four core copper vs aluminum w plastic tanks

[NOPHO84K30]

Is the four core really better at cooling then a aluminum one . Ive got a copper brass one from my bro hes not using two of the fins are closed off and has other damage thats been sealed with soder. Dosent leak so far I capped the Iinlets and filled it with water pumped some air in there didnt leak. The aluminum one I have will start to overheat if im sitting in a lot with motor running..

 

[bucket]

I've never been able to tell a difference in which style performs better. I'm not real fond of plastic tanks, but every rad I've bought with them has had a good warranty so I could overlook the fact that they might crack after several years.

 

[NOPHO84K30]

Well ill swap it in see if it makes a difference. its not to hard plus will fit better. Ill make the fans fit right before I put it in so I dont have to take it out again to fit it. Then when I get the controller the instsll will go faster...

 

[highdesertrange]

aluminum radiators are more efficient, however the plastic tanks are the weak point. sounds to me like you have an airflow problem. I see you have 2 electric fans but if like you say it starts to get warm while sitting it's an airflow problem. is it ok on the road? highdesertranger

 

[woodsrider250]

I can't speak for real world test between the two, but since when is aluminum a better conductor than copper?

 

[MadOgre]

Aluminum wiring heats up faster than copper wiring. Its the same for cooling properties Aluminum is slightly better at diisipating heat as well. Its more thermally conductive than copper.

Aluminum rads are non rebuildable they simply melt old ones down for the metal.

Copper cores can be soldered thus they are rebuildable.

I have never had the experience myself but I have had two friends over the years that have some how managed to get an air lock in their cooling system and had similar problems over heating.

that was so long ago I cant even remember how they fixed it. I believe it was just drain and start over. making sure the thermostat is not stuck closed.

 

[89Suburban]

I am very pleased with my Autozone aluminum cored/plastic tanked radiator. It's 2 core but the core tubes are very wide. Huge difference, never goes over 190*. And I know the fan clutch is whooped so when I get one of those it will be the cat's meow. I also have a very small hole drilled in the thermostat flange to help eliminate air pocketing on the first fill up and temperature spiking on first warm ups. When you first install everything leave the upper radiator hose off the radiator and rest it on to of the radiator shroud. As you begin to fill the system you will hear the air whistling through the end of the hose and through the hole in the thermostat. Eventually it will stop and the coolant will start to leak out of the hose. that is when you install the hose and warm it up to operating temp to open the thermostat and cycle the system, keeping an eye on the level during the process. Don't fill it all the way up because when it heats up the fluid will expand. Keep the level below the port for the heater hose return flow so you can see that coolant flushing in. Once the thermostat opens and the system cycles fill it to the top and put the cap on. Fill the overflow a few inches above the recommend cold level and shut the engine off to let it cool down and suck in it's required fluid from the overflow tank.

 

[metal tech]

copper/brass is more thermally efficient at transfering heat than aluminum. Aluminum uses wider tubes 1", 1.25", 1.5" vs brass 7/16", these wider tubes expose more of the water to the passing airflow which helps pull the heat out better. If it wasn't for the wider tubes the aluminum rads would not be better.
http://www.dewitts.com/blogs/news?page=1

 

[MadOgre]

very informative. I did not know about tube size thing. it doesn't say which metal is better at heat transfer though.

 

[NOPHO84K30]

I dont have the electric fans installed going to as soon as I get the controller. Right now it has a severe duty clutch. The condenser is new so its not all pluged up should be gettin plenty of air right now. Going to try and put a high flow pump on it too.

 

[skysurfer]

copper/brass is more thermally efficient at transfering heat than aluminum.

Glad we're not in a bar, I would have bet you're wrong and now I would be buying your drinks. A quick search shows that coper is 60% more thermally conductive than aluminum. I should have known better than to doubt a guy that calls himself metal tech.

 

[Driver4r]

Its hard to beat an old school 4 core radiator, the originals are worth a good penny.

Ive been looking at the 2 core aluminum's that are the size of the old 4 cores. Such as the ones made by griffin and such.

And whats cool is the older squares use the same radiator as A bodies and G-bodys, a 4 core is universal amongst those 3.

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[NOPHO84K30]

I had time today so I pulled the aluminum rad out for the copper brass four core. Bought a new lower hose aswell just because its probly time for one. Changed it out and no leaks anywhere so thats good. Took it out for test drive it looks to be running 1/8 cooler on the gauge wont be able to lazer temp it till monday..sprayed off old aluminum one and crap it was full of mud..that may have had an influence on cooling properly..I reused the coolent it was prety new... this is how I got it out I poked a whole in lower hose and put a hose barb in it shot right into a clean bucket no big mess. I thought it wrked great

 

[NOPHO84K30]

Old aluminum one and copper one.. the copper one fits right where the mounts are nicely the aluminum one sat on top of one side.. and no big gaps on the sides of the shroud.

 

[highdesertrange]

I stand corrected. I was told by a lot of guys the aluminum ones were more efficient. even a couple radiator guys. just goes to show, you can teach an old dog new tricks. highdesertranger