69 replies to this topic

[TerrA LX]

You are correct about the copper but it is held together with solder which is the weak point in the heat transfer so alloy wins here and as well as size and weight.

[ls2lxhatch]

This page explains the benefits of aluminium radiators.
http://www.stockcarp...ts.com/rad2.htm

It was posted by ALX76 in this thread.
http://www.gmh-toran...showtopic=13789

[REDA9X]

http://www.arrowhead...automobiles.htm

READ THIS
Aluminum vs. Copper/Brass Radiators

Copper is a better conductor of heat than aluminum. Copper/brass radiators usually have copper fins, but brass tubes (70% copper, 30% zinc). The bond between the fins and the tubes may be made with soldier (A tin/lead alloy, or high-tin alloy) or with a braze material (mostly copper).

[ls2lxhatch]

Copper is a good heat conductor, but solder required to bond the tubes to fin creates an insulation point that prevents some heat transfer. Aluminum tubes are welded rather than soldered to the aluminum tanks, providing a more efficient conductor for cooling efficiency.

The strength of the materials is one difference between aluminum and copper. The copper tubes carrying the coolant must be very thin to keep a copper brass radiator cooling efficiently. Since copper is relatively weak, the tubes must be narrow in order to prevent the internal pressure from swelling or exploding. Aluminum is much stronger, allowing the use of considerably wider tubes. Wider tubes allow more direct contact between the fins and the tube, increasing the radiator�s capacity to dissipate heat away from the engine.

[Dr Terry]

Hi Guys.

Aluminium cored radiators cool much better than copper/brass radiators. But, the copper/brass ones last longer, especially if you don't watch your coolant mix.

Take a look at Commodore V6s, the standard thin aluminium radiator has no trouble, even towing with a/con on, during summer.

I had a customer who purchased a 2nd hand VR V6 which had the old aluminium radiator corroded away. Not repairable, just buy a new one, He had the choice between the aluminium & an aftermarket copper/brass one. He bought the copper/brass one. On a hot day (under load, towing a trailer) on the freeway at 100km/h, it consistantly ran hot. He swapped it for a new aluminium one (which has a thinner core, by the way) & problem solved. I've seen this issue with taxis also.

Dr Terry

[Struggler]

.......it appears to be an interesting article and clearly worthy of someone like DA..........

Now THATS funny !!!!

[makka]

If you have plenty of space available for the radiator, is there any technical benefits from having the tanks on the sides rather than the top/bottom... or visa versa?

if your core is wider than it is high go with tanks on the side
if your core is taller than it is wide go with tanks top and bottom.
its all to do with packaging

[TerrA LX]

If you have plenty of space available for the radiator, is there any technical benefits from having the tanks on the sides rather than the top/bottom... or visa versa?

Yes, a cross flow radiator (tanks on the side) usually has the cap located on the outlet side, there for the cap is not exposed to the violent water coming out of the motor which can sometimes force the cap off its seat momentarily causing a slight loss of pressure/water which will raise the temp. This can not be avoided in a conventional radiator but the cap is usually not located directly above the inlet pipe coming from the motor for this reason.

Edited by ALX76, 08 May 2008 - 02:15 PM.

[TerrA LX]

So cross flows are better or is it just as good to have the cap on the opposite side of the hose?

Yes, cross flow is the superior technology in this respect, conventional radiators design is a carry over from the day when cars had no water pump.

It is most preferable to have the cap on a conventional radiator as far away from the motor discharge point as possible.

[ls2lxhatch]

With the stray current do alloy ones get mounted on rubber mounts normally?

Most aftermarket alloy radiators are bolted in the same as a standard Torana radiator.

I think the factory radiators are rubber mounted because it is quicker on the assembly line to drop a radiator in rather than bolt it in.

[TerrA LX]

^ the orientation you refer to is in relation to keeping the water in the cooling area (fin section) of the radiator as long as possible, talking toranas i do not think it will make much difference in this respect due to the low bonnet line then cross flow wins again but i do not think it would be beneficial to try fit a cross flow to a 32 ford for example.