PDA

View Full Version : Corrosion on 380 Radiator header tank crimp



zarbs
20-12-2006, 03:02 PM
Guys,

Just doing some cleaning of my 380 VRX engine today (dry rag only as it's not too dirty at this stage). I came across a strange thing along the crimp of the header tank on the radiator. The front edge of the (I assume) aluminium crimp is pristine as shown in the first pic. The back edge of the crimp (inside the engine bay) was caked with a white corrosion. Looked like a piece of aluminium which had been left in a salty environment. Also similar to the corrosion on a battery terminal.

Unfortunately, I had removed most of the corrosion from the crimp before thinking to take some shots of it so it's mostly all gone now. The second and third photos show some of the deposit still in place. I'll keep an eye on this to see it doesn't come back but I'll get it checked when the 15K service comes due (at 10K now) unless it becomes a problem. You might want to check yours.

I have not washed the engine bay at all since new but it is strange only to see the problem on the back side. The aircon pipes next to the radiator, also aluminium, don't show any corrosion from splatter. They are quite close. There is also no dye to denote this was a leak of the engine coolant from the header tank or the connection hoses. Something to check. Cheers...

Zarbs

Iron Man
20-12-2006, 04:10 PM
When the engine is cool, polish the offending area with car wax. Aluminium, like any metal, needs oxygen to corrode, the wax keeps the oxygen out.

Might make your radiator rooly shiny too. :bowrofl:

turbo_charade
20-12-2006, 08:33 PM
Keep a light film of oil/crc/wd40/canola/silicon spray on it.

Its nothing more than superficial anyway.

magnamechanic
21-12-2006, 04:37 AM
it may of been from the chemicals used from the dealership when they first cleaned it..

ive seen brand new cars come off the truck covered in bug guts and bull dust
hard to believe some need clay blocking and polishing

the only way to clean it is use high pressure water and chemicals,

keep a eye on it if it gets worse take it back to mitsu

zarbs
21-12-2006, 02:27 PM
Thanks Guys,

I will be keeping an eye on things for a while. Thanks for the feedback. Cheers...

Zarbs

TL-R
23-12-2006, 05:42 AM
That's not corrosion.

Matthius
23-12-2006, 06:04 PM
That's not corrosion.

Aye, just aluminium oxidation, any unsealed aluminium will do it.

Matthius

zarbs
23-12-2006, 06:40 PM
Wrong initial description. It is oxidation. I will be sealing with wax or similar as suggested. Thanks...

Zarbs