2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Radiator Rot?

[Roger Ledbetter]

I was under the hood the other day checking fluid levels before a trip and noticed for the first time that the cooling fins right at the top of the radiator were discolored, not rusty but just like the black paint was missing. I went to touch it and the fins just crumpled into dust. I only messed with a small effected area. I noticed last summer when I changed coolant the paint was starting to come off the top of the radiator but no big deal... . now I am worried.

Is my radiator rotting? The inside looked fine the last time I checked. It only seems to be the upper front area that the fins are going. What the heck is up? And more important what shall I do about it? Only 70K on my baby, sure does not seem like time for a new cooling system.

Thanks, Roger

 

[illflem]

Roger, this might not be the problem but it is cheap and easy to check.



Here's a part of a bulletin I received pertaining to replacing an electrolysis/acid damaged radiator.



Electrolysis



What is it? Chemical change, especially decomposition, produced in an electrolyte by an electric current.



What causes it? Most likely it is caused by improper vehicle grounding. Electrical grounding problems can stem from poor installation of aftermarket accessories or uncorrected vehicle collision damages.



How to detect it? First, test your antifreeze with ph test paper. It should be neutral or some what alkaline. If the coolant has been effected by a stray current it will be acidic. Another way to test would be with a voltage meter to see if there is a difference in the coolant voltage and your vehicle ground.



How do you fix it? 1) You must find and correct the electrical problem (stray current). 2) You will need to completely flush your entire cooling system. Acidic contaminated antifreeze left in the engine block will eventually ruin another radiator. 3) Once the new radiator is installed, you must use only new quality antifreeze and distilled water. Never use recycled antifreeze or tap water. 4) Once everything is installed properly you need to retest the system, insuring the coolant is neutral to alkaline.