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radiator stuffed 

 

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 Post subject: radiator stuffed
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:12 pm 
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Hi folks, I seem to be going through radiators at an unprecedented rate of one about every three years. They seem to corrode mainly where the tanks join the core, and usually at the top. I have gone through two SSS radiators (alloy) of late, and they aren't cheap!

I have yet to go back to copper and plastic tanks, which I think I will for my next radiator (due now). The original rad. started to leak, so I replaced it with a Chinese one, (alloy) which corroded, so I went to SSS thinking the workmanship and quality would be better lasting.

Any ideas why I am corroding the alloy ones? (I don't yet know how long a copper one will last) I use quality coolant ( Nulon longlife) and last change was Xmas last year.
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 7:05 pm 
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Does it have a good earth mate? Could be electrolysis. Dissimilar metals etc
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 8:04 pm 
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creeture3 wrote:
Hi folks, I seem to be going through radiators at an unprecedented rate of one about every three years. They seem to corrode mainly where the tanks join the core, and usually at the top. I have gone through two SSS radiators (alloy) of late, and they aren't cheap!

I have yet to go back to copper and plastic tanks, which I think I will for my next radiator (due now). The original rad. started to leak, so I replaced it with a Chinese one, (alloy) which corroded, so I went to SSS thinking the workmanship and quality would be better lasting.

Any ideas why I am corroding the alloy ones? (I don't yet know how long a copper one will last) I use quality coolant ( Nulon longlife) and last change was Xmas last year.


All Alloy need to be earth out. Preferably to the body and the battery.
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 2:37 pm 
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Quote:
All Alloy need to be earth out. Preferably to the body and the battery.


I assume a simple connection to the body would suffice? Say to the earth bolt just in front of the header tank? Any particular wire gauge?
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 5:45 pm 
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If you are going to run to the earth bolt near the header tank, just run to the earth teminal on the battery as well. I ran one from the right hand side to the battery and one from the left hand side to the bolt holding the Fan relays.

Wire gauge doesn't need to be massive but the bigger you can use the better. 1.5mm - 3mm would be good.

Test continuaty to ensure that there is good contact.
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 7:25 pm 
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O.k., if I go back to copper, should I earth that as well?

I put a multi meter into the coolant and to the battery earth, set it on 2v and got a reading of .122 after 1 minute. No electrics turned on except what stays on when you turn ign. off (smartlock etc.)
I have an idea this is a high reading, and it should be around .05 or less??
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 7:46 pm 
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Copper is fine, doesn't need to be earthed. It is the aluminium which has the issues.

Earth the alloy radiator and it will be fine.
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 8:01 pm 
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O.k., I will do that. Have a look here in a few years time and see what happens....... :wink: :lol:

I will run a wire from the top of the core to the battery neg.

Thanks for your advice.
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 8:46 pm 
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What's the A/C condensor made of ??

Try and match the rad with this if possible.

 

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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 8:50 pm 
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afaik it is a "standard" condenser, I put it in about 5 years ago, so I guess it would be copper?
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 8:52 pm 
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creeture3 wrote:
afaik it is a "standard" condenser, I put it in about 5 years ago, so I guess it would be copper?



i would guess it would be aluminium
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 9:13 pm 
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AC does not have the electrolysis issues that water/coolant filled systems have.
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 9:18 pm 
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Quote:
i would guess it would be aluminium


Yes I think you would be correct, as I remember taking the old one to a scrap place and it was aluminium.

Quote:
AC does not have the electrolysis issues that water/coolant filled systems have


Because it doesn't contain water? Only oil mix stuff?
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 9:21 pm 
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creeture3 wrote:
Quote:
AC does not have the electrolysis issues that water/coolant filled systems have


Because it doesn't contain water? Only oil mix stuff?


No, it does not contain water. AC system contains refrigerant which usually is none conductive. Water/ Moisture is the number one enemy of AC Sytems.
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 Post subject: Re: radiator stuffed
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 11:29 pm 
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i would guess it would be aluminium. Yes I think you would be correct, as I remember taking the old one to a scrap place and it was aluminium.
Original EF/EL condensors will be copper. If it's painted black, carefully scrape some paint and have a look at the underlying metal

AC does not have the electrolysis issues that water/coolant filled systems have
Quote:
Does it have a good earth mate? Could be electrolysis. Dissimilar metals etc

If you run an alloy radiator in unison with a copper A/C condenser (and vice versa)the close proximity will cause dissimilar metal corrosion - the alloy sacrifices itself for the copper. Just for interest sake - check the continuity of your existing radiator frame to the car frame with a meter.

 

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