29 replies to this topic

[Zauskycop]

So I ended up with a leak in my SD Radiator, and it was a bunch (15?) of pinholes (not a major problem) and one large leak that finally settled it. Bought a new SD radiator and due to a thread on the old site, I checked for electrolysis. Well, there it was at about .4 volts, which they say is bad. I then disconnected the battery and checked again...and it stayed at .4!!! Well, now it seems to be what they call "Type B Electrolysis". Would anyone have an idea on how to attack this?? I surely don't want to go through a radiator too quickly...

Any tips on additives, or other things to get rid of this?

[Johnny D]

Just did a search. I'm sure other will have there ideas.

Summary: I suggest a three prong approach. 1) Treat the problem in place (The Flush). 2) Distract your adversary (The Anode). 3) Chemically suppress any "bounce back" (The Arrestor). It's as easy as One-Two-Three.

http://www.sancarlos...lectrolysis.htm


IMO, I had a SD and wouldn't buy another.
J~

[Tom Hampton]

Type B is caused by acidic coolant.

I'd flush your coolant system with distilled water a couple of times. Refill, and recheck. What additive do you use: antifreeze, water wetter, etc?

[Johnny D]

I hope no one is using Antifreeze and knows why.
J~

[Zauskycop]

Using Distilled and water wetter, and yes...a good flush is in order. Time to buy a few gallons of distilled water. Okay, more than a few ;-)

[Johnny D]

Just reading this myself, I'm a little confused now.

"Generally distilled water is not used, as it tends to be "hungry water" looking for ions, creating more problems that it solves."

Somebody care to comment?
J~

[Keith Novak]

Just reading this myself, I'm a little confused now.

"Generally distilled water is not used, as it tends to be "hungry water" looking for ions, creating more problems that it solves."

Somebody care to comment?
J~

Crud dissolves in water but at some point it's full of crud. (There's only so much sugar you can dissolve in your Kool-aid.) When it's nice and clean there's lots of room for it to dissolve bad ionized crud. If it's already full of neutral crud like antifreeze, there's less room for it to dissolve the bad crud. Antifreeze is bad for race tracks. Point being: Replace your $.80 a gallon distilled water somewhat regularly so it doesn't get full of bad crud.

[mmcspecracer]

I hope no one is using Antifreeze and knows why.
J~

[FTodaro]

Just reading this myself, I'm a little confused now.

"Generally distilled water is not used, as it tends to be "hungry water" looking for ions, creating more problems that it solves."

Somebody care to comment?
J~

I must have missed it as I use Distilled water!

[ChrisA]

I must have missed it as I use Distilled water!

If you run WaterWetter or anti-freeze it acts as a solution reducing the amount of leaching that could occur with straight distilled water. Running tap water raises the possibility of mineral deposits forming in the cooling system, depending on your water. Pick your poison. I use distilled and WaterWetter.

[Johnny D]

Guys/Gals, Antifreeze is bad for the track, hard to clean up, and slippery.

I'm not sure if it's in the GCR but it should be.
J~

http://multimedia.fo...-antifreeze.htm

[ChrisA]

Guys/Gals, Antifreeze is bad for the track, hard to clean up, and slippery.

I'm not sure if it's in the GCR but it should be.
J~

Yes, hopefully most know that it is slippy stuff. I mentioned it in soley context of the mineral leaching effect of straight distilled water. I don't think you could completely ban antifreeze though, as many encounter sub-freezing temps at late Fall & early Spring events.

[Tom Hampton]

Yes, of course. However, antifreeze contains anti corrosion additives. So, it is advisable to store the car with antifreeze and switch have to water wetter before going to the track.

[ChrisA]

Yes, of course. However, antifreeze contains anti corrosion additives. So, it is advisable to store the car with antifreeze and switch have to water wetter before going to the track.

That's the way I do it. Luckily WaterWetter also contains anti-corrosion & lubricating additives. I imagine down your way you could leave that combo in year round.

[Tom Hampton]

The crazy thing is how much snow we've gotten the last few years.

[Johnny D]

Nick, show them your rad.
..........
I guess he's shy.
http://trackspeedeng...bc9d9936c9428d6
J~

[dstevens]

Guys/Gals, Antifreeze is bad for the track, hard to clean up, and slippery.

I'm not sure if it's in the GCR but it should be.
J~

http://multimedia.fo...-antifreeze.htm

I would have thought it would be in the GCR but it's not. Looks to be legal. Poor practice though using glycol based coolants in a race car. At The Bullring they'd fine you and send you home or suspend the next race if caught using glycol. To get it off the circuit they'd use one of those long propane torches and some oil dry.

[Tom Hampton]

Nick, show them your rad.
..........
I guess he's shy.
http://trackspeedeng...bc9d9936c9428d6
J~

That's a pretty trick looking piece! Wish I'd know about that before I got my Koyo.

[Brandon]

Also, if you've been experiencing type-B electrolysis, you may be best served by running a number of routines of white vinegar through the system.
This should assist in moving through any impurities that weren't suspended in the coolant to be flushed out. With my cooling system issues so far this year I plan on running about 2+ gallons worth of vinegar through the system. At least a half gallon of vinegar per flush cycle with a cycle being half-gallon of vinegar, fill with water (doesn't need to be distilled I hope), run the car for 20+ minutes at 3k+ RPM with the heater blowing hard.

Whether it's the multiple flushes or the vinegar doing "something", I hope to be flushing "clear" water once I'm done.

And as an alternative to the recommended water wetter (Redline, Royal Purple, whatever brand you happen to find), I'm also trying this product this year.
Joe Gibbs Coolant System Protector

Their propaganda indicates it mitigates issues in running non-distilled water (and conceivably the issues with electrolysis) while providing similar properties to any of the above water additives.
One bottle treats 5 gallons so you'd potentially be getting 2 system fills per bottle with these aftermarket radiators.

Good luck with your issue. I'm almost confident I've finally solved my cooling issue that cropped up this year.
Brandon

[fishguyaz]

Guys/Gals, Antifreeze is bad for the track, hard to clean up, and slippery.

I'm not sure if it's in the GCR but it should be.
J~

http://multimedia.fo...-antifreeze.htm

Johnny,
about 25 years ago i used to roadrace motorcycles.
before going on track ALL bikes went through tech, EVERY weekend.
they had all bikes open the raditor cap and look for anti freeze which was not allowed .
they said it was more slippery than oil when dumped on the track.
not sure why it would be allowed to be used in cars on the track.

so is there any difference between using distilled water in the system and using R/O water?

I ask because i have an R/O system at the house.