This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of chemical composition and mold temperature (MT) on the hot-tearing susceptibility (HTS) of an experimental Al-2% Cu-1% Si alloy using a constrained rod casting mold. The HTS results were then compared with 206 (Al-5 wt% Cu) alloys containing the same additions. In general, the Al-2% Cu-1% Si based alloys exhibited higher resistance to hot-tearing than did the 206-based alloys. It was found that an elevated MT is beneficial in reducing the HTS of the Al-2% Cu-1% Si and 206 alloys in that the HTS value decreased from over 21 to less than 5, as the MT was increased from 250 to 450 degrees C. Increasing the Si content reduced the HTS of the Al-2% Cu-1% Si alloy considerably; this reduction may be attributed to an increase in the volume fraction of eutectic in the structure. The addition of Sr caused deterioration in the hot-tearing resistance of the base alloy due to the formation of Sr-oxides and an extension of the freezing range of the alloy. The refinement of the grain structure obtained with the Zr-Ti-B addition decreased the severity of hot-tearing as a result of an increase in the number of intergranular liquid films per unit volume and a delay in reaching the coherency point. It was also observed that alpha-Fe intermetallic particles may impede the propagation of hot-tearing cracks. The Al-2% Cu-1% Si alloy with 1 wt% Si addition was judged to be the best composition in view of its low HTS.