I drained my radiator today (Ive been tracking down an overheating problem and have replaced t-stat and fan clutch and sprayed out radiator fins).
Anyway, i looked inside and noticed that it looks like there are some little barnicle things all over the fins inside the radiator. Does anyone else have this? It looks like the front of an ocean liner.
Also, if i need a radiator, wheres the best price on one????
Thanks
Brian

 

Electrolysis
What is it? Chemical change, especially decomposition, produced in
an electrolyte by an electric current.
What causes it? Most likely it is caused by improper vehicle
grounding. Electrical grounding problems can stem from poor installation
of aftermarket accessories or uncorrected vehicle collision damages.
How to detect it? First, test your antifreeze with ph test paper.
It should be neutral or some what alkaline. If the coolant has been
effected by a stray current it will be acidic. Another way to test would
be with a voltage meter to see if there is a difference in the coolant
voltage and your vehicle ground.
How do you fix it? 1) You must find and correct the electrical
problem (stray current). 2) You will need to completely flush your entire
cooling system. Acidic contaminated antifreeze left in the engine block
will eventually ruin another radiator. 3) Once the new radiator is
installed, you must use only new quality antifreeze and distilled water.
Never use recycled antifreeze or tap water. 4) Once everything is
installed properly you need to retest the system, insuring the coolant is
neutral to alkaline.

 

Interesting...I have never heard of this.

 

I've seen this before in my vehicles. I think it's due to hard water. What your seeing are mineral deposits, lime, magnesium, etc. from you well water....I think.