Radiator cap
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Sitka Alaska
Radiator cap
Paragon offers a radiator cap with a sacrificial anode, said to increase the life of aluminum radiators greatly. Cap cost $20, any truth in their ad or is it just hype?
Thanks in advance.
Jerry
Thanks in advance.
Jerry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 101
From: Riverhead New York
Anode
I'd want detailed info on this cap before a purchase. Aluminum is a NOT a very Noble material and is subject to electrolysis under certain conditions. For this to occur you would need a +(POS.) and a -(NEG.) source. To me these are lacking in an automotive cooling system. Add the rubber hoses, (insulators), and barely any chance for current swap. Yes, water with the proper additives could carry current but most likely so minimal that it would not trigger electrolysis? JMHO Al W.
Last edited by 67vetteal; Aug 4, 2006 at 12:03 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,343
Likes: 668
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
If high mineral content water is used as the coolant, there is cause for concern. Therefore the need to use only distilled water in both the radiator and batteries.
Plasticman
Plasticman
Last edited by Plasticman; Aug 4, 2006 at 12:36 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 553
From: Sun Prairie WI
Originally Posted by 67vetteal
I'd want detailed info on this cap before a purchase. Aluminum is a very Noble material and is subject to electrolysis under certain conditions. For this to occur you would need a +(POS.) and a -(NEG.) source. To me these are lacking in an automotive cooling system. Add the rubber hoses, (insulators), and barely any chance for current swap. Yes, water with the proper additives could carry current but most likely so minimal that it would not trigger electrolysis? JMHO Al W.
As such, Al is sacrificial (electro-positive) to copper, for example, and will oxidize (corrode) at higher rate if the relative size of the Al piece is kept small. This might help 'protect' a Cu/brass radiator, but I doubt if it will prevent aluminum radiator, intake manifold or cast iron oxidation in any appreciable way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 101
From: Riverhead New York
Originally Posted by vark_wso
I think what you meant to say was that aluminum is very anodic ("active") and among the least noble (passive) metals in electrolyte solution. Only Zn & Mg are less noble than Al.
As such, Al is sacrificial (electro-positive) to copper, for example, and will oxidize (corrode) at higher rate if the relative size of the Al piece is kept small. This might help 'protect' a Cu/brass radiator, but I doubt if it will prevent aluminum radiator, intake manifold or cast iron oxidation in any appreciable way.
As such, Al is sacrificial (electro-positive) to copper, for example, and will oxidize (corrode) at higher rate if the relative size of the Al piece is kept small. This might help 'protect' a Cu/brass radiator, but I doubt if it will prevent aluminum radiator, intake manifold or cast iron oxidation in any appreciable way.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Sitka Alaska
Late getting back to the forum due to the arrival of one of them thar' 2006 humans last night, grandchild #6 born right here in our home! Mom and baby boy doing just great (she was born in this house too!) dad is tired! They have 2 boys now!
Now what was this thread about? Oh yeah, sounds like I should just put the $20 towards new anti-freeze and distilled water and continued good maintenance on the cooling system.
Thanks guys,
Jerry
Now what was this thread about? Oh yeah, sounds like I should just put the $20 towards new anti-freeze and distilled water and continued good maintenance on the cooling system.
Thanks guys,
Jerry
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
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From: Brighton
Originally Posted by Jimbo64
tOM DEWITT-----------------THOUGHTS PLEASE,
If you use distilled water and CHANGE ITon time, then there is no need for one. The problem is, and we all do this, we base our decision on color. If the two year stuff is still green, then it must be good right?
I have some milk in my frig since may and it's still white...what a drink?
