# Bubbles Everywhere: Cavitation and the Cooling System [E220]

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/diagnosing-the-aftermarket-a-to-z-4411651/bubbles-everywhere-cavitation-and-the-cooling-system-e220
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/diagnosing-the-aftermarket-a-to-z-4411651/bubbles-everywhere-cavitation-and-the-cooling-system-e220.md
Podcast: [Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z](https://stenobird.com/podcast/diagnosing-the-aftermarket-a-to-z-4411651)
Published: 2026-01-21T04:15:00+00:00
Episode link: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/bubbles-everywhere-cavitation-and-the-cooling-system-e220
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8211dbf8-04d2-4889-a988-093e873743d8.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/diagnosing-the-aftermarket-a-to-z-4411651/episodes/bubbles-everywhere-cavitation-and-the-cooling-system-e220
Duration seconds: 1198

## Resource

Thanks to our Partner, Pico Technology Watch Full Video Episode Matt goes down a rabbit hole on the science of bubbles and comes back with something surprisingly practical: cavitation is a major source of cooling-system component damage , especially in and around water pumps. The “bad guy” isn’t the bubble forming—it’s the bubble collapsing , releasing intense localized energy, micro-jetting , and shock waves that pit and erode metal surfaces over time. The takeaway: approach cooling-system maintenance as anti-cavitation prevention , not just “keep it from overheating.” Key topics covered Why cavitation damage is often misattributed to electrolysis (and what’s actually happening) The real destruction mechanism: Bubble collapse → extreme localized heat (doesn’t “cook” the system, but signals energy density) Micro-jet stream through the collapsing bubble “donut” → pitting/erosion Shock wave effects (ties into why ultrasonic cleaning works) How bubbles form even in a pressurized cooling system Localized low-pressure zones behind an impeller blade Pressure drops along surfaces and restrictions (design or contamination-caused) Why “radiator cap” is a misleading name Better term: degassing cap It maintains system pressure (key to preventing local boiling) and “burps” gas/vapor out Coolant chemistry isn’t just freeze/boil protection The inhibitor package forms a protective barrier on internal surfaces that absorbs cavitation attack Over time that protection depletes → cavitation damage shows up Water quality matters more than most people think Minerals/impurities can create deposits → restrictions → pressure drop zones → bubbles Contamination can also become nucleation points for bubble formation Distilled/RO water or properly formulated premix is the safer play “Universal co…

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