A New Use for the Multimeter
I have stumbled across some technical information regarding cooling system.
Asking the forum in general, if you find these inserts of mine, I have been recently making, overbearing and OTT, please say so, I can do “BUTT OUT”.
Whilst being a technical student and in all the years of being a mechanic, I have never come across any mention of electrolysis; certainly when it came to coolants in the radiator system.
Could this be a case of the “Blind leading the Blind”; before I get a volley of insults and accusations, I am not alleging the forum to be Blind, it is a figure of speech – understand?
Reading these two articles; I have no sense on how the issue is of importance or has it any consideration within the European Motor Industry? I intend to follow up on this topic a bit more.
It does seem apparent to me, that the German Engineers' probably have been aware, considering the earthing straps, one may have noticed attached to radiator frames.
The first attached link is, in my opinion, a very well written piece on the subject and extremely clear and concise. Please do read that for a brief, but informative article. The second link is more detailed but does give more information; I was very surprised to learn, my own concepts were wrong. I now stand corrected! It was in the belief using mineralised water to mix to anti-freeze was a good thing, how wrong, I have been, there is more to it than, just that, read on and see if you pick up on the point.
My conviction in using mineralised water was due to the fact it would not cause furring in the radiator cores, but this just highlights how a little knowledge can be illusive and in some instances dangerous.
This brings me to the point of dealership practices. I do know for a fact, even dealerships, when renewing coolant at the scheduled intervals (every two years, for Mercedes spec. antifreeze) do not fully empty out the coolant system to replenish with a new charge. They do not drain the block, only the radiator.
None of the dealers, or for that matter the UK Garage industry, do not have a flushing and coolant replenishing machine, as mentioned in the second, attached article. The article, at one point, has mentioned a flushing machine; that even up to 36 hours of flushing may not neutralise the coolant system of electrolysis.
I do intend to look into this topic in more detail and will report on my finds to the forum.
Please do provide feedback on these types of topics and interests, or am I going to do "BUTT OUT".
Cheers,
http://www.ehow.com/how_5890276_test-antifreeze-using-volt-meter.html
http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/electrolysis.htm
Most of this one is a bit over my head, not being great at that side of things, but I thought the vibration one really useful and have copied, pasted and printed it for future reference. You are the technical rep so there should be no need to 'butt out' as you say people could suggest. Just ignore them if they do, but I doubt if anyone would
Personally I think things like this are a really good idea on an enthusasts forum
Hi
there is a product by Redline Oils called "Waterwetter" used in rally cars and in other coolant systems ie standby generators where heaters maintain a constant water temperature to enable 4 second starts in all weathers ...it is supposed to stop the "mixed metals" electrolysis .. steel and aluminium for example..must be.a similar action to the effects of the sacrificial block on a GRP hulled boat
Hi Rakesh,
Your articles are informative, especially this one.........in the classic car circles, flushing the block is 'supposed' to be done with flushing the radiator and use of some slight anti-calcite build up chemicals is not unheard of...although I must admit to never having done it. I found the articles well worth a read. Thanks.
Phileas
Hello
it makes perfect sense but chemistry was never my strong point. The first article I thought I might go out with my multimeter tomorrow and try.
I'll let you know how I get on
Years ago, I had a Moggy pick-up that I suspect was suffering from that problem, but I didn't know at the time
Thank you for all your comments and contributions, it very nice to learn that the GWOA has a very informed and informative membership. We are fortunate to have you as members - keep it up.
Regards,
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Thank you for your reply,
I shall take that on board and you may want to know that I am working on draft to cover Handbrake adjustments for those who may have interest.
Without sounding partronising or sexist, I will pay more attention to keep things simpler to understand; hence in the above published article; the first one I have suggested people to read up on, is in fact, written by a woman and she has covered the topic with such simplicity, clarity, and easy reading, I wish my English at school was that easy, may be I could have achieved more in life.
May I ask, as you have said this topic is over your head, but do you understand the implications of the topic? If you have questions, please feel free to ask, or put it to me on the PM.
Effectively, electrolysis in the coolant system means errossion of the engine and radiator internal surfaces causing damage leading to blockages in radiators, which could lead upto engine overheating and related engine damage. For the engines, the errossion leads to fluid leakages and head gasket failures.
The fluid, i.e coolant in the cooling system comprising of a 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze and water becomes an electrolyte and at the ionic level it means, a chemical reaction occurs causing the transference of materials in the system.
I need to sign off now, let me know of any short comings, I will try and address them.
Cheers,