Electrolysis in Alum Radiators?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
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From: Austin TX
Electrolysis in Alum Radiators?
I've read recently that electolysis can cause leaks in aluminum radiators and overflow tanks. Is this really a problem and, if so, how do you combat it?
Zip sells a radiator cap with a piece of sacrificial metal that drops into the radiator. Anyone using this?
Zip sells a radiator cap with a piece of sacrificial metal that drops into the radiator. Anyone using this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Electrolysis in Alum Radiators? (flynhi)
Aluminum intake manifolds and heads have the same concern. I was always told to use distilled water in the system because tap water contains the minerals which aid the electolysis.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
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From: New Wilmington PA
Re: Electrolysis in Alum Radiators? (flynhi)
Running straight water (distilled or otherwise) this could be an issue but I believe antifreeze prevents this. I think redline water-wetter also protects against this.
I'm into water-cooling computers. Using an aluminum waterblock and a copper core radiator will cause NASTY things. (tons of gunk buildup) Not to mention the volt or two it might produce. People have had good luck using redline w-w or antifreeze.
[Modified by Cookwithvette, 2:06 AM 9/9/2002]
I'm into water-cooling computers. Using an aluminum waterblock and a copper core radiator will cause NASTY things. (tons of gunk buildup) Not to mention the volt or two it might produce. People have had good luck using redline w-w or antifreeze.
[Modified by Cookwithvette, 2:06 AM 9/9/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
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From: Plano TX
Re: Electrolysis in Alum Radiators? (flynhi)
I've been running alot of aluminum on mine for years. Waterpump, radiator, heads and intake. 50/50 tap water/dex-cool mix. Haven't changed it for 2.5 years and it still looks new. I think a electrolysis problem indicates some other issue with the car, like a bad ground.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Quincy IL
Re: Electrolysis in Alum Radiators? (zwede)
no expert here, but anytime you mix 2 metals together and add water, electrolysis can occur. i used to use distilled water with antifreeze, 50/50 mix for my part of the country is standard, i found flushing and changing the coolant often to be of more value. i use tap water and antifreeze,i hava a copper/brass Modine brand radiator, with an aluminum intake,180 stat and have no problems in 6 yrs, change the coolant every other year.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 774
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From: RI
Re: Electrolysis in Alum Radiators? (Gary79)
Some people say disconnecting battery when not in use helps protect against electrolysis. I'm not sure if this is true but I use a battery disconnect switch for this reason and also for fire safety reasons.
