lower pressure rad cap

richardodie2 · February 4, 2011

I was wondering if anybody was using or knows of a 16 psi rad cap on a 2006 explorer, I think that the 20 psi cap is crazy way too much pressure. I have read about hoses bursting and rad leaking indicating high pressures in cooling system.

michael loibl · February 5, 2011

I asked the same thing a while back...I think it was during my third radiators administration... no responses

waskly · February 5, 2011

you could probably just pick up a 16 psi cap and test it.

ZO6_Vette · February 8, 2011

I checked on this and found this but look at the image and you see 20psi WTF?

http://www.car-stuff.com/2010mercurymountaineerradiatorcap.htm

waskly · February 8, 2011

i think you would have to match it, but buy a lower rated, since most mfg will only list the 20lbs cap....

i was thinking something like this should work. in a parts store they can match it better. but heres a link

http://www.car-stuff.com/carparts/f...mirs761.html?prodSlot=Product+Listings+Page:6

richardodie2 · February 18, 2011

lower psi rad cap for 2006 explorer

I have found a 16 psi rad cap, stant #10233, fits like a glove, been using it for a few days now and there is no differance in temperature or operation of cooling system, will keep you updated.

edwx · February 21, 2011

rich...Thanks for the suggestion. I just installed a #10233 on my '06 4.0L. Got it at Advance for about $7. Drove the truck 50 miles last night. So far so good. I've been nursing a small coolant leak for a while. I'm hoping this might help.

Maniak · February 21, 2011

The lower pressure cap won't change the operating temp, BUT it will lower the boiling point of the coolant by 12F (3f per 1 psi).

I don't know what the operating temp is for the coolant on these newer motors but I know I've seen some new-ish motors run a normal temp of 210F. Just something to think about if you can read the coolant temp from the ECM.

~Mark

vipersinu2 · February 21, 2011

edwx said:
rich...Thanks for the suggestion. I just installed a #10233 on my '03 4.0L. Got it at Advance for about $7. Drove the truck 50 miles last night. So far so good. I've been nursing a small coolant leak for a while. I'm hoping this might help.

edwx where is your leak at, I had a small leak also, every morning I would see a small puddle under the passenger side bumper. It turned out to be a pin hole in the reservoir.

I use epoxy and have beed fine for about a year now.

edwx · February 21, 2011

Not sure exactly where my leak is, but I've seen it collect underneath the drivers side end at this spot, which seems to be a typical spot.

http://216.189.1.23/forums/showthread.php?t=210523&page=4

I've only seen coolant on the ground once. I think it is evaporating as it leaks, and I add about a quart every few months. I've owned a GEN II, III, and IV Explorer, and all three radiators leaked.

(PS: I edited my original post. The leak is on my current '06 X. I don't have my '03 anymore.)

shaker1 · February 22, 2011

Both times mine leaked it was at the spot in the picture and I would find small amounts on the garage floor. Hardly noticeable, except my floor is epoxied so it stands out more. I was probably using a quart every few months too.

Also, I added a clamp at the coolant overflow tube on the radiator neck (slight seepage) and pushed the upper radiator hose at the block further on (signs of seepage.

I would be leery of the 16 psi cap if I lived in a hot climate, like AZ, for instance.

edwx · February 22, 2011

I'll check those 2 spots you mentioned.

Interesting....obviously there is a reason for the 20 psi cap. I don't understand enough about it. I do understand it's a fact that lower pressure lowers boiling points. If the operating temp. stays the same, I can't see how a 16 psi cap would do harm, and hopefully less pressure in the system will help me. "So far" there seems to be no difference.

shaker1 · February 25, 2011

Even in the coldest weather (minus zero) mine will generate heat in less than 2 minutes, so I suspect these motors run hot.

Also, could be that Ford gains some MPG by getting the motor up to operating temp quickly. Possibly that plays into why these engines run hotter. Definitely higher pressures and temps will be hard on parts, like hoses and radiators, that aren't specifically beefed up for that purpose.

Arrowhead · February 25, 2011

Ok, I am newbie so here is my 2cents worth. It is a fallacy to reason a radiator needs a 20lb cap! I speak from from 30 years of towing experience,and I have determined that a 7pd cap will and does work just fine! It removes a huge amount of stress from the radiator. Good Motoring

edwx · June 13, 2011

Just wanted to bump this thread with all the radiator talk lately. It's been 4 months since I installed the 16psi cap on my original radiator with about 70K miles on it. I'm not sure if if the leak totally stopped, but I haven't added any coolant since I put the new cap on. I've driven about 10k miles in temp's between -10F, and 95F, and the vehicle runs just fine. About the best $7 I ever spent.

shaker1 · June 14, 2011

Thanks for the update, I will purchase one of these. Interesting that a previous leaking rad stopped leaking after the pressure reduction.

shaker1 · October 20, 2011

I have had the 16 PSI cap on for several months now with no ill effects and no leaking. So far , so good.

G-man! · July 21, 2012

Still leakin'

I recently replaced my radiator in my 2006 Explorer (4.6L) after finding a crack in the plastic top tank. Since the replacement, I have continually had to add coolent to the reservoir. I thought the system was purging air for the first several heat up & cooldown cycles, but I'm still having to refill the reservoir occasionally. Funny thing is, I haven't noticed any coolent on the ground or been able to find any coolent leaks on the engine, even when pressure testing. I've been wondering about a possible leak in the reservoir, so I'm going to check that out. I think I'm going to try the 16 lb. cap as well. Thanks for the tip! I'll let you know how it works out!

:us:

G-man

Old As Dirt · July 21, 2012

I have been running a 16 lb. cap for almost 2 years now. No difference. No leaks. 2007 4.0 V6.

G-man! · July 21, 2012

I picked up one of those 16 lb. caps and installed..... time will tell!

G-man :popcorn:

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