Aluminum radiator

[HO455]

Originally Posted by cardude

Man, I've been reading on this anode subject and now my head's about to explode! LOTS of opinions!! If you want read some good debate check out this forum thread:

http://forums.corral.net/forums/gene...1046473?page=1
Posted via Mobile Device

It's real. I have worked in the commercial marine industry for decades and there isn't an engine in our fleet that operates without zincs in the cooling system. They come installed from the engine manufacturers and we service them regularly. (Usually on a hours ran schedule) Putting cast iron and brass and copper and aluminum in a stream of moving water causes electrolysis. Additives wear out without warning and you have no protection. I have seen 1/8 thick aluminum housings eaten through from the inside a matter of months. This was on a generator that ran 12 hours day everyday). The more you operate the engine the more protection you need. Daily drivers need to change antifreeze yearly and and zincs are good for peace of mind. Now if you live in the north and have a block heater installed then a zinc is really a must as you have added an other source of electrolysis to the cooling system and it can wear out the coolant additives if there is current leakage when the heater is operating.