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Cold Case radiator, rust spots?

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yanniziomas

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
The radiator is 1.5 yrs old. Wonder why I get these spots (rust?) on all 4 corners, core leaking or just grime from engine bay?

I run distilled water with Red Line water weater, no antifreeze.

Changing engines, would like to make sure the radiator is in good shape before it goes back in.

Thanks for any advise.
 

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#3 ·
Sure looks like corrosion...but on an aluminum radiator :confused:

Must be contaminates in the aluminum.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
It is aluminum, that’s why this is strange. I can think of what else can it be really. I haven’t pressure tested it, it’s outside of the car, I should probably find a shop to do that.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I did not, and if I did it’d be on the cap/driver side, strange thing is all 4 corners have that corrosion which confuses me. Been trying to clean it w/Simple Green, scrub it a bit and it’s not coming off so it’s not surface rust, really strange.

I’ll contact Cold Case next week to see what’s up.
 
#10 ·
Glad it will be replaced under warranty. Things like this always influence my future purchases
 
#11 ·
yanniziomas said:
I spoke w/Cold Case, sent the pictures and they will replace the radiator.

That’s great that they stand by their product considering the minimal miles it has on it 👍
Click to expand...

Did they give any indication as to why it was doing it ? Like the others said if it is aluminum it shouldn't be "rusting" unless it is leaking and the entire cooling system is rusty.

Is this a street car or a race car ? If its on the street I would certainly be running some type of coolant.


.
 
#12 ·
I have been using a Cold Case radiator for a few years now and I have no sign of corrosion however I use antifreeze. Your pics almost look like its discolored from the flux used in solder and possibly not cleaned after assembly. Although most damage is caused by not using distilled water, which you are, water alone does not provide any protection. Here is a decent article on the subject with some possible causes.
https://appliedspeed.com/blogs/tech...logs/tech/water-in-racing-radiators-can-it-damage-the-aluminum-and-create-leaks
 
#13 ·
I just saw this topic. I was going to say to do a pressure test on it. Sure looks like a tiny weep hole.

Before you install the new radiator, I'd flush the motor. Sure looks like you have some junk going on in the motor if that radiator is in fact weeping.
 
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Discussion starter · #14 ·
Thanks everyone.

The whole cooling system was flushed when I installed this radiator new, and also new water pump at the time.

I’m putting a new crate engine in the car over the winter, so the replacement radiator will go in at the same time with a clean block/engine.

I will also flush the heater core and lines before all this goes back in.

I do use distilled water, the radiator is leaking somewhere, but it happens. Important thing is that the manufacturer is taking care of the issue, and I know that’s what is important to many of us. the radiator has been great in keeping the car cool 👍
 
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