Corrosion protection non existent in some coolants!.
Submitted: Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 16:59
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Member - Axle
Have just pulled the head off a 4.0 L falcon motor, only to find it totally rotten with corrosion. Ok its done 350000ks, and the coolant has been changed,every pancake day, but its got me pondering now if it might be better to use straight corrosion additive only, with some of these alloy engines now, other than the anti freeze, anti boil, anti corrosion, mixture.
Cheers Axle.
Reply By: donks1 - Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 17:18
Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 17:18
ford had an issue a few years back ( late 90's ) with a lot of mechanics using cheap repco coolant when servicing and keeping the genuine coolant for themselves, causing massive corrosion. took them a while to work out why they were having so many problems..... cost them a fortune in warranty at the time.
only ever use genuine coolant. it may cost a bit more, but nothing compared to the cost of replacement head.. at least you r falcon head is cheap ( about $450 ).
could be a v6 engine or diesel and cost $1000.00's
donks
AnswerID:
221099
Reply By: Kiwi Kia - Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 18:57
Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 18:57
Read somewhere recently that you must not mix certain types of coolant as they react together. Anyone know more about this ?
AnswerID:
221117
Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 23:57
Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 23:57
Yep we had a problem with cressida's when imported from japan when I worked for toyota. Even though there coolant was the same colour as here (red) if mixed together it would turn to jelly and block the radiator which was noticeable by touching the radiator the top half would be hot, bottom cold and little water flow which was obviously indicated by it running hot. Just proved that the cooling system was not flushed properly when they were suppose to be other wise it would not be an issue. Steve M
FollowupID:
481876
Reply By: Member - Davoe (Nullagine) - Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 19:35
Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 19:35
do you use premix coolant? (commonly only runs 6.5% coolanrt instead of 50%) and if you mix your own do you use demin water?
AnswerID:
221126
Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 22:40
Sunday, Feb 11, 2007 at 22:40
Any stray current? This was discussed recently, but can cause cylinder head erosion as
well as radiator.
AnswerID:
221168
Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 22:17
Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 22:17
And regarding coolants, on old vehicles which don't get into freezing climate, I simple use the Castrol corrosion inhibitor. Cost about $5 to treat a radiator. Used it on the kids all alloy Subarus for many years without signs of corrosion. Of course you have to avoid mixing coolants.
But I gather the quality of alloy was questioned with some of the Fords.
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482071
Reply By: FZJ 80 - Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 22:38
Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 22:38
I remember using various coolants over the years. The one i remember most was a 20ltr drum of Nulon i used. I had several customers cars back and found disturbing corrosion, i formed the opinion it was green sea water!!
To be truthful the absolute best i have found has been the european coolants, dark blue in colour used by BMW,Merc Benz etc. Usually supplied in 1.5l bottles and good value. Used to buy it for $8 Bottle , I think it's about $15 retail from BMW.
Regards
Greg
AnswerID:
221323