Re: Radiator Cap

[jlandry@domain.elided (John A. Landry)]

At a recent NATO press briefing, George Humphrey <gbhx@domain.elided> was heard
threatening Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic...

>       I'm trying to figure out what pressure cap I should use on my
>radiator. The research I have done suggests that there were two different
>cooling systems for the 72 Scouts. A 7lb system and I believe a 15lb
>system. How can i identify my system and what is a safe pressure to go
>with. For anyone who can read line set, my radiator assembly # is
>0429794c1. It also has D 1965 stamped on the same line.

George,

The pressure rating of the cap helps control at what temperature your coolant
will *boil*.  Of course the amount of anti-freeze(boil) also controls this
boiling point.  With a 16 pound cap and a 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze to
distilled water, the boiling point of the coolant is something like 273
degrees F.  If you don't need such a high boiling point (ie. your engine runs
cool), then you can give your cooling system a break and use the lower rated
pressure cap... a lot of us do.  I run a 7 pound cap on my 76 Traveler with a
392.  The lower pressure will help prolong the life of an already tired
radiator.  If however you do need the extra protection of a higher boiling
point, then yes, you can go with a higher pressure cap.  I'm guessing a 7
pound cap might give you a 230 degree F boiling point (still assuming a 50/50
mix of anti-freeze).  Think of the higher pressure cap as giving you more
boilover insurance.  If you don't need it, avoid possibly damaging your
radiator from it.  The higher pressure simply puts more strain on the radiator
to hold the pressure in (without springing leaks).  But if you're going to be
pulling a travel trailer over mountain passes in the dead of summer, then you
might want to have the higher pressure cap along just in case!

Hope that helps some.

John L.
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