Moss Motors, Ltd

I put an alloy (aluminum) radiator in my '64 AH 5 years ago. Two years ago, the radiator was removed when some front end work was done, and the coolant would have been replaced. The core has now coroded so badly that the radiator must be replaced. I've been told that the likely cause is the wrong coolant was used, or that two different coolants were mixed due to iadequate flushing. Another mechanic told me he would never use an aluminum radiator in an older car like a Healey because of a problem with electrolysis. Any thoughts?

Robert,

Virtually all modern coolant solutions have been designed to be compatible with aluminum, since most newer engines have a bunch of the stuff in them. Either someone put the wrong (old) stuff in your system, or it hasn't been properly flushed in many moons. I don't buy the electrolysis thing, really. All cars have some mixture of materials in their systems. A good flush, regular monitoring of the condition of the coolant, (ph testing) and replacement every two years with a quality brand should result in no problems like this. Something poisoned your system, whether it was neglect or some other factor. I would certainly not loose faith in aluminum radiators because of it.

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

Hello , Your problem is simple when you put coolant in your engine always use distilled water it has had all minerals removed . Living in the country and having a private well for water will teach you this . Most of the time city water is ok but I have seen city water to have bacteria and different deposits sometimes. Distilled water will keep the tubes open and clear provided it is a clean system.