Do aluminum radiators have corrosion problems these days?

[robroy]

Hi!

I heard from my father Hugh that aluminum radiators have corrosion problems (green/white crud that forms in and around them). But he also added that his information was from the 1950's and that they may have improved the radiators and/or antifreeze to solve this problem by now.

Is this true, and is this much of an issue with modern radiators and antifreeze? Or are aluminum radiators now pretty much maintenance/trouble free?

Thanks!
-Robroy

[fitzwell]

Use a cap with a "sacrifical anode" attached...(available from Summit, etc.) Also watch the ground side of your electrical system, especially the ground strap from the engine to the cab. Keep the coolant fresh & you shouldn't have any problems.

[robroy]

Hi Fitzwell, thanks for your reply! I had no idea about this special radiator cap. I'll check that out. It sounds like an aluminum radiator shouldn't cause problems if set up carefully.

Thanks again,
-Robroy

[fireguywtc]

Maybe I just had some dumb luck with it, but I had an aluminum radiator in my 67 for about 5 years and had zero problems. I didn't use any special cap, the only thing I did make sure to do was use compatible anitfreeze. When I pulled the motor a couple of weeks ago everything with the radiator and coolant system looked great. But again I may be lucky. Bill

[Leadfoot]

if a person services their cooling system their is never a problem, if you let the coolent sit in there for years with out changing its totally diffrent story.

[robroy]

Hey Bill and Leadfoot, thanks for your advice! It sounds like this won't be a problem since my truck will get regular maintenance.

Thanks again!
-Robroy