SPECIALISTS IN AUTOMOTIVE COOLING SOLUTIONS

Facts on Coolant Compatibility

CLASSIC MISLEADING STATEMENTS MADE ABOUT COOLANTS

1.  All coolants are compatible

2.  All the same colour coolants are compatible

3.  Brand X coolant is compatible with everyone's

Death by Electrocution

What is Electrolysis
Also commonly called Stray Current corrosion; it's the systematic removal of the protective layer on the inside of the radiator tubes and other components. It is a killer of cooling system components usually is quite localized and in severe cases will destroy radiators and heaters in weeks.

Foaming and Cavitation in the Cooling System

Previously A1 has provided details and interesting facts relating to cooling systems.  
We have discussed coolant and compatibility and electrolysis or stray electrical current, both of which have a major effect on cooling system performance and life span.  
Now I want to share our experience on cavitation corrosion which is also a silent killer of cooling systems.

Coolant Colours - What is the difference between red and green?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions in the automotive cooling world and my view is the following:
OE manufacturer's state there is a difference but they make it difficult to ascertain what it actually is and this may be for commercial reasons rather than anything else. What we do know is most coolants have varying freeze and corrosion protection.  They therefore have different levels of glycol and/or corrosion protection additives.

Cooling System Maintenance

Diagnosing Electrolysis / Stray Current Corrosion 
Please Note:  It is recommended that this procedure be carried out by a qualified Auto Electrician 
or Radiator Repair Specialists.

Tools / Equipment Required

Tech Tips - Electrolysis/Stray Current and Chemical Corrosion

Tech Tips - Electrolysis/Stray Current and Chemical Corrosion
The need to test for any stray currents in the cooling system is imperative.  Stray currents can cause premature corrosion failures in radiators, water pumps and thermostat housings as well as premature ageing in coolant hoses.  When we say premature, we mean in as little as three months.

Charge air coolers: Reviewing the basics

Today's high tech air induction systems are designed to optimize engine efficiency and decrease emisisions across a wide range of operating conditions and loads.  The charge air cooler (CAC) is a critical component of that system. 
Increasing engine boost, through the use of increasingly efficient turbo-chargers and charge-air coolers, permit smaller and lighter engines to deliver the equivalent horsepower of older, larger, and heavier engines.  

Vehicle Thermal Management

Current developments in vehicle thermal management
Today's vehicle manufacturers and their leading suppliers, are involved in a variety of research and product development efforts designed to improve vehicle performance and reduce costs through improved thermal management products.

The engine cooling system draws waste heat out of the engine to allow it to operate at maximum efficiency.  But cooling system must be engineered to achieve the optimum combustion

Replacement Refrigerants x Two

With a European phase out of current day automotive refrigerant, HFC-134a, scheduled to begin in 2011, the global auto industry has not decided on the next generation gas.  The further for shop owners and technicians looks like a future of two gases - one for US, Asian and some European built vehicles and another for german makes. 

Dr. Stephen Anderson, architect of the R-12 phase-out in the late 80's and now Director of Strategic Climate Projects at the U/S EPA hosted ... Read more

Common Radiator Failures - Contamination

Contamination or foreign matter inside the radiator is commonly found in radiators that we see in our workshop for assessment and repair.

Common Radiator Failures - Corrosion

What is corrosion? The mechanical and chemical deterioration of the radiator's tubes and header plates, leading to holes in the tube to header joints and cracks in the core.  This corrosion are known as Pitting Corrosion and Galvanic Corrosion.

Common Radiator Failures - Pitting Corrosion

Oil Cooler failure is often caused by pitting corrosion.  This type of corrosion is not limited to the oil cooler and can also attack the tubes and header plates of the radiator.

Common Radiator Failures - Electrolysis

Also commonly called Stray Current corrosion.  Electrolysis is the systematic removal of the protective layer on the inside of radiator tubes due to improper grounding.

  Read more

Common Radiator Failures - Thermal Shock

Thermal shock, the uneven expansion of materials, is created when the coolant temperature fluctuates rapidly & repeatedly. Thermal shock typically affects tubes near the inlet side of the radiator.

Common Radiator Failures - Radiator Cap

Your radiator cap keeps the coolant level in the radiator at the desired amount.  The cap releases coolant to the over flow bottle at a certain pressure, then draws it back as the engine cools, to maintain the correct coolant level.

                     

Radiator Core Specification Sheet

** For Radiator Shop use only **

Radiator Core Specification Sheet - Click to PRINT

Print and fill out your core specifications

Email: sales@a1automotivecooling.co.nz

Phone: 0800 421 723