Here is the testing procedure that I said I would post for those who are interested in keeping their cooling system at its optimum performance level.
Any time a new electrical component has been added to your car it is good insurance to simply have it checked to make sure that no stray current issues are introduced to you cooling system. Stray current (WILL) harm your cooling system and if new radiator is damaged by stray current it is not covered under the radiator manufacturers warranty. In severe cases in can destroy a radiator in weeks.
For more info and photo's go to are.com.au and have a look at their the horror pics in the technical section.
Regards Andrew.
Stray Current Testing Procedure.
Diagnosing Electrolysis/Stray Current Corrosion Testing procedure.
(Please Note:)
It is recommended that a qualified Auto electrician or Radiator Repair Specialist carry out this procedure.
Tools/Equipment Required.
Voltmeter (multimeter) with a scale able to read in millivolts (Analogue voltmeter is preferred).
Or
A radiator industry designed stray current detector preset to 50mV. (0.05 volts)
Target range below 50mV. However any voltage reading in the cooling system should be corrected, as further deterioration will cause major damage.
Procedure.
1: Connect the voltmeter or current detector negative terminal to the battery ground and the positive terminal directly into the coolant (ensure not to touch the metal core or filler neck).
2: With the ignition on and again with the engine running,
check EVERY component. Whilst you are monitoring the presence of stray voltage in the cooling system, have a fellow worker operate the brake lights,
parking, head and high beam lights and indeed all electrical components (whether factory or aftermarket) and
check for any increase in voltage readings in your voltmeter.
Fail:
If you get a reading above 50mV (0.05 volts) or a red fail light on the current detector.
Do Not Proceed:
The source of the current leakage should be found, as this can destroy a radiator in a short period of time (hours or days, depending on the level of voltage) and severely damage other engine components.
It is highly recommended that all repairs or work carried out on a vehicles electrical system or component is carried out by a qualified auto electrician.
Note:
The cooling system cannot be successfully passed as being free from stray current voltage if the system contains coolant, it has been found that coolant may provide inaccurate readings.
Pass:
Only when the analogue voltmeter reads below 50mV (0.05 volts) or a green pass light is obtained should you proceed to fit a new radiator or recharge a cooling system with coolant.
In both cases the flushing procedure should be followed prior to the vehicle being released.
Note:
Some coolants have been known to retain an electrical charge after the fault has been detected and repaired. All testing for stray current should be carried out using clean water (demineralised or distilled) after the flushing procedure has been carried out. It would be very wise to
test the vehicle again in one or two days to ensure stray current related problems are corrected and coolant has settled down.