Re: cooling system problems...i need some help
I've never owned an aluminum radiator and I have some doubts about them. Both copper & aluminum 'work harden' from vibration or heat/cool cycles. In copper the alloy can be changed to overcome heat induced work hardening, something Harrison figured out 100 years ago, don't think the same applies to aluminum.
In addition I have found in working on expensive foreign stuff and lots & lots of bikes that aluminum is highly prone to corrosion from salts, dis-similar metals interaction and various chemicals. Such is not the case with copper or brass.
Aluminum, depending on the alloy, is more prone to suddenly fracture than copper & brass.
Aluminum is more difficult to solder or weld therefore repair is more specialized and less likely to be successful.
To me the worst of both worlds is an aluminum radiator with plastic tanks!
Overall for heat conductivity, long troublefree life & ease of repair it seems that copper/brass is the first choice. Obviously aluminum has a distinct weight advantage but few cars really need that few pounds of weight savings. A 4-core copper brass radiator is hard to beat for cooling efficiency.