Dodge Viper (2003-2006) – (2008-2010) Special Anode Radiator Cap 18psi / 20psi

Description

The very best thing you can do for your Viper radiator!

This cap features a sacrificial anode that stops Electrolytic Metal Erosion (EME) inside the cooling system of your Viper’s engine. The cooling system of a Viper (and many other cars) carries a slight positive charge. This charge can cause erosion of the aluminum components in contact with the coolant. The sacrificial anode is immersed in the coolant tank, and because it’s a “softer” metal, the EME attacks it instead. It extends the life of all metal components in the coolant system. You may be surprised to see the corrosion it prevents after just two weeks. The anode will erode instead of your engine.

This item is for one Anode Radiator Cap.

Explanation of Electrolysis

One failure mode associated with dirty coolant is known as electrolysis. Electrolysis occurs when stray negatively charged ions (electrical current) route themselves through the engine coolant. The electricity attempts to find the shortest path, and impurities in the coolant often generate a path of least resistance that the electricity travels across. The source of this stray electricity is often from electrical engine accessories that are not properly grounded. A missing engine or transmission ground strap can also cause the coolant to become electrified. Sometimes the path of least resistance becomes a radiator, a heater hose, or even the heater core. These components are often well-grounded and offer a ground path from the engine to the chassis via the semi-conductive path of the coolant.

Electrolysis can destroy your engine quickly. Although it’s semi-normal to have very small amounts of voltage potential in your coolant system, values greater than about a tenth of a volt can start reactions between the coolant and the metal in your engine. Electrolysis primarily affects aluminum engine components, resulting in pitting and scarring of the aluminum surface. This can cause coolant system leaks, especially around aluminum welds in radiators. Aluminum components are always the most vulnerable. On aluminum engine blocks and heads, electrolysis damage can be easily seen. Figure 1 shows the thermostat area of a cylinder head partially damaged by electrolysis, where the aluminum has been eaten away and eroded by chemical/electrical reactions.

Adding an Anode Radiator Cap to the cooling system diminishes this erosion significantly by providing positively charged ions to attract the negatively charged ions present in the coolant. The anode is softer than aluminum, resulting in erosion of the anode instead of the aluminum parts and passages of the engine. The process works somewhat like electrical discharge machines (EDM), which pass a large electrical current through metal, literally zapping away bits of material. Similarly, electrolysis zaps bits of metal in proportion to the electrical current passing through the coolant.

This is where the Anode Radiator Cap comes in to help!