| Aluminum rads...good or bad? [message #272273] |
Wed, 18 February 2015 21:06  |
Harry
Messages: 1888
Registered: October 2007
Location: Victoria, BC CANADA
Karma: 3
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Urban Legend #2 Aluminum radiators are better Aluminum units actually do not pass heat better than equivalent brass/copper types. Especially at idle or low speed. Basic Physics 101. But most aftermarket aluminum units are of the oversize variety so it does cool better overall. But we are in an apples and oranges comparison. The aluminum units cost lots more, have far more problems relating to repair and are very prone to long term vibration/stress cracking along with some corrosion issues if not maintained. Some weight savings but from a cost and durability standpoint really not a good "bang for the buck" deal.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Aluminum rads...good or bad? [message #272329 is a reply to message #272273] |
Thu, 19 February 2015 13:02  |
Emery Stora
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
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What Physics 101 did you study?
The thermal conductibility of Aluminum is 205 ( W/(Mk) whereas Brass is 109.
So, Aluminum will actually conduct heat “pass heat” better than brass.
Copper is better than aluminum but I haven’t seen any radiators made from pure copper for many, many years. When the use of pressurized radiators came about, if the tubes were pure copper they will be too soft and weak and would rupture from the flexing of heating and cooling. So, alloys of brass (copper and zinc) been used for many years and that is what the original GMC radiator is.
Both aluminum and brass will corrode if the radiator is not properly maintained. The corrosion inhibitors will be used up and no long protect the metals. That is why I change the antifreeze every two years.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
> On Feb 18, 2015, at 8:06 PM, David H. Jarvis wrote:
>
> Urban Legend #2 Aluminum radiators are better Aluminum units actually do not pass heat better than equivalent brass/copper types. Especially at idle
> or low speed. Basic Physics 101. But most aftermarket aluminum units are of the oversize variety so it does cool better overall. But we are in an
> apples and oranges comparison. The aluminum units cost lots more, have far more problems relating to repair and are very prone to long term
> vibration/stress cracking along with some corrosion issues if not maintained. Some weight savings but from a cost and durability standpoint really not
> a good "bang for the buck" deal.
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| Re: Aluminum rads...good or bad? [message #272360 is a reply to message #272273] |
Fri, 20 February 2015 08:34 |
rscortezzo
Messages: 49
Registered: January 2007
Location: Green Valley Arizona/ Flo...
Karma: 0
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I had the original radiator rebuilt by my local radiator shop, he was so happy that he could rebuild it. If you have the original try to have it record.
Rich Cortezzo
Green Valley AZ
1978 Eleganza II
F389018
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| Re: Aluminum rads...good or bad? [message #272368 is a reply to message #272273] |
Fri, 20 February 2015 10:50 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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G'day,
Here's some info straight from the horses mouth:
Rob,
Thank you for letting me know that you received my email. It is very odd that you're not able to send back to my address though.
Moving forward I was able to find out some details about your radiator.
The GMC Motorhome radiator IS currently being built with a welded in lower cooler. It is also specified as a plate style cooler.
I looked into trying to sell you a replacement cooler but as I mentioned in our phone conversation we simply do not sell components by themselves.
I was able to find some other useful information though. It appears that one of our only Authorized distributors for this radiator is a company here in the States called: Motorhome Enhancements. From what I have been told they are the leading source for both parts and information regarding these vehicles.
Their website is: http://www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements/
You may try reaching out to them for more information about fixing your radiator or purchasing a new product.
Thank you for your commitment to our brand and for your continued interest in our cooling products.
Kind Regards:
Griffin Thermal Products
Steve Beebe
Marketing Director
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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