| Re: [GMCnet] Radiator Antifreeze Additive and Anode [message #229467 is a reply to message #229458] |
Tue, 12 November 2013 10:24   |
Emery Stora
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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Neither radiator has anodes.
New antifreeze has several additives. They deplete over time which is why I recommend replacing the antifreeze every two years. (Biannual means twice a year. - I think you meant biennial. )
The additives in antifreeze are corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam agents, rubber swell additives, and water pump lubricants.
You won't find one additive that has all of that and if you add more than one additive you don't know if they are compatible. They might interact to form deposits or negate the properties of each of them.
Just replace the antifreeze with a known brand and you know your system is safe.
Yes, a system will corrode while just sitting -- it doesn't have to be running.
The higher the pressure of the cap, the more boilout protection. BUT, the GMC steel radiator was designed for a 9 pound cap. The tubes are "flat" and higher pressures expand the sides. When cooled they flatten again. The constant flexing can cause tubes to crack. So don't use a higher pressure cap.
Since caps are constantly opening and closing, perhaps hundreds of thousands of times per year of use, most caps lose their ability to hold pressure within about two years. So, I have a Stant pressure tester and find that I have to replace my cap about every two years along with the antifreeze.
Antifreeze is getting expensive but so is the cost of replacing a radiator, heater core, water pump, etc. so it is good insurance to replace that antifreeze biennially.
Emery Stora
On Nov 12, 2013, at 8:49 AM, Mickey Szilagyi <mickey@apex-internet.com> wrote:
>
>
> We've had our 77 Kingsley just over a year and have changed all the fluid except the radiator coolant. It's still clean and tests to well below 0 degrees but we don't know how old it is. We're concerned about it's anti-corrosion and lubricating properties. We've read that Emery Stora recommends changing it I think he says annually or perhaps biannually.
>
> We believe we still have the original steel radiator. Do both steel and aluminum radiators have anodes? And if we have an anode in ours where is it located and can we remove it for inspection/replacement without draining the coolant? Does corrosion or oxidation occur when the coach is sitting in storage or only when the engine is running?
>
> Can we add an additive and, if so, what's a good one? Do they really work? We realize it takes about 5 gallons of 50/50 mix to change it but wonder if an additive might basically do the same thing.
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> We currently have a 15 psi cap on the radiator. Should we change to a 9 psi cap? What difference does this make?
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> As always, we appreciate the input.
> --
> Mickey
>
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