[Fot] Aluminum Radiators and Electrolysis

[REK46 at aol.com]

Just about all cars made since 1990 are aluminum rads,most with cast iron 
engines...just make sure that where you attach it to the frame is isolated with 
paint or some non-conductive material so you don't build a spot of galvanic 
corrosion.Aluminum and steel plus water will corrode as such and the aluminum 
will be the sacrificial substrate....the race rads are custom built with much 
heavier walls on the tanks,tubes and fins,than street cars have, where thinner is 
less costly when millions of units are made...you also notice that factory 
assemblies have plastic end tanks and are isolated in mounting with rubber 
grommets for corrosion  and vibration longevity....but these are built to withstand 
min 10 yr accelerated salt spray standards,etc....you shud have no prob with 
yours even with the brass fitting(as I have too) with 16 yrs on it....yu can 
use any std current anti-freeze,or water and water-wetter,or corrosion 
inhibitor additive,they all meet alum rad SAE stds now...but if you blow a head 
gasket,the water is better to deal with than getting glycol all over the inside 
block....Rick....Alcan Aluminum  Sales/Tech Auto Mgr...Heat Exch Prods Div....ret.