Aluminum radiator question

[Barfyspitz]

 i'm in the process of replacing my original radiator for an aluminum one. after buying all these parts I found out that electrical current can trash  the radiator itself?  how do I ensure this does not happen and how does electrical current get into the coolant?

[A383Wing]

current goes from battery, through cable, through the block, and into the coolant....

You can try a zinc anode to counter-act the electrolysis, but I have never had to do this to mine

[polywideblock]

                     you can get sacrificial anodes that screw into the rad drain plug hole or intake 

                     http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radiator-Corrosion-Inhibiting-zinc-anode-/321746177644?hash=item4ae9910e6c&vxp=mtr

                 

or a rad cap with the same
         http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sacrificial-Anode-Radiator-Cap-Stops-Electrolysis-RC-30-VE-LABS-RadCap-/281495835645?hash=item418a7593fd&vxp=mtr

           

  anyone that has seen electrolysis on a alloy boat knows its a  real   problem   
                                       

[green69rt]

Geez, another thing to worry about!!!

[Barfyspitz]

Thank you for your tips. Yes just when you think you know what you are doing...lol

[A383Wing]

big problem in boats, never seen an issue on vehicles

[polywideblock]

found this online covers everything      http://www.qldstreetscene.com/forums/topic/18015-electrolysis-and-aluminium-radiators/

[squeakfinder]

   And use Distilled water with the antifreeze. Instructions on mine stated make sure the radiator is grounded. Although I would think it would be mounted to the radiator support.

[Joshua]

I've had an aluminum radiator in my car for 20 years....never have I ever even considered electricity being a problem with corrosion. And guess what....there's no problem...I use plain old green antifreeze and tap water.

[A383Wing]

I've had an aluminum radiator in my car for 20 years....never have I ever even considered electricity being a problem with corrosion. And guess what....there's no problem...I use plain old green antifreeze and tap water.

  It's more of a problem on boats that are in sea water, connected to 110v shore power, and 12v battery power that the electrolysis occurs....I have not had any issues in vehicles for the road

[Ghoste]

Since most every new car now has several aluminum products from blocks, heads and rads, I have to wonder how many of them are grounded?

[firefighter3931]

I use the zinc anode in mine with an aluminum radiator and the last time I looked at it the thing was pretty chewed up (corroded) 

I won't run an aluminum rad without one. 


Ron