have never had a problem...

71swb4x4 · 08-03-2005, 01:33 PM

Thanks Shev, that helps a lot.
Do you know how to read their part numbers? I realize that the 08 is half inch, but what is the difference between the two 1/2" crosses? One is HF1205 and the other is HF2205.
HF1205P-08-08-08-08
HF2205P-08-08-08-08

Shev · 08-03-2005, 05:04 PM

I'm guessing that the 1205 is a cast cross and I know the 2205 is machined from a solid chunk of brass (I have the 2205 ones)...right click and saveas this link it's the complete Parker Brass Catalog...it's about 9 meg, but it will help you decifer the part numbers on hoseandfittings.com, since all their fittings are Parker. They are the cheapest place I've found for fittings, plus since I'm in Michigan and they are in Indiana I get stuff next day if I don't order too late...if you order from them pay attention, you can usually order a couple more fittings and the price per fitting goes down...

If you are looking to get a gauge line you don't have to use a cross...you can tap a tee and save some cash...

71swb4x4 · 08-03-2005, 06:07 PM

That's exactly what I wanted to do, thanks for the tip. Tapping a tee could save me some cash.

mbgmike · 08-08-2005, 09:56 AM

I am a piper. eveything above is true and good advice. you also can get stainless fittings. I do stuff like this at home on a temporary fix and sometimes it turns permanent The SEARS hardware where i live has a good supply of brass fittings also

67Fleet · 08-12-2005, 07:07 PM

Yes, electrolysis will eventually fuse the fittings together and you won't be able to get them apart. Look in the phone book for Ferguson, or another plumbing wholesaler in your area. You can get fittings from them a lot cheaper than most people realize. I work at a Ferguson in Orlando and we stock those fittings. Brass fittings are going to be more money than galvanized, but in your situation, you NEED brass.

08-02-2005, 07:47 PM	#1
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Can I combine galvanized and brass fittings? I need a cross fitting for my valves, but all I can find is a galvanized one. I know it's bad to combine copper and galvanized, but can I combine brass and galvanized? Here is a picture of what i want to do. Attached Images __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-02-2005, 10:41 PM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Well, it is much worse when running water through the pipes, but combining copper and galvanized steel helps promote electrolysis, which basically eats away the copper that is in contact with the steel. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-03-2005, 03:44 AM	#5
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Electrolysis occurs when two different metals are in contact in (or containing) an liquid that conducts electricity. As long as you don't have too much moisture in it you should be alright. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-03-2005, 01:07 PM	#7
Shev Head Peon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Imlay City MI Posts: 295	I've got some extra brass 1/2" port crosses if you need some...or you can get them from www.hoseandfittings.com ...that's where I get all my fittings from and have never had a problem... __________________ '72 Suburban, factory tilt, tach, front & rear AC, front & rear disc brakes, 383/700-R4

08-03-2005, 01:33 PM	#8
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Thanks Shev, that helps a lot. Do you know how to read their part numbers? I realize that the 08 is half inch, but what is the difference between the two 1/2" crosses? One is HF1205 and the other is HF2205. HF1205P-08-08-08-08 HF2205P-08-08-08-08 __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-02-2005, 10:33 PM	#2
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	I don't see a problem with that setup. Why do they say not to connect copper and galvanized?? I've never heard of that one..... Later, FCG

08-02-2005, 10:50 PM	#4
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	Ohhh.....I see.

08-03-2005, 07:40 AM	#6
gostranger 65 suburban vortec 5.3 bagged Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: upstate new york Posts: 1,317	you are going to use some thread sealant or teflon tape that will slow down the process i have been running a combo on my truck for 2 years no problems!!

08-03-2005, 05:04 PM	#9
Shev Head Peon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Imlay City MI Posts: 295	I'm guessing that the 1205 is a cast cross and I know the 2205 is machined from a solid chunk of brass (I have the 2205 ones)...right click and saveas this link it's the complete Parker Brass Catalog...it's about 9 meg, but it will help you decifer the part numbers on hoseandfittings.com, since all their fittings are Parker. They are the cheapest place I've found for fittings, plus since I'm in Michigan and they are in Indiana I get stuff next day if I don't order too late...if you order from them pay attention, you can usually order a couple more fittings and the price per fitting goes down... If you are looking to get a gauge line you don't have to use a cross...you can tap a tee and save some cash... Attached Images __________________ '72 Suburban, factory tilt, tach, front & rear AC, front & rear disc brakes, 383/700-R4 Last edited by Shev; 08-03-2005 at 05:17 PM.

08-03-2005, 06:07 PM	#10
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	That's exactly what I wanted to do, thanks for the tip. Tapping a tee could save me some cash. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-08-2005, 09:56 AM	#11
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	I am a piper. eveything above is true and good advice. you also can get stainless fittings. I do stuff like this at home on a temporary fix and sometimes it turns permanent The SEARS hardware where i live has a good supply of brass fittings also

08-12-2005, 07:07 PM	#12
67Fleet Outlandish Trends - FL Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,396	Yes, electrolysis will eventually fuse the fittings together and you won't be able to get them apart. Look in the phone book for Ferguson, or another plumbing wholesaler in your area. You can get fittings from them a lot cheaper than most people realize. I work at a Ferguson in Orlando and we stock those fittings. Brass fittings are going to be more money than galvanized, but in your situation, you NEED brass.

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