How does electrolysis affect the cooling system?
Electrolysis in the Cooling System. As coolant breaks down, it becomes acidic. It also acts like a catalyst for electrical current. A small amount of electrical current can flow through the coolant corroding the lesser metal; often an aluminum part like the water pump or engine coolant outlet.
What causes electrolysis corrosion?
This can be a reason for stray electrical currents inside the coolant system, especially if there is a ground connection from the electrical system to the vehicle’s charging system. This type of electrolysis corrosion can also be caused by broken or missing straps for ground connection between the engine and the chassis.
What causes electrolysis in a car?
This type is mostly caused by grounding problems. It is caused by faulty ground circuit causing the coolant to be used as alternate return path. The most likely paths are metal radiator, heater core and water pump seal. An engine that misfires will contribute to this type of electrolysis.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis occurs when the engine's coolant breaks down, or the ratio between the coolant and the water is mostly water. As it breaks down, it becomes acidic.
How can we prevent electrolysis in cooling system?
WAYS TO PREVENT ELECTROLYSIS: ALWAYS make sure the radiator is not used as a ground and that all components are functioning properly. Periodically test your system and check for any discoloration or pinholes – especially around the tube-to-header joints and tubes near the center of the core by the electric fan mounts.
How does electrolysis occur in a cooling system?
Electrolysis is caused by excess electrical current flowing through the system's cooling fluid or metal in finding a path to an electrical ground. When a radiator is not properly grounded, the cooling system collects stray electricity and the coolant becomes an electrolyte.
What is the greatest single cause of electrolysis in a cooling system?
Often the cause for electrolysis is faulty grounding, causing excess electrical currents to flow through the cooling system's cooling fluid or metal in finding a path to an electrical ground.
How do you test an electrolysis cooling system?
The method of testing for electrolysis is to employ a volt-ohm meter test using a voltmeter (DC scale). Place the positive lead of the meter in the engine coolant without touching the radiator sides. Clamp the negative lead on the battery ground. For the test to be valid, there needs to be an electrical load.
What causes electrolysis?
Electrolysis – is the result of potential current existing between two different objects. It is normally caused by stray electrical current. Electrolysis is much more destructive than galvanic corrosion. To prevent electrolysis, the vessel must be wired properly and outside sources of stray current must be identified.
What causes corrosion in cooling system?
As discussed previously, oxygen is the main driving force for corrosion of steel in cooling water. The increase in corrosion with temperature at a given oxygen concentration is due to more rapid oxygen diffusion occurring at higher temperatures.
Do I need to ground my radiator?
Stray Voltage: Since the coolant conducts electricity stray voltage will travel through it to find a ground. And because aluminum is the softest metal in the system it is the most vulnerable to damage. To prevent this from happening make sure the engine and frame are properly grounded to the battery.
How do you test for electrolysis in water?
Testing for chemical electrolysis: The best way for testing is to use coolant test strips which measures the coolant's pH, Reserve Alkalinity and Freeze Point / Boiling Point coolant to water mixture. Another way is to use a pH test strip which should test about 7.0 anything below that is considered acidic.
How do you stop aluminum radiators from corroding?
We recommend using an inhibitor, a liquid formula used to prevent corrosion in domestic heating systems. This formula, such as Fernox F1, can simply be added via the feed and expansion tank for open vented systems or directly into the radiator using an injector for sealed systems.
What can test coolant condition and battery electrolyte?
The antifreeze refractometer can be used for measuring the freezing point of glycol, antifreeze, coolant and battery Acid. It can also be used for checking the condition of electrolyte solution batteries.
What is perfect pH level for engine coolant?
between 8 and 7An ideal coolant pH between 8 and 7. First of all, pH (hydrogen potential) measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. For example, for coolant, it should be between 8 and 7. In this regard, it is important to check the pH of the coolant regularly.
How do you check voltage in coolant?
When the engine reaches operating temperature, insert the positive probe directly into the coolant. Rev the engine to 2,000 rpm and place the negative probe on the negative battery terminal. If the digital meter reads . 4 volts or less, your coolant is in good condition.
How do you test for electrolysis in water?
