LSC's Radiator's IMPORTANT
 

I know this forum isn't read or used very often, but I hope enough to get the word out to LS cobra owners.

I think a lot of you know me and that I have built an untold # of `100's of Cobras over the last 40 years. Since CR is now no longer and two Cobras that needed built I went to LSC's next.

Building TWINS, both with Fords new 351/427's with aluminum heads, and LSC's aluminum radiator I decided instead of using a "Boat" type Anode I would go with FLEXLITE NEW ANODE that screws in place of the drain plug.

It was only then that I realized LSC's did NOT have any way to drain their radiators, aka NO PETCOCKS!

After overcoming the shock I personally called AFCO getting a hold of RG Fortune (1-800-632-6255) he wanted to congratulate me on being the first person he knew of that was actually installing Anode's into any of his Aluminum Cobras. He told me to put out his name and number for any person that had questions as to why ANODES should be used with aluminum radiators with steel blocks.

It's called ELECTROLYSIS people. If you are unsure why, pop your radiator cap off and most likely you will see the results of not having an anode! It will have an "ACID" TYPE build up just like a battery left in a toy or camera to long. If your not convinced yet, and don't see any of this build up good, BUT go one strep farther and actually pull the water neck off to get to the thermostat.

If you have an aluminum radiator, cast iron heads or aluminum heads, especially with an MSD box or the likes and it has been running for 6 months or more you are surely going to see the need for an Anode.

DV

So how are you going to install it if there is no drain petcock?

My LSC radiator has been installed since June of 98 without a leak. Wondering if it's too late to put an anode in it?

I had electrolysis eat a hole in my Harrison expansion tank. Ran my battery ground to the block, then another ground strap from block to frame, problem solved.

I did the same thing Jack did, maybe that's why no problems. Kinda anal about grounds...

Never to late for an extra ground right to the radiator!
What am I going to do? That's why I called this morning, ordered an ALUMINUM bung to put in the radiator. Then instead of plugging with a "Pet-Cock" I'll install the ANODE from Flex a Lite.
DV

I ran an aluminum radiator for 12 years with no anode without issue. I didn't have a drain petcock either - had to pull the lower hose to drain.

Bet a few other guys besides HotFingers wished they had better grounds/anode for his!
Obviously you had good grounds. Aluminum heads? MSD? Bet draining the radiator was a little messy in the garage/driveway/street? :)

DV

Aluminum heads and a Mallory box. 2 gauge ground from the battery to frame and another 2 gauge ground from the block to the frame.

PSB
Just my usual 2 cents worth! DVSF II (?) we had an electrical engineer/ Professor from U.O.M.- Yep that place up North, give us a 101 class in wiring our kits. HE said the "frame" should never be used as the primary ground. The engine / tranny should always be primary, (Something about rotating parts) then a ground to the frame. Something about OHM's and Resistance I didn't understand but I did comprehend his lesson.

Thought "Wreckerboy" was there for that little meeting??

But. kudo's to you, sounds like your solution worked.
DV

This is why most or all, boat manufactures have anodes in the engine and the lower unit. We've always had boats, so whenI built my cobra, I placed on temperally in the fill cap hanging it with a stainless wire.

Why, dId LSC use a radiator without a drain ??? :rolleyes:

lot of Cobras don't have drains in their radiators.
Just loosen the bottom hose and drain the radiator.
You can buy a alum tube with a drain in it. Use it like a coupling between two hoses on the bottom.



Dwight

Where do you get one and what does it look like?

Speedway has one but Summit and Jegs should have them.

Inline Fill Adapter with 3/8 Inch NPT Fitting

Yep, I also just remove the hose, but they should have a drain anyway. :rolleyes:

drains are over rated