Electrolysis Issue
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 3
Electrolysis Issue
My Mishimoto aluminum radiator started leaking on my 09 base model and upon inspection there were black streaks on the fins where the coolant is leaking. I did some research and learned of electrolysis. I used a multimeter and stuck one end into the reservoir (the aluminum fill cap is hard to access) and connected the other end to the battery ground. I got a steady reading of about 2.50v. I cycled my lights and horns. The turn indicators bump the voltage to about 2.60v, the high beams to about 2.65v, and the actual headlights to about 2.75v. The horn bumped the voltage to about 2.60v as well. I'm using Prestone Dexcool and distilled water. About a year ago I replaced the fan shroud connector with a 100w connector due to the OEM one melting at the middle pin (a common issue in warm climates). I understand that a sacrificial anode is a temporary bandaid that I can slap on the issue for now so I don't start destroying my new radiator. Anyone else experience something similar? Can this issue simply be fixed by grounding the radiator? It seems that I must be grounding bad somewhere else.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 413
Likes: 167
From: KS
I know you said you have done some research, here is more information for you. Suggest completely flushing your coolant, replace with 50-50 distilled water and dexcool antifreeze, and be sure your engine block and battery are grounded well to the frame then recheck the voltage. I would not connect the radiator to ground if it wasn't engineered that way, it may make your problem worse. Good luck and keep us posted on the result
https://www.motortrend.com/news/keep...st%20be%20bare.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/keep...st%20be%20bare.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 3,335
Likes: 1,933
From: Ulta Vista, AZ
Ooohhhhh the joys of electrolysis! I just spent $20k fixing my boat this year due to it. Haven’t really thought about it in a car, but it can create quite the bit of havoc in boats for sure.
if you are interested to see just how bad, I can post a video of my boat to show you how bad the damage got for entertainment purposes.
if you are interested to see just how bad, I can post a video of my boat to show you how bad the damage got for entertainment purposes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 808
Likes: 286
From: Johns Creek, Georgia
Ooohhhhh the joys of electrolysis! I just spent $20k fixing my boat this year due to it. Haven’t really thought about it in a car, but it can create quite the bit of havoc in boats for sure.
if you are interested to see just how bad, I can post a video of my boat to show you how bad the damage got for entertainment purposes.
if you are interested to see just how bad, I can post a video of my boat to show you how bad the damage got for entertainment purposes.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 541
From: Sarasota FL
St. Jude Donor '25-'26
Electrolysis corrosion is easily confused with Galvanic corrosion.
Search both and the solutions to avoid either.
For example there would be no electrolysis corrosion if there is no voltage difference between dissimilar metals i.e. better grounds.
Search both and the solutions to avoid either.
For example there would be no electrolysis corrosion if there is no voltage difference between dissimilar metals i.e. better grounds.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 3
I know you said you have done some research, here is more information for you. Suggest completely flushing your coolant, replace with 50-50 distilled water and dexcool antifreeze, and be sure your engine block and battery are grounded well to the frame then recheck the voltage. I would not connect the radiator to ground if it wasn't engineered that way, it may make your problem worse. Good luck and keep us posted on the result
https://www.motortrend.com/news/keep...st%20be%20bare.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/keep...st%20be%20bare.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 3
I guess my coolant is holding a charge.
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Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 3
Update
I figured out the issue. It seems the dowty seal washer was worn and causing a small leak at the drain plug. This caused an eventual trickle over the rubber feet that grounded the radiator to the core support. This caused the electrical current which eventually made the radiator fins leak up above which masked the small leak from the drain plug. What a nightmare.