Testing for chemical electrolysis: The best way for testing is to use coolant test strips which measures the coolant's pH, Reserve Alkalinity and Freeze Point / Boiling Point coolant to water mixture. Another way is to use a pH test strip which should test about 7.0 anything below that is considered acidic.
What is stray or transient electric current in the cooling system?
Stray Current Electrolysis occurs when an electrical current that is not related to the cooling system passes through the coolant or uses the coolant as a path to return to ground. There is no single cause of, or solution for stray current.
What color is AutoZone antifreeze?
AutoZone Antifreeze/Coolant Universal Yellow 50/50 PREMIXED *5 Year/150K Mile Protection* 1 Gallon. 4.8 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for average rating value is 4.8 of 5.
Some Symptoms from Electrolysis Corrosion of The Cooling System
The easiest way to find the possible electrolysis corrosion on the vehicle is to find a leak on the coolant from the heater core. There might also be an appearance of dark-colored pinholes around the heater core.
Failures on the Heater Core
There is also a chance that the heater core will experience failure when there’s a physical erosion that is not caused by electrolysis. This type of erosion can be caused by dirt and other deposits that circulate along with the coolant.
Failures on the Radiator Hose
Electrolysis corrosion can also lead to failure of the radiator and heater hose connected to it. Even though rubber for the component, it will still be affected by the coolant. Coolant and rubber can react electrochemically which will cause the material to crack and fail in the long run.
The Possible Causes for Electrolysis Corrosion on The Cooling System
There are two possible causes for electrolysis corrosion on the coolant system, including:
Checking the Electrolysis Corrosion
You can use a digital voltmeter to check for electrolysis corrosion by turning on the engine and checking the voltage between the coolant at the negative side of the battery. To do this, you can remove the radiator cap and carefully insert the positive side of the voltmeter into the coolant.
How to Eliminate the Electrolysis Corrosion on The Cooling System
If you haven’t replaced your coolant in more than five years, then you might need to drain and flush the whole cooling system before refilling with a balanced mixture of distilled water and a new long-life coolant.
How does electrolysis work?
The process works somewhat like electrical discharge machines (EDM): These machines work by passing a large electrical current through metal, literally zapping away bits of material until nothing remains. Unfortunately, the electrolysis process works in a similar way, zapping bits of metal in proportion to the amount of electrical current passing ...
What causes coolant to become electrified?
The source of this stray electricity is often from electrical engine accessories that have not been properly grounded. A missing engine or transmission ground strap can also cause the coolant to become electrified. Sometimes the path of least resistance becomes a radiator, a heater hose, or even the heater core.
What causes a dirty engine coolant?
One failure mode associated with dirty coolant is known as electrolysis. Electrolysis occurs when stray electrical current routes itself through the engine coolant. The electricity is attempting to find the shortest path, and impurities in the coolant often generate a path of least resistance that the electricity travels across. The source of this stray electricity is often from electrical engine accessories that have not been properly grounded. A missing engine or transmission ground strap can also cause the coolant to become electrified. Sometimes the path of least resistance becomes a radiator, a heater hose, or even the heater core. These components are often well grounded, and offer a ground path from the engine to the chassis by means of the semi-conductive path of the coolant. Electrolysis Can Destroy Your Engine Quickly!
How does a cooling system work?
A properly maintained cooling system must have a few things in order: 1 Adequate supply of coolant 2 A radiator that acts as a heat exchanger with the outside air 3 A fan or airflow source 4 A water pump to keep the coolant circulating 5 A thermostat to regulate the engine at its optimum operating temperature. 6 The coolant must also have the correct mixture and chemical compounds to promote heat transfer, protect against freezing, and also inhibit corrosion.
What is the proper cooling system?
A properly maintained cooling system must have a few things in order: Adequate supply of coolant. A radiator that acts as a heat exchanger with the outside air. A fan or airflow source. A water pump to keep the coolant circulating. A thermostat to regulate the engine at its optimum operating temperature.
How to avoid electrolysis?
The best way to avoid electrolysis is to make sure your engine block and cylinder head have separate grounds to the chassis and or the body.
What is the purpose of thermostats?
