Hi guys just wondering what everyones thoughts were on alloy radiators? best brands etc
alloy radiators
Started by
_mra9x_
, Feb 03 2007 11:40 AM
14 replies to this topic
#2
_1uzbt1_
_1uzbt1_
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Posted 03 February 2007 - 11:45 AM
I hate installing any ally rads whether it be a factory or aftermarket ones.Stray curent is a big killer of these and once leaking its time for a new one.We test for this all the time with verying results and no one realy knows or wants to try and sort it out.
#3
_devilsadvocate_
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Posted 03 February 2007 - 05:36 PM
I take it you mean radiators that a are predominantly aluminium? They will cool better than and equivalent sized brass/copper one, so if you are running out of space or a large 3 or 4 row isnt doing the job, then the alloy may be your only option. The problems listed ^ are worth finding out more about, not all radiator places can perform a repair on a alum one and of course they do cost heaps more.
#4
TerrA LX
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Posted 03 February 2007 - 05:48 PM
is it just the sale pitch working for some because i was in the trade and everywhere i read it states copper cools better than alloy, even in the stickys on this forum.
alloy is lighter and cheaper than copper but not as good conductor of heat and electricity.
alloy is lighter and cheaper than copper but not as good conductor of heat and electricity.
#6
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Posted 03 February 2007 - 07:41 PM
you could be on to something there DA.
i knew the fittings were brass but neglected to acknoledge that the tubes are infact brass aswell.
should do my homework more often.
i knew the fittings were brass but neglected to acknoledge that the tubes are infact brass aswell.
should do my homework more often.
#7
_1uzbt1_
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Posted 03 February 2007 - 08:09 PM
repairing ally is very difficult as the only real way of doing it is with more ally.because so much heat is required (as the ally dissapates it so well)to weld it and the tubes are so close you end up melting more tubes than repairing them,were as solder has a much lower melting point than the copper tubes.
all said and done i think ally rads a far better at cooling than copper/brass,and cheaper with the current price of copper.
all said and done i think ally rads a far better at cooling than copper/brass,and cheaper with the current price of copper.
#8
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#9
_uglybob_
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Posted 04 February 2007 - 10:10 AM
i just got a big ally radiator for the lc. why do you relaly need to worry about the scientific side of it when it looks so hot sitting there in the engine bay?
having said that i did go for the ally becuase the 3 core wasnt cutting the mustard. havent had a chance to actually use it since i got it though.
ben
having said that i did go for the ally becuase the 3 core wasnt cutting the mustard. havent had a chance to actually use it since i got it though.
ben
#10
_LJ355_
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Posted 04 February 2007 - 10:33 AM
Alloy radiators must be rubber mounted to stop electrolosis
#11
_uglybob_
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Posted 04 February 2007 - 05:48 PM
thankyou for that warning i didnt know that. that wouldnt be good, welding the piston to the block and all!
#12
_uglybob_
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Posted 04 February 2007 - 06:07 PM
isnt the earth strap there purely to counter that effect??
#13
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Posted 04 February 2007 - 06:33 PM
Good grounding is suppose to counter the effect of electrolosis.
who takes it seriously enough to run rain water or distilled water.
ive never seen a rad shop do it yet.
who takes it seriously enough to run rain water or distilled water.
ive never seen a rad shop do it yet.
#14
_devilsadvocate_
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Posted 04 February 2007 - 06:51 PM
Grounding of an aluminium radiator?......have heard both theories......can cause corrosion(from electrolYsis) or prevent it. Certainly the problems are more to do with the coolant used which can allow electricity to flow through it and stray currents from other items that are not earthed effectively. Perhaps the large rubber mounting blocks we now see were more to do with not having the radiator directly subject to vibration, thats how the brass/copper rad is mounted on a 84 Telstar.
#15
_1uzbt1_
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Posted 05 February 2007 - 09:03 AM
we use reverse osmosis water at my shop and always have,and earth ally rads,we always chech that and 9/10 it make the problem worse as i beleive it gives the stray curent an even better way of getting back to earth.Good grounding is suppose to counter the effect of electrolosis.
who takes it seriously enough to run rain water or distilled water.
ive never seen a rad shop do it yet.
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