Aluminum Radiator

[CWPottenger]

I am going to be installing an aluminum radiator and was wondering if anyone uses the zinc anode kits or if they are even needed. This is a street vehicle so it will have anti-freeze in it.

 

[drogg1]

Doing a little reading, I would say they are only useful if you aren't using coolant (with a standard anti-corrosion additive(s)). Otherwise, if you use a sacrificial anode with coolant, the coolant depletes some or all of its anti-corrosion additive attempting to protect the zinc sacrificial anode. This leaves the rest of the system less protected. This could be especially bad when using aluminum heads where the increased temperature will cause corrosion to happen faster. If you were to be just using water, I could see how it may help to prevent some corrosion.

http://forums.viperclub.org/threads...eally-needed?p=2102130&viewfull=1#post2102130

 

[565bbchevy]

I have never had issues with my Monte not using one and mine has aluminum heads, water pump and radiator.
I run about 70% water the rest is coolant and a wetting agent, but of coarse my car is not subject to the issues daily driver's go through.

 

[lilbowtie]

I don't use one in either car and as Drogg said with antifreeze or water wetter you have anti corrosion additives in the system. My motorhome uses one and I don't see any corrosion or calcium on it and the same for my house so I must have pretty good water. Seeing your concern I would run distilled water for a little added protection rather than the zinc anode.

 

[pontiacgp]

Distilled water with water wetter and you won't have any problems with corrosion. We ran all our race cars with that mix and I run my GP with an aluminum rad in the summer with it. When I drain my GP when I take it off the road for the winter there is no hint of rust or any other corrossion