[urq] Ron Davis Radiators

[Steve Buchholz]

I see comments which sound like people may believe that bad things will happen if there are dissimilar metals in the cooling system.  The only time you have to worry about galvanic corrosion is when there us an electrical connection between the dissimilar metals.  If the tax is connected to the frame through rubber isolators, it should provide electrical insulation (but be careful for the A/C condenser!).  Of course the best way to tell is with an ohmmeter.  Even the copper plug at the end of the hose should be OK.  
I wonder if the problem is due to the coolant becoming acidic for some reason (flux residue from soldering perhaps?)  I believe coolant becomes acidic over time.  I had a copper radiator in the Fox that developed pinhole leaks all over the upper tank ... I've come to believe it was due to my not replacing the coolant because it looked "good" ... not rusty as I had seen on my earlier cars.  I suspect that the leaks are happening too soon to be from coolant degradation, but you might want to test the pH of your coolant anyway.

Steve Buchholz

----- Reply message -----
From: "Brandon Rogers" <brogers at terrix.com>
Date: Wed, May 4, 2011 10:16 am
Subject: [urq] Ron Davis Radiators
To: "'Urq list'" <urq at audifans.com>

So I've heard from a few more people who have experienced leaky radiators.  
Guys - don't forget to "reply to all" so others can share in the knowledge.
 
Why do you think they are leaking?
 
Mine had brand new rubber mounts.  
 
No aux rad (which is copper - disimilar metal).
 
I did NOT have it grounded.  
 
I DID have a copper plug in the short section of hose that capped off the
bigger outlet for the aux rad. 
 
First radiator leaked in the upper fins close to the edge, driver side.
 
Second one leaked there and same place other side (passenger side) of the
radiator.
 
I have A/C so the condensor acts as a stone guard.
 
Brandon
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Brandon Rogers [mailto:brogers at terrix.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 2:13 PM
To: 'Urq list'
Subject: Ron Davis Radiators


Guys -
I've been running a coupe quattro all metal radiator since my Ron Davis
radiator started leaking.  That's two now.  
 
Couple questions - are the coupe quattro radiators 2-row whereas the urq
ones were 3-row?  
 
But really my questions are for those who have been running RD radiators:
 
1.  do you have it grounded?
 
2.  are you using the stock stamped steel radiator brace?
 
3.  Have you ever had one leak?
 
4.  Do you have any dis-similar metals in your cooling system - like a
copper aux rad? or a copper plug to block off the two unused outlets for the
aux rad?
 
Trying to figure out why I had TWO leak on me....
I used brand new rubber mounts.
 
I guess these questions could be posed regarding any aluminum radiator....
 
Brandon 
 
 

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