Why/how radiators split

[hako]

I recently noticed coolant weeping from a small split in the plastic side tank on my radiator - just below where the top rad hose enters. I've been watching for this as so many plastic/alum radiators seem to suffer from split tanks at my mileage (220,000km). The split occured just below where the top hose joins the tank and right where the fan housing bolts to the tank.....so it appears this split was caused by strain from the fan housing. Also noticed my coolant level was down slightly which has never happened before.
So, ordered a new radiator from Ebay ($118 delivered) and installed it. Decided to rip the old one apart to see what the split looked like from the inside and also to see the condition of the tubes inside the radiator. When I pulled the tanks off I was very surprised to see absolutely no tubes blocked and only one or two pieces of foreign matter sitting in the tank. The radiator itself was still in perfect condition so really all it needed was a new plastic tank, however a new radiator is the easy option. The transmission oil cooler was interesting - I've included the cross section with the other pix.

The message in this post is just to confirm that using the proper coolant does stop corrosion and preserves the aluminium core of the radiator.....too bad about the plastic tank! It also pays to keep a keen eye on coolant levels - if I hadn't noticed the coolant leak and the level dropping due to the split, the engine would have overheated and come to a sudden halt.
I've attached photos of the split and the radiator tubes/core/oil cooler.

[Brett_jjj]

Interesting pictures.Something you dont see every day(unless you work at a radiator place).
Good one Hako.

[wraith]

Interesting pictures.Something you dont see every day(unless you work at a radiator place).
Good one Hako.

Commodores are notorious for it. Who ever thought plastic on metal was a good idea was wrong.

[VS_Pete_1]

Thanks Hako

[Rgsyes]

Thanks for that as one added problem was leaking fluid from the Auto cooler, it doesnt leak water so now going to add a new cooler for the auto. To understand how it all works makes me feel safer in driving more than 30 kms'from Stawell, UR knowledge is unsurpassed manythabks for ur threads and info. cheers Russell