A thermostat to regulate the engine at its optimum operating temperature.
Why does electrolysis occur?
How can it happen? Often the cause for electrolysis is faulty grounding, causing excess electrical currents to flow through the cooling system’s cooling fluid or metal in finding a path to an electrical ground. Generally, faulty grounding can occur due to a few reasons: Faulty relays.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a critical issue for radiators and it’s essential to prevent as much as possible. Radiators are a critical component and if it fails, it can be expensive to repair. There are a few different ways electrolysis can occur, but if it’s a pre-existing problem that’s not picked up before installation, your radiator can be rendered useless, quickly. To save your radiator from such a fate, read below.
How to fix electrolysis damage?
Electrolysis damage is pretty final and the only way to fix it is to ensure the system is free of stray current. This would be followed by replacement of any other failed or damaged components and a coolant flush.
Why is my grounding faulty?
Generally, faulty grounding can occur due to a few reasons: Faulty relays. Recent repairs or servicing that has resulted in paint or materials (such as powder coating ) blocking the current. Tampered wiring (e.g. after a crash repair or electrical accessories installation ) Incorrectly installed radiator or fans.
Why is my radiator leaking?
This can impact the radiator because the very thin metal tubes only need a small amount of damage to cause a leak. Depending on the strength of the current, damage can occur in just a few days.
Can Natrad test for electrolysis?
Alongside giving your radiator and cooling system a thorough once-over, Natrad can also perform a range of tests that can confirm whether electrolysis is present. Talk to your local workshop today.
Can electrolysis damage radiators?
Electrolysis can corrode your radiator rapidly, and if it’s not addressed straight away, you can end up with costly repairs, or irreparable damage. Natrad can assess your cooling system and radiator, and test for electrolysis. Nip into Natrad for specialist advice and expert service.
What is electrolysis in an engine cooling system?
WHAT IS ELECTROLYSIS? Electrolysis damage in an engine cooling system is caused by unintended electrical currents that flow from voltage differences that exist in the engine coolant jacket, the radiator, and the heater core. The damage can include rapid corrosion, pitting, flaking, and pinholes.
What is the source of cooling system voltage?
Another source of cooling system voltages is from the action of dissimilar metals with which the coolant is in contact . Metals and alloys that are different from each other have different electrode potentials. When two of them come into contact in an electrolyte, one acts as a cathode and the other as an anode.
Is engine coolant an electrolyte?
The engine coolant is the electrolyte. The metals need not be physically touching, as the engine coolant is the conductive path for an ionic transfer. The ionic transfer causes erosion and pitting of metal, or electrolysis damage.
What does it mean when antifreeze is higher than 0.300V?
Before you start the vehicle look at the voltage reading and if it is higher than 0.300v it means the antifreeze is holding a charge and needs to be thoroughly flushed.
How to test coolant with a digital volt ohm meter?
Begin by using a Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM). Hook the negative lead to the negative battery post and dangle the positive lead into the coolant. When you put the test lead into the coolant make sure that you do not touch the sides of the radiator, transmission oil cooler or anything on the end of the probe. It even works better when you use a copper tube on the end of an alligator clip which will give you the most accurate reading.
How to check coolant freeze point?
Test the coolant freeze point gravity between the water and coolant percentages by using refractometer or hydrometer. It needs to be at least 50% antifreeze. If any of the above tests prove to be positive, please do not take any chances and do a cooling system flush and replace with fresh coolant.
What is the best way to test coolant?
The best way for testing is to use coolant test strips which measures the coolant’s pH, Reserve Alkalinity and Freeze Point / Boiling Point coolant to water mixture.
What happens when you turn on the engine at high RPM?
With the engine at the high RPM turn on and off every electrical component in the entire vehicle and do not overlook anything. Examples: Heating and air-conditioning in all positions and all blower speeds, stereo (MP3 player, remote CD), electrical antenna, windows, door locks, seats, back-up alarm/lights, horn, headlights, taillights, turn signals, front and rear window defoggers, and any added additional electrical equipment, etc. If you see a voltage spike it is most likely improperly grounded. Note if any spike is higher than 0.300v then you have a severe problem.
