7 Reasons to stock Plastic Aluminum truck radiators Fitment- Better fit because plastic tanks mirror the complex OE shapesBetter coolingBrazed aluminum lasts longer and endures more pressure cycles for a longer lifeLighter in weightStrength- plastic tanks have superior design reinforcements that cannot be done in a stamped tankLess expensive- materials and methods on a volume basis keep production costs downLow warranty return rate- In modern trucks Tier 3 and up, the duty cycles cannot be upheld with copper brass radiator constructionCommon radiator metals ranked by thermal conductivityFor the majority of automotive history, copper brass radiators have been used for many reasons including copper being the best conductor of heat. But copper is too weak for other parts of the radiator so an alloy of copper is used, brass (check the chart). In most radiator applications copper is used for the fins transferring a lot of heat which helps but holding all the brass and copper together is a solder alloy which is much lower on the heat transfer rank. Keep in mind that the poor conductor, solder is between all of the good conductive metals, slowing transfer. Solder is the weak link being a soft metal with a low melting point often failing first from metal fatigue(cracking). Also solder traditionally has a lead (Pb) content and it is well known to be a toxic heavy metal.Only now in recent times has modern chemistry allowed inexpensive manufacturing methods to braze All Aluminum radiator cores. The cores are made up of different aluminum alloys, combining strength and heat transfer properties. Aluminum is a better conductor than brass. In other words, it is 100% aluminum conductor making its construction more efficient than comparable copper brass radiators with dissimilar metals.RankMetalThermal Conductivity [BTU/(hr·ft⋅°F)]1Copper2232Aluminum1183Brass64www.metalsupermarkets.com/which-metals-conduct-heat-bestSince the very beginning copper and brass radiators have been a staple component of most cooling systems. Today you’ll still find copper and brass radiators in a variety of industries and applications. But as manufacturing designs and technology have improved, “Plastic Tank/Aluminum Core” product have become the original equipment industry standard as a quality replacement to the copper and brass product. In most applications they last longer, they’re lighter, and cost less money!In the Heavy Duty Truck market, Northern Radiator has offered you a choice of copper/brass as well as a plastic/aluminum radiators to various truck models, and where it makes sense we will continue to do so. However, it’s very apparent that in many specific part numbers, applications, and working environments, Northern’s plastic tank/aluminum radiator is far superior in its performance, longevity and customer satisfaction with substantially fewer warranty situations.AluminumCopper BrassStronger metal - more resistant to pressure and damageWeaker metalCore and headers are brazed as one solid piece, allowing uniform heat transfer - no solderCore and headers are soldered together, reducing heat transfer capabilityWider tubes provide better contact with fins for better heat transferSmaller tubes mean less cotact with fins and reduces heat transferCore is thinner allowing better air flow, wider aluminum tubes provide greater surface contact with the fins, it can conduct heat more efficiently than the copper brassCore is thicker, which can impede air flowLower weight, 40-60% lighter- less stress on mounting pointsHeavierAll aluminum - less risk of corrosionComposed of dissimilar metals due to the solder, which increases risk of corrosionLess expensive than equivalent copper brass by about halfUp to double the price of aluminumMore durable and lasts longer in most environmentsHeavier and more vulnerable to vibration and self-destruction in certain applicationsMost modern trucks are designed for aluminum radiatorsMost modern vehicles are not designed for copper brass, increasing the risk of galvanic corrosionAs the leader in the cooling industry it’s Northern Radiator’s obligation to provide you with only the highest quality product available for you to service your customer. The below listing shows the Northern plastic tank/aluminum core radiator that you should be selling, where you may have previously recommended a copper/brass product.Northern Plastic Aluminum ProductsPART # MAKE/MODEL without Frame OEM #PART # with Frame 238601Int’l/Navistar ‘03-’07 8600, 8600i, 9100, 9100i, 9200, 9200i, 9400, 9400i, 9900i Series 2508454C91, 2508454C92, 3E0115430000- - - - - - - -238603Freightliner ‘04-’06 Columbia, M2 with Mercedes Engine BHTD0535, D0535, D9526- - - - - - - -238611Freightliner ‘07-Newer Cascadia, Century, Columbia 3E01228, 1A0201190021, 0529617009238684, 238709238612Freightliner ‘08-’13 M2, ‘08-’10 Cascadia, Sterling 9500 Series 1A0201220032, 052661922, 0527751066- - - - - - - -238617Freightliner ‘04-’07 M2 Bus with Mercedes Engine BHT91657, BHTD2342, D2342- - - - - - - -238632Freightliner 07-’09 Cascadia 0526678001, 0526621001- - - - - - - -238638Kenworth ‘06-’11 T660, ‘08-’15 W900, 2014 T880 N4020001, F3160881101120, F3160881105100- - - - - - - -238648Peterbilt ‘08-’13 384 & 386; Kenworth ‘08-’14 W900 F3160921214310, M3265001, BHTH4102, H4102- - - - - - - -238652Freightliner ‘08-Newer Columbia with PTO, Sterling LT 9500 1A0201220012, 3E0120460001, 3E11548238746238695Int’l/Navistar ‘04-Newer 7300-7700 Series 286042C91, 2586039C91, 2507375C91- - - - - - - -238697Int’l/Navistar ‘02-’07 7300-7700 Series 2586038C91, 1S180075, 2508431C91- - - - - - - -238698Int’l/Navistar ‘08-’09 7300, 7400, 7500 Series 2591761C92, 1S180186, 3E113970000- - - - - - - -238759Ford ‘94-’97 and ‘01-Newer L, LTL9000, Sterling, Silver Star, Freightliner 1300 F4HT8009FC, F4HT8009FB, 1040145- - - - - - - -239010Freightliner ‘03-’10 Century Series, Coronado B5325, C8989, 75080, BHTC8987- - - - - - - -239048Mack ‘08 CHU Series, ‘08-’13CHN Series, GU Granite E Models, Volvo ‘08-’14 VHD Series 21504550, 85125540, 21593033- - - - - - - -239050Mack ‘08-’10 Granite, Volvo VHD Series S5751, S5589, Y8075, 85112703, 21504540- - - - - - - -239077Freightliner ‘06-’09 M2, MC, MM Models B9705, B9696, D9454, BHT74683- - - - - - - -239086Freightliner ‘07 Columbia, ‘08-Newer Cascadia 1A0201190020, 3E0118600004, A0526615020238685239087Freightliner ‘08-’13 M2 / 106 Business Class, ‘08-’09 Sterling Acterra BHTT3152001, T3152001, S2726001, P4022001- - - - - - - -239089Volvo ‘06-’08 VT, V2 Models 20517559, G5713, G5719, G0440100- - - - - - - -239123Mack CX, CXN61; Volvo ‘97-Newer VN, VNL, VNM Models 8113190, 81493, 3MF5544M4, 3100801239141, 239154239142Freightliner ‘02-’07 FLD, Century, Classic XL, Sterling 9500 Series BHTA4727, V0225001, E3760, V0225100- - - - - - - -