Radiator Cap

igosaur · 08-21-2007, 08:51 PM

I know that if you have an old and worn radiator cap it can release pressure too soon or easily and allow coolant to flood into the expansion tank and lead to overheating.

But what if the cap is too strong or stiff and won't allow pressure to escape if it gets too high?

Could this also cause overheating?

supradaddy0803 · 08-21-2007, 10:00 PM

The only time I have seen a cap not open and what it did the system blew a hose because of to much pressure. If you put a cap on there with a little higher tension then it will run a little hotter but once it opens then it go to the over flow tank. The hight the rating on the cap means it lets the system build up more pressure which allows the coolant to get to a higher temp before boiling.

D_Train · 08-22-2007, 01:30 AM

If the cap is messed up, would there be any leaking coming from the cap? Or would it simply cause coolant to run over the overflow tank?

supradaddy0803 · 08-22-2007, 11:34 AM

It would constantly run into the tank and fill it up because the fluid in the radiator would not get to the proper pressure and it would start to boil.

D_Train · 08-22-2007, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supradaddy0803

It would constantly run into the tank and fill it up because the fluid in the radiator would not get to the proper pressure and it would start to boil.

Maybe I should try that..... The guy at my shop said it wasn't a blown head gasket, but because it was overflowing he wanted to replace it anyway. I think i'll try the $7 radiator cap....

igosaur · 08-22-2007, 10:07 PM

Also, check all your hoses.

Run the engine till it's nice and hot and then switch off and listen carefully under the hood for any hissing sounds.

It only takes one small split or crack and wallop, that the system depressurised!

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_Train

Maybe I should try that..... The guy at my shop said it wasn't a blown head gasket, but because it was overflowing he wanted to replace it anyway. I think i'll try the $7 radiator cap....

08-21-2007, 08:51 PM	#1
igosaur 3" Exhaust Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gosport Posts: 59	Radiator Cap I know that if you have an old and worn radiator cap it can release pressure too soon or easily and allow coolant to flood into the expansion tank and lead to overheating. But what if the cap is too strong or stiff and won't allow pressure to escape if it gets too high? Could this also cause overheating?

08-21-2007, 10:00 PM	#2
supradaddy0803 12psi boost Join Date: May 2006 Location: Athens, TX Posts: 308	The only time I have seen a cap not open and what it did the system blew a hose because of to much pressure. If you put a cap on there with a little higher tension then it will run a little hotter but once it opens then it go to the over flow tank. The hight the rating on the cap means it lets the system build up more pressure which allows the coolant to get to a higher temp before boiling. __________________ 1987 supra NA 5 speed 1JZGTE swap Tokico Illumina 2 and Eibach springs Tokico pillow blocks Suspension Techniques front and rear sway bar HKS super dragger cat-back exhaust plus test pipe Greddy Profec B spec 2 boost controller HKS type 1 turbo timer Supra sport solid steel drive shaft Walboro 255 fuel pump JZA70 Front end mod 18" Volk Racing AV3 18x8.5 front 18x9.5 rear

08-22-2007, 11:34 AM	#4
supradaddy0803 12psi boost Join Date: May 2006 Location: Athens, TX Posts: 308	It would constantly run into the tank and fill it up because the fluid in the radiator would not get to the proper pressure and it would start to boil. __________________ 1987 supra NA 5 speed 1JZGTE swap Tokico Illumina 2 and Eibach springs Tokico pillow blocks Suspension Techniques front and rear sway bar HKS super dragger cat-back exhaust plus test pipe Greddy Profec B spec 2 boost controller HKS type 1 turbo timer Supra sport solid steel drive shaft Walboro 255 fuel pump JZA70 Front end mod 18" Volk Racing AV3 18x8.5 front 18x9.5 rear

08-22-2007, 01:30 AM	#3
D_Train 3" Exhaust Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 214	If the cap is messed up, would there be any leaking coming from the cap? Or would it simply cause coolant to run over the overflow tank?