Aluminum Radiator Leaking

[jhwkns]

Alloy radiators often fail due to vibration, although I've had good luck with them. I bought a HD 4-core radiator from Checker Auto Parts around 27 years ago. Did I mention that I love 'lifetime warranties'? They replaced the traditional unit twice for me. Upon needing a new replacement, the third one was aluminum with a single core. I wasn't thrilled but being that it was my only option for a free replacement, I installed it. My truck never ran so cool, and its 12 years old now and going strong.

If you put 'stop leak' in there, it'll likely plug up the heater core. Replace it if you can.

[wsurf4me]

Any recommendations for new radiator? Brand preference? Seems like almost everything out there is aluminum.

[Joyridin]

Originally Posted by wsurf4me

Any recommendations for new radiator? Brand preference? Seems like almost everything out there is aluminum.

I bought one of these for my truck. I think Summit also sells them.

https://powercoolmfg.com/street-and-...nce-radiators/

[LS short box]

I've used Be Cool, Griffin and Afco with good luck on my LS swaps.
My 98 Wrangler with a LS6/4L60E swap has 16 years on it. It's a Griffin I bought from Novak conversions out of UT.

[Rich69shortfleet]

Originally Posted by Sicklajoie

I've used these... just relabeled Bar's Leak.

GM throws these in the coolant at the factory of every LS engine. That should tell you something.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by PbFut

Aluminum radiators will have problems with electrolysis if not isolated. After mounting and before hoses are attached, check for grounding. If there IS continuity to ground look for metal to metal contact and correct. Not only will you avoid electrolysisdamage, you will eliminate a possible rub point were vibration could create a hole.

I have seen this said before. Fine that the radiator is isolated. I agree with rubberized mounts for vibration. Okay the radiator is isolated electrically as well. When water is added to system does that not complete the circuit to ground through the motor and it's grounds? Not a challenge, just would like to know why not?

[PbFut]

Yes, I thought the same thing when told. It is why I say to do the electrical check prior to fill. The electrolysis effect is not as damaging when passing through the water, apparently. Maybe the connection being more spread out or maybe that the damaging electrolysis occurs when unlike metals are contacting with current passing between. Not sure the real reason. A custom build radiator shop in Arizona passed on the tip to me years ago. I've always followed it and have had very good success with all my aluminum radiator swaps.

[Steeveedee]

Antifreeze makes the coolant less conductive. So does water pump lubricant containing water soluble oil (SOL). If you put SOL in the cooling system, it sticks to the inside surfaces as a thin film that insulates against galvanic corrosion but is thin enough not to interfere much with cooling. There are probably newer chemicals that work better, though?

Remember that straight water is better for cooling?

[HalfBrit]

Not sure if this is relevant to the conversation, but they have sacrificial anodes for aluminum radiators that are supposed to help with the corrosion issues in the system.
https://flex-a-lite.com/flex-a-lite-...inc-anode.html

[Steeveedee]

I've seen those. If you were sure to never encounter freezing temperatures, you could run one of these with straight water.

[PbFut]

I've always used distilled water and minimum mix of antifreeze for pump lubrication given i live in a area that does not get cold enough to freeze. It is likely high mineral content water is also a killer of aluminum.

[Joyridin]

Originally Posted by PbFut

Yes, I thought the same thing when told. It is why I say to do the electrical check prior to fill. The electrolysis effect is not as damaging when passing through the water, apparently. Maybe the connection being more spread out or maybe that the damaging electrolysis occurs when unlike metals are contacting with current passing between. Not sure the real reason. A custom build radiator shop in Arizona passed on the tip to me years ago. I've always followed it and have had very good success with all my aluminum radiator swaps.

Distilled water has no ions, so it will not transfer electricity very well at all.