Thread: TD5 cooling system voltages/corrosion

This is a really good point Jason, and the reason why you see some radiators with 'earth' straps or leads between the rad core and the body of the vehicle.
The Td5 is not immune either, but not usually a high risk of stay current causing serious corrosion. The oil cooler can and does fail even on lowish KM engines, looking at the failed ones I have removed they could quite possibly be a victim of stray current. Difficult to prove though.

The idea is to remove the 'circuit' that can form using the coolant as an electrolyte, adding earth leads etc will reduce a harmful buildup I would say.

JC

Thanks for the quick reply Justin.

The engine/transmission/body earths all seem to be present and tight/clean but there is no bonding between the alloy rad core and anything else.
My parts supplier who mainly does work on Series/County models suggested that a millivolt meter be used to look for potential (i.e. voltage) between the battery earth and rad core, the coolant in the reservoir, the block etc. with engine off and also running, and with all other circuits (e.g. lighting, two-way, aircon, Engel etc.) operating to find anything which may induce stray voltages into the system due to these items earthing through the coolant system. He basically said that a bad case could pinhole a radiator in a matter of weeks.
What level of voltage is a problem? Are there any other places to test? Or accessory circuits to activate and check?

Any input welcome, Jason.

Originally Posted by Resection

Thanks for the quick reply Justin.

The engine/transmission/body earths all seem to be present and tight/clean but there is no bonding between the alloy rad core and anything else.
My parts supplier who mainly does work on Series/County models suggested that a millivolt meter be used to look for potential (i.e. voltage) between the battery earth and rad core, the coolant in the reservoir, the block etc. with engine off and also running, and with all other circuits (e.g. lighting, two-way, aircon, Engel etc.) operating to find anything which may induce stray voltages into the system due to these items earthing through the coolant system. He basically said that a bad case could pinhole a radiator in a matter of weeks.
What level of voltage is a problem? Are there any other places to test? Or accessory circuits to activate and check?

Any input welcome, Jason.

I would certainly test the way he suggests, but I'm certain one vehicle would have differing levels of voltages to another, it is shown by the number of these vehicles that have NO issues whatsoever with electrolysis, and others that have oil cooler and rad failures at early intervals.

I would test at rest, and with engine running, lights on or off etc etc. It would be interesting to see the tabulated results, and a control test procedure so others could try it and post their results?

JC

OK.
I'm away from home during the week but due back from site on weekend. Will perform testing then and report back. May help those who have have oil-cooler dramas on here in recent times.

Regards
Jason.