The Ford Barn - View Single Post

Joe K · 02-11-2019, 06:02 PM

Many modern automobiles have aluminum radiators. A VW Golf diesel of my former acquaintance had aluminum fins on aluminum tubes glued to plastic headers. Of course the radiator required "special" coolant as water alone would attack the radiator.

And there has been some talk about the fins becoming "corroded" where they meet the thru-tubes. The fit is mechanical only (no solder) and a bit of water in this location will "film" the aluminum (yes, aluminum self protects on a corrosion layer) and this corrosion layer can serve to block heat passing from the fin to the tube. Somewhat akin to the copper radiator syndrome of "corroded solder" but this is an end of life event for a copper radiator.

While the price may be right - the mechanics seem to not recommend.

Joe K

02-11-2019, 06:02 PM	#3
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!! Many modern automobiles have aluminum radiators. A VW Golf diesel of my former acquaintance had aluminum fins on aluminum tubes glued to plastic headers. Of course the radiator required "special" coolant as water alone would attack the radiator. And there has been some talk about the fins becoming "corroded" where they meet the thru-tubes. The fit is mechanical only (no solder) and a bit of water in this location will "film" the aluminum (yes, aluminum self protects on a corrosion layer) and this corrosion layer can serve to block heat passing from the fin to the tube. Somewhat akin to the copper radiator syndrome of "corroded solder" but this is an end of life event for a copper radiator. While the price may be right - the mechanics seem to not recommend. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.