(Home) Electrolysis/battery

Hello,
I have not long aquired a 1990 townace royal lounge,
done about 100km then it boiled over, had to buy rad filler as it was corroded, checked out radiator, that was ok but they said the system has electrolisis as the cause of the problem was the rear heater rad, and caused the head gasket to blow, water ok since I completed that job, (can you explain electrolisis).
Also I have had trouble when I turn the key to start there is only a click from relay or solenoid, when I change the battery this seems ok but when I replace with the older battery it sometimes fails again, this seems unusual to me.
If someone can give me some answers I would be gratefull.

Regards
René

- (#14041) René Medcraft, 5 Nov 04 02:10

Electrolysis..(is that something to do with hair removal??lol)
Its when different metals react and start to corrode...a good example is a landrover...steel frame and alloy panels..if the steel touches the alloy and there is something like 0.01volt (don't quote me)..present, then the alloy will start to corrode.
In a cooling system there may be alloy, steel, brass, cast iron....if the coolant is changed regulary this should not cause serious problems..but if its seriously neglected for years corrosion will occur....this can eventually lead to the metals becoming porous and waterways becoming slightly restricted.
I think most if not all older vehicles (any brand)are effected to some degree but there is no point in worrying too much...(as long as you look after the cooling system).

Battery...first check and clean (and vaseline/wd 40/silicone grease)all connections from battery to starter motor...may as well check every connection in sight at the same time. Its probably due to voltage drop.
If this does not sort it then check the archives (starter motor)for the wiring short cut to solve
Chris

- (#14041) chris turner, 5 Nov 04 03:50

Your old battery my not have enough oomph or your connctions may be suspect. Clean batt conn with emery paper, lead connections too. Contacting surfaces should be clean of corrosion. Boats have sacrifical anodes mounted beneath waterline so they corrode over time and not metals on he boat. I wonder if cars use them too. Otherwise crrosion should be expected though minimised by new coolant with antifreeze every 2/3 years. Dont you brits salt the road in snow? Following to close, some would end up on the radiator. If so, hose down car

- (#14041) Frank, 5 Nov 04 19:49

Hi Dave and Hi Frank
Thanks to both of you for the info you sent me.
The toy seems to be working perfectly now (fingers crossed)
Once again thanks
René
- (#14041) René Medcraft (Rhondda), 12 Nov 04 15:43

Hello again,

Since fitting a new head gasket the performance seems ok now and no overheating.
(BUT)
After doing about 600Km it has started to develop blue smoke from the exhaust after running,
the smoke is like a James Bond smoke screen and is a little embarrasing to say the least.
The smoke comes only when you have stopped at traffic lights etc. and depends on which way the wind is blowing the direction of the smoke.
When driving the smoke does not appear to be bad as you are going away from it and there is no trail.
Could it be a turbo fault or valve stem seals
or rings?

Hope for some advice as we love the Townie

Regards,

René.

- (#14041) René Medcraft (Rhondda), 2 Jan 05 03:16

Probably turbo, but check the breather hose for kinks or blockages first...

- (#14041) david miller, 2 Jan 05 03:22