Radiator Electrolysis

[Waysideman]

Has anyone any knowledge of this problem?
New radiator fitted 15 months ago developed a leak, replaced under warranty. The new radiator fitted is now leaking. The radiator manufacturer suspects that electrolysis is the cause. Anybody any knowledge of this?

 

[box]

A quick check with a multimeter will reveal any faults.

It's not common but it does happen. Can be a pain to fix and unfortunately for you, every other component in the cooling system will also have been compromised.

 

[Rod Dumbreck]

Im sure it happens, but I have asked quite a few people to explain how, and they usually just shrug. We've all made bubbles with a 1.5v battery and a couple of wires and as the post above, if you are testing common/neutral to earth it's common to see a voltage. We now have a system where it's common to mix copper, steel and plastic in the same pipework and I think there is plenty of room for unforeseen effects. My O level chemistry is too rusty to give any explanation.

 

[Lincs Lass]

Cavitation could cause it , air bubbles popping will eventually ware the the cores away .

 

[Pistonbroke]

Just had a valtra rad re cored,there was a patch about three inches wide near the top corroded and turned porous. Strange that about ten separate tubes all went the same way, could be similar issue

 

[Rod Dumbreck]

Just had a valtra rad re cored,there was a patch about three inches wide near the top corroded and turned porous. Strange that about ten separate tubes all went the same way, could be similar issue

Was that aluminium or copper? and could it have started from the outside?

 

[Pistonbroke]

Was that aluminium or copper? and could it have started from the outside?

Copper I assume. Crusty green patch, maybe had a blockage and festered from outside,I don't know. £1400 for a new one or £640 to refurb with , supposedly,better quality core