Cooling System Corrosion? 94Q

[rob1]

I just replaced the raditor hoses and the bypass (hose attached to the thermostat housing) hose as preventative maintenance for the first time. The metal tubular piece that connects the bypass hose to the lower radiator hose had a white gritting substance. Any ideas what is causing this?

Could this indicate corrosion in the block? Should I replace the tubular piece? Would a coolant flush do more harm than good (clog radiator, etc.)? (I have drained and refilled coolant about every 2 years and the coolant is always clean.)

Any info would be appreciated.

[elwesso]

That piece is whats called a sacrificial annode, all the corrosion tends to happen there so that it doesnt happen in the block

Its good maintenance to replace that.. but generally not necessary if yo u keep upw ith coolant changes.

[rob1]

I appreciate your wisdom. Now that I tried to clean the first inch or two of tube during installation of the hoses should I be concerned about some of the loose corrision clogging the radiator? or will it disolve over time?

Thanks!

[FarFetched]

Aluminum engines like to have good coolant with nigher that normal PH additive packages. Ph additive helps fight aluminum oxidation with turnes ar whitish film/flakes in the system. Silicate based glycol (long life coolants) tends to retain it aluminum protective properties better than any other types of coolant.FYI!Cheers!

[Q45tech]

But then again considering the need to balance heat transfer ability in hot [mixed] climates with aged components [bent fins/external corrosion on radiator, etc air bypass leaks] ............. do long life coolant mixtures make sense when you can just add/subtract on a bi-annual basis.

Drain 4 quarts, add distilled water in early Summer, drain 4 quarts add 100% new coolant [AF] every year in late Fall.

Measuring the conductivity of coolant solution [with a VOM]......how much voltage is generated from aluminum rad cap flange to a probe stuck into center of opening [in the solution] tells you everything you need to know about additive package [protection ability].

http://www.findarticles.com/p/.../pg_2

[elwesso]

But then again considering the need to balance heat transfer ability in hot [mixed] climates with aged components [bent fins/external corrosion on radiator, etc air bypass leaks] ............. do long life coolant mixtures make sense when you can just add/subtract on a bi-annual basis.

Drain 4 quarts, add distilled water in early Summer, drain 4 quarts add 100% new coolant [AF] every year in late Fall.

Measuring the conductivity of coolant solution [with a VOM]......how much voltage is generated from aluminum rad cap flange to a probe stuck into center of opening [in the solution] tells you everything you need to know about additive package [protection ability].

http://www.findarticles.com/p/.../pg_2

I tried that trick one time and it worked decently.. I compared it with fresh and with old and there was a nice difference...

READ THE ARTICLE!!!!