Radiator Anodes.

Mando · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 12:30 AM

Has anyone installed a sacrificial anode into their aluminum radiator? If so where?

Regards.

sambo · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 01:50 AM

Mando, I read into (googled) this recently. Stray current, poorly earthed accessories, mixed coolant types - all contribute to corrosion of aluminium radiators. One particular forum post provided excellent information and is well worth a read.

http://www.qldstreetscene.com/forums...ium-radiators/

I'm aware this doesn't answer your question but thought I'd share the info anyway. It certainly helped me.

Cheers
Paul

Krait · #3 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 01:59 AM

Nice find Paul, very informative

Cheers

Hotfingrs · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 02:26 AM

After finding one of the outlets on my aluminum overflow tank eroded, I talked to a few people, and installed another ground strap from the motor to the frame. Took care of the problem.

Beejay · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 04:27 AM

Mando,

I have fitted an anode in the side of my alloy radiator. Not sure if it works, but I think it is a must with alloy engines. My last radiator only lasted thee months, even though there was no sign of a stray current....

Anodes are available from Summit.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLX-32060/

Cheers,

Ben

WKB · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 05:53 AM

On both of my Cobras I measured a potential difference of 50mv and a small current flow between the radiator and the chassis earth. One has a brass radiator and the other has a aluminium one. Once I earthed them, as expected, the potential between the radiator and the chassis earth was zero. I hope this will stop any electrolysis.
Although the Qld Street Scene forum did say that earthing the radiator did not help.
I also used the OEM coolant for the motors I have.

Warren

Mando · #7 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 07:19 AM

Thanks Paul/Ben, for posting the article, there's a lot of stuff in there I had no idea about and I ordered the anode kit a few minutes ago.

Regards.

Beejay · #8 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 04:08 PM

Happy to help Mando.

In the pic above you can just see the anode sticking out on the left side of the radiator half way up.

I can't remember what the thread size is but it was not hard to make up a threaded boss to weld in.

Ben

Sal Gerace · #9 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 06:16 PM

One company, forget which, sells an anode that replaced the petcock on the radiator. Do a search on amazon for sacrificial anode and it will come up.

Rick 427 Cobra · #10 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 08:20 PM

West Marine in the US or any marine supply store sell pencil or engine anodes that have pipe thread for the drain bung.
http://catalogs.westmarine.com/WebPr...&pagelabel=358
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