Radiator failure

[Loubaruch]

I mentioned on the TVR Classics Forum that while my 1600M radiator has lasted some 20 years following a recondition, radiators in my previously owned S3 and current Griffith only seem to last a few years.

Adrian Venn (M Series expert) remarked that the S3 and Grif rads having plastic cooling fans attached that generate static electricity and that causes premature failure presumably through arcing to an earth. The cure apparently is to earth the metal rad to the chassis.

This is the first time I have heard of this problem are others aware?

[yellowgriff]

Ive never heard of this on any car,,,,,,

[Barreti]

Nope, never heard of it myself and my rad hasn't been changed in 5 years of ownership.

Surely all those Kenlowe fans on Landrovers etc and god knows how many other cars would have rads bursting all over the place if it was true.

[Aussie John]

My own thoughts are that a rad. is normally mounted on edge but the Griff one is closer to flat, there is much less ridgidity this way and with the fans on top to load and flex it even more its no wonder they fail more frequently.

[ESDavey]

Save this thread for 1at April ! I cant believe static arcing would wear through a radiator .... could it ?

[Bluebottle]

I think you'll find it has more to do with chassis flex and the fact that the bottom is mounted of the chassis and the top to the tub (on the Griff iicr)

[Adrian@]

Boys...please.....Electrolysis? is the result of electricity running through your cooling system. This causes an electrochemical charge, resulting in swift corrosion and severe damage to your cooling system's components including pitting, discoloration, flaking, and pinholes. Electrolysis will usually occur if there is a defective or missing ground on one of the potential electrical sources....Adrian@
I have been prudently earthing out radiators that have fans surface mounted for plus 25 years...sad but true.
Edited for an admission of Plagiarised text...

Edited by Adrian@ on Friday 3rd December 18:05

[yellowgriff]

ESDavey said:

Save this thread for 1at April ! I cant believe static arcing would wear through a radiator .... could it ?

X2

[spend]

Adrian@ said:

Boys...please.....Electrolysis? is the result of electricity running through your cooling system. This causes an electrochemical charge, resulting in swift corrosion and severe damage to your cooling system's components including pitting, discoloration, flaking, and pinholes. Electrolysis will usually occur if there is a defective or missing ground on one of the potential electrical sources....Adrian@
I have been prudently earthing out radiators that have fans surface mounted for plus 25 years...sad but true.
Edited for an admission of Plagiarised text...

Edited by Adrian@ on Friday 3rd December 18:05

Surely adding an earth actually completes the circuit for the rad to be an anode?

[Adrian@]

Earthing allows the dissipation of the currents generated by the fans motors.
Adrian@
Obviously with nothing better to do with my time than to add a piece of wire to 200-300+ odd cars...LOL

Edited by Adrian@ on Friday 3rd December 18:54

[Loubaruch]

Ok not arcing but as Adrian explained the leaks are caused through electrolytic action.

This guy has forgotten more about TVR's than most owners would learn in a lifetime. I am more than happy to accept his arguement and his undoubted experience. He has an excellent track record.

[quattrophenia]

Adrian@ said:

Boys...please.....Electrolysis? is the result of electricity running through your cooling system. This causes an electrochemical charge, resulting in swift corrosion and severe damage to your cooling system's components including pitting, discoloration, flaking, and pinholes. Electrolysis will usually occur if there is a defective or missing ground on one of the potential electrical sources....Adrian@
I have been prudently earthing out radiators that have fans surface mounted for plus 25 years...sad but true.
Edited for an admission of Plagiarised text...

Edited by Adrian@ on Friday 3rd December 18:05

So it's effectively doing the opposite of galvanisation?

[Loubaruch]

Barreti said:

Nope, never heard of it myself and my rad hasn't been changed in 5 years of ownership.

Surely all those Kenlowe fans on Landrovers etc and god knows how many other cars would have rads bursting all over the place if it was true.

No, the LandRovers have a steel shell and thus earth the radiators directly.

Measured my Griffith radiator and it is completely isolated electrically from the chassis not surprising as it is fixed entirely to the fibre glass body. And have just noticed a pin hole leak. First task after a recore will be a good earth cable. Thanks Adrian!