Radiator Coolant
RADIATOR COOLANT PROCEDURE
RECOMMENDED RADIATOR COOLANT PROCEDURE
An explanation of the importance of correct radiator coolant for 4 stroke combustion engines.
Coolant prior to the 1970 was almost a non event. The cooling system requirements for almost all vehicles was satisfied by the addition of a cup full of soluble oil. As long as the water pump had a little lubrication the requirements were satisfied. Times have changed and the modern engine require a sophisticated coolant formula to satisfy current engines needs. The complexity of the problems the modern radiator coolant has to cope with has led to the birth of a new industry. Many companies are jockeying for a position in the market that modern engine design have created.
Much research has taken place to determine what cocktail of chemicals best controls the problems of corrosion, hot spot boiling and stray current erosion. A little soluble oil does not fill the requirements of modern motor vehicles. The inhibitor industry is continually doing research to formulate products that offer maximum protection.
CORROSION (chemical): The change in engine design and the move to lighter alloys as the main metal used in cylinder head castings has made it necessary to ensure that the coolant does not corrode the components. Modern motor vehicles are built in a very competitive market . Some manufacturers have used different quality alloy castings, some of which tend to corrode more than others. What is corrosion and how does it occur in relation to alloy heads, blocks, water-pumps and housings?
The scientific explanation of metal corrosion is the “chemical change in which metal changes from the elementary state to a combined state.”
In the case of engines this change normally involves expense and damage.
Corrosion generally takes place at a greater rate at the position of the boundaries of the metal grain, (water ways and drillings) rather than at the interiors. (solid water jackets)
Aluminum and zinc oxides are soluble in alkali solutions. This indicates the importance of the pH. level of the coolant.
The pH (measurement of Positively charged Hydrogen atoms) of liquid uses distilled water @ 22 degrees Celsius as the standard. The pH of the distilled water is 7. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14 so if we let the coolant’s pH drop below neutral (acidic) or above neutral (alkaline) we must expect increased corrosion activity of metals.
HOT SPOT BOILING (erosion): Until recently this problem was not recognised as the major cause of erosion in modern alloy heads and blocks.
This type of erosion is very recognisable as concentrated isolated areas of severe erosion of water ways commonly down the exhaust side of the head.
Often it may occur in only one or two waterways leaving all the other waterways crisp and as good as new. This fact alone indicates that the erosion is not chemical corrosion but the resultant damage caused by implosion of oxygen bubbles formed during hot spot boiling. The only prevention available is the addition of glycol at a 50% by volume to the coolant. This glycol will raise the boiling point so reducing the incident of hot spot boiling. In cold climates glycol will also act as an anti-freeze. Lower than this 50% ratio mix the effectiveness of glycol will be reduced. Where ever hot spot boiling is a problem a “type A coolant” should be used. Type “B” coolants will eventually be phased out as only lighter and more powerful engines are produced raising the incident of “hot spot boiling.” Erosion from hot spot boiling is found commonly down the exhaust side of an alloy cylinder head water jackets. This erosion lacks the tell-tale white oxide found with alloy corrosion. (much sharper edges than corrosion)
Diesel engines can suffer a similar form of erosion on wet liners. These liners are cast iron. This condition is again caused by the implosion of small oxygen bubbles on the cylinder walls. The difference in diesels is that the bubbles are formed by the violent action of diesel combustion.( similar to the bubbles that form in a drum of water if you were to bang on the side of the drum with a hammer.) This diesel liner erosion has the appearance of a multitude of small holes in a concentrated area.
Even with the use of the correct heavy duty coolant, the aggressiveness of this type of erosion necessitates the repositioning of the liner at service intervals. The erosion is predominately on the thrust side of the liner. If the wet liner is operated in the same position for long enough the erosion will eventually form a hole into the cylinder with disastrous results.(hydraulic bending of the con rod and severe overheating)
STRAY CURRENTS: This again is a problem that has only recently become commonly recognisable as a fact in the auto industry.
This problem has been addressed in the marine industry for many years. The addition of salt water to the environment has set certain standard in place to slow down or prevent corrosion damage in the marine industry. Motor vehicles can suffer similar problems but not to the extent boats do. In boats every component involved is separately wired back to the negative terminal of the battery.
Stray currents exist in the cooling system of an engine when some of the supply power uses the coolant as a path or partial path back to the negative or earth battery terminal. The best prevention against stray current corrosion is to ensure all earth contact points are paint and dirt free. Tight, clean earth positions have to be maintained . Additional earth straps are sometimes helpful on affected components such as alloy cylinder heads. Stray currents can be measured and the allowable limit is .05 of a volt. These potential serious stray currents can be kept to a harmless level where no noticeable damage is evident.
“HOT” SERVICE TIPS FOR COOLANT:
(1) Never mix coolants as some combinations can cause problems.
(2) When replacing the coolant, always remove all coolant by flushing with the heater in the “on” position.
(3) Always use de- mineralised water to mix coolant.
(4) If in doubt always use type “A” coolant.(refer to manufacturer’s specifications)
(5) Use a coolant that is glycol based.
(6) Check glycol % level.
(7) Check for stray currents.
(8) Change coolant at recommended periods.
(9) Dispose of coolant responsibly. Check with your local and state authorities. Never dispose of coolant to storm water or sewerage systems.
(10) Always pressure test cooling system after service.
CAUTION!
Caution should be shown when working on hot cooling systems to prevent burns. Don’t remove pressure caps on hot systems. Always reduce pressure before removing radiator or header tank cap. If in doubt have a competent auto mechanic check your system. These services are best left to an auto shop as specialised equipment and disposal facilities are required.
: Every care has been taken in writing this information and procedures, but no responsibility can be excepted for errors, omissions or misuse of this information and procedures. The information available on this site is for your instruction only and cannot be copied for sale, © copyright 2020 UMR Engines www.engineproblem.com.au