Radiator Electrolysis

Yesterday, I read an article in Popular Mechanics about a person that
had a problem with electroysis occuring in his radiator. It cause a new
radiator to corrode in just a few months. The coolant inlet connector
actually crumbled.

I had never heard of this. How does electrical current occur in the
radiator, and how can it be detected and fixed?

-Kirk Matheson

 

Do a websearch on "electrochemical corrosion". Electron transfer among
metals with different electrostatic potentials is the root mechanism. The
antifreeze-coolant chemistry specified for any particular system will have
corrosion inhibitors specifically effective with whatever mix of metals is
in that system. It sounds as if the victim in the PM article did one or
more of the following:

-Used plain water or an insufficient concentration of coolant/antifreeze
-Used the wrong type of coolant/antifreeze for the system
-Bought an inferior (Chinese?) radiator.

DS

 

"Bought an inferior (Chinese?) radiator."

Hay, I resemble that remark. The Chinese radiator I just put in my 01 PT
Cruiser is still doing fine, thank you. [My one week in service report].

Actually, the guys who inspected it said it looked better than many they
have seen from Asia. The good old North American radiator in my Cruiser did
not last and that had the correct fluid loaded.

Richard.