Your coolant stinks

By Jim Tapp
GOODSON Tech Services Manager

Here's a comment that we hear frequently in the Tech department: "Your coolant stinks." Our response is: "It's not the coolant, it's your water." Now before you think I've lost my mind, here's the poop. Literally. Water (all water, unless it's been sterilized) contains micro-organisms that will grow and do their thing (if you get my drift) under the right conditions. When you open a jug of coolant that's been pre-mixed with water, what you're really smelling is the residue of those micro-organisms. So, what's the solution?

Probably the easiest solution to the problem of coolant odor is to mix the coolant with water ONLY as needed. When you pre-mix and store a jug of coolant, you're creating the perfect environment for the bacteria to grow. Most of the bacteria you'll find in the water supply are anaerobic bacteria. Without getting into a chemistry lesson let me explain. Anaerobic bacteria are micro-organisms that grow in the absence of oxygen. So when you premix the coolant with the water then seal it into a jug, you're giving the bacteria just what they need to thrive. Here at Goodson, we add a biocide component to our coolants, but that biocide is not all powerful. If the bacteria in the water have multiplied to the point that they overpower the biocide, well, you're gonna have some smell.

Another reason that bacteria will grow in the coolants is warmth. Right now, depending on where you are, that might not be a problem. But come summer it will be. You need to be cleaning your machines on a regular basis and that means draining off the coolant now and again. You're just going to add to the problem if you keep topping it off without cleaning the sump. Not to mention, your coolant to water ratio will be off due to evaporation. And when you do clean out the machines, clean the whole machine – hoses and all. Cleaning out the sump to get rid of the smell won't do you any good if you haven't cleaning the hoses. They're just going to put the stinky bacteria back into the coolant and you're right back where you started.

Okay, I've lectured enough. But if you're interested in learning more about coolants and the impact that water has on them, check out this article in Shop Talk Magazine: "Thinking about Coolant? I do it ALL the time." I found it interesting and I'll wager you will too.

Well, we're keeping this short this month (it is the shortest month of the year after all) but if you want to know more about coolant smell or any other topic, you can check out the Goodson Tech Library.

Hot Tips for using the Hot Tank

By Jim Tapp,
GOODSON Tech Services Manager

It may seem as though we harp on cleaning here in the tech department, but cleaning is the first step to a high quality machining job. The accumulated grease, carbon and other gunk (that's a technical term, you know) makes it almost impossible to machine parts without excessive wear on machines and tooling.

Most ferrous (iron or steel) parts may be cleaned in a hot soak tank, but never aluminum or zinc parts. Carburetors, fuel pumps and cam bearing should likewise never be put in a hot tank. Goodson's D-CI25 Cast Iron Cleaning Detergent is a strong, alkaline that removes dirt, heavy oil and grease, carbon and paint.

Remember that hot tanks are designed primarily to remove organic and carbon deposits, and it helps to steam clean parts ahead of time to remove most of the grease and oil. Pre-cleaning parts really extends the life of the tank chemicals and reduces sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Also, be sure to steam clean or rinse the parts immediately after you remove them from the tanks. If parts aren't rinsed off right away, a thin, caustic film will dry on their surface. Once this film dries, it is very tough to remove and promotes rusting in the presence of any humidity. After you've cleaned off the film, it's time to treat the parts with a rust retardant such as our RPO-10 Rust Proofing Oil or RS-16 and RS-16-OD Rust Shield Sprays.

For more cleaning tips, check out the Goodson Tech Library.

This is one cool valve spring compressor

Erik Shepard, Goodson Techxpert™

It may not look like much in the picture above, but let me tell you, this is a great tool to have if you work on V-Twins.

With this revolutionary spring compressor, you can replace broken springs, install high performance springs or remove and replace valve guide seals all without taking the engine apart. Yes, you read that correctly. You won't have to take the engine apart. Just remove the gas tank and you can get to work (see image below).

Want to know more?
Check out the product's instructions or visit our online store for more details.

Dates to remember:

March 12 - 14, 2009
Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Show
The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show is the only show of its kind serving the business - to- business side of the market. The show is produced exclusively for the hot rod, street rod, muscle car, and restoration markets. Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana. Find out more

March 18 - 20, 2009
PERA Spring Technical Conference
The '09 spring tech meeting will include tours of Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. Charlotte NC
Find out more

September, 2009
PERA Fall Technical Conference
The '09 Fall Conference will be held in Savannah, Georgia. As details become available, we'll pass them along.
Find out more

November 3-6 , 2009
SEMA Show 2009
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more… Las Vegas, Nevada Find out more

December 10-12 , 2009
22nd Annual PRI Trade Show
Don’t miss the three biggest business days in motorsports when the worldwide racing industry gathers in Orlando, December 10-12, 2009, for the 22nd Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show. Orlando, Florida Find out more