Re: Re: NOT CHANGING ANTIFREEZE REGULARLY

Posted by Ken McWilliams on October 22, 2000 at 10:08:35 from (152.163.194.181):

In Reply to: Re: NOT CHANGING ANTIFREEZE REGULARLY posted by Wayne Swenson on October 21, 2000 at 21:27:36:

Wayne,

I think one of the problems in a cooling sytem is the use of dissimilar metals. Primarily aluminum and iron. The different metals will establish a electolytic cell provide an electrolyte is present in the water.

In the plumbing trade, di-electric unions are required my most local codes when adapting copper to steel piping because of electrolytic action of the dis-similar metals. In a plumbed system of a house, for example, the electrolyte is continually present from the minerals in the water flowing through it.

In a closed system, however, without the introduction of new coolant the dissolved metals will saturate the system and reach an equilibrium.

My whole proposal is based upon a closed system. I've seen many aluminum water pumps and timing case covers very badly corroded. If the history of that particular vehicle is studied, however, the system has had events that allowed seveal coolant changes or just abuse.

My 86 F-250 had an aluminum radiator that was o-ring sealed to the plastic tanks. The EFI intake manifold was aluminum along with the timing case cover. I had to replace the timing chain at 100K miles that had the original antifreeze in it. Very little signs of corrosion.

I worked in a garage in my youth. Some people would nurse a leaky/punctured radiator for a long time before tring to make a lasting repair. These systems were badly corroded due to the high lime and oxygen frequently added to the system.

My 64 Ford Galaxie has an aluminum HI-PO intake manifold. It's been on since 1983. When sampling the water/antifreeze mix the solution has very little turbidity. A non-clear solutin is a good indicator of how badly the coolant is contaminated.

While here, I'll address Clooney's comments:
I'll agree with leaking combustion components into the coolant. When discovered, it must be repaired immediately. This introduces agents into the system that is corrosive.

Any system will have enough dissolved salts that will etch the surfaces. When it has been etched deeply, however, one must look for contaminants from combustion or frequent coolant changes to disrupt the equilibrium.

I think the etched o-rings were actually degradation caused by the exposure to high heat of the engine. Then, combined with the heat, and the exposure to the coolant, there will be a softening and actual dissolving of the o-ring. I believe Buna-N o-rings may have been used. Today these conditions require Viton o-rings.

Ken McWilliams

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