<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

thanks again

WOW! I stand corrected. My humble apologies. In that case I think I would look for an aluminum cored radiator.

Sean

There is an issue with many of the "newer" radiators.

The picture indicates corrosion in the cooling fins between the tubes. This is common in AC units as well as autos where there is a high salt content in the air; like when the unit spends most of its time within a mile of the coast.

The fins are aluminum and the corrosion is due to exposure to high salt content of the air.

There are (or were a few years ago) radiators that did not use aluminum fins. Of course, they are a little more for one than you would pay for two of the common variety.

I used to work in a Navy shipyard and our AC units were replaced annually due to salt corrosion. I went through a couple of radiators before finding one that was not cheap aluminum fins. Now, I have no problem as I no longer work at the ship yard. They still have AC problems but my radiator problems are solved.

Sean:

What ever you do... DO NOT go with an aluminum core radiator!!!

My motorhome had one and it was a high $$$ nightmare to get it fixed.

Copper-brass is the only way to go with a radiator. They are much less susceptible to internal and external corrosion issues.

How long since that radiator was new? IOW, how long did it take to get in such shape?

I agree that it looks like externally-caused damage. Perhaps road salt? Don't know what you could do about that in your area, other than running it through the car wash twice a week during the winter, and ask that they douch out the radiator from the front really well before the wash.

I was thinking maybe a solid aluminum one (like something from be cool) might do him the best, not one of the oem aluminum plastic ones. But either way I am glad I don't see that up here in CT thatÆs nuts.

Hi Rob, that radiator is at least 3 years old. Probably road salt like you mentioned. A light dusting of snow over here makes everyone panic. someone mentions snow and the plow comes down the block. Mamby pambies.
I figured one of those racing style radiators but you know what,....I dont want to spend a bundle. I guess I'll just go back to the autoparts store and buy a regular one. I just wondered if one brand name is better than another. And , which it might be.

Short story: I work in manholes in Brooklyn, once we had a job at a location where they stored road salt nearby. When we opened this rarely opened hole, the aluminum (and other mix of metal) splice case , about 24" x5" diameter, was in a beautiful silvery pile directly under the case, on the floor under some water. The phone cables were just hanging there, still working mind you. We realized the rain would wash the road salt right into the manhole and it disolved the metal case.

There is a item called a Zinc Bomb in the A/C field that might help you out. It derived from the marine boat industry. For dealing with corrosion on aluminum and other metals in the salt water.
The corrosive materials go to the ball of zinc instead of the other metals. You may want to check it out. They sell them in both air conditioning supply houses and boat stores.

Thats pretty interesting. My father has one somewhere on his boat. I just wonder if the disolved zinc has any affect on the inside of the water jacket or water pump area.

Then Zink thingies are called "sacrifical anodes" They are on every outboard engine. The idea is the zink sacrifices itself instead of the aluminum. Seems to work on all my outboards so far.
I'm not so sure one would work in your case. Maybe a zink screen in front of a radiator would help.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />