Radiator Cap Pressure 13# or 16# or...

[ernzo]

...does it matter much here at 5280 feet??

I *think* the OEM ford cap is 16#, but the pars store all want to sell me a 13#.

Thanks!!!

 

[Turdle]

www.lmctruck.com

 

[mrboyle]

Doubt you'll notice one bit of difference.

 

[Maniak]

Personally, I run the 16 lbs cap. The only difference I see is less bubbling when parked during Southern Az summers..

the extra 3 psi gives you another 9 degrees of boiling temp.

~Mark

 

[ernzo]

Thanks , I will just keep the 16 # no bigee!

 

[Anime]

Stock cap says 16 lbs, BUT even though the aftermarket caps might only state 13 lbs, they have a 13-16 lb RANGE, which is likely true of the stock cap as well.

The biggest difference is most of not all of the aftermarket caps have the additional clamp/latch mechanism, unlike the stock screw-on design.

For the price, I'd just buy a new Motorcraft rather than bother with aftermarket for the $1 savings.

 

[Maniak]

You could always use something like this too..

http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/2471S/10002/-1

I'm using this on the Van. On the X, I'm using the lever style stant.. It just seems to be a good idea if I ever need to relieve the pressure when on the trail.. Never had to though.

~Mark

 

[Tony H]

I've never had boil over issues, I prefer to get the 7 lb caps.. less strain on the crappy Aluminum/plastic radiators.
I've done this since I started driving in '78

Then again I don't live in 115 degree weather

 

[410Fortune]

get the 16#, only use 7# or low pressure like this is you have cooling system leaks as a temp help, even in Denver 16# works best

 

[jahzwolf]

i am really hoping my low level is not head gasket related.. just went thru hell with cooling system issues now fully rebuilt i am going to try the 16# cap to see if this helps

 

[Sip]

Personally, I run the 16 lbs cap. The only difference I see is less bubbling when parked during Southern Az summers..

the extra 3 psi gives you another 9 degrees of boiling temp.

~Mark

Hi I have a 180 degree thermostat... do I need a 13psi or 16psi radiator cap? Vehicle is a Ford Explorer 91

 

[Maniak]

Hi I have a 180 degree thermostat... do I need a 13psi or 16psi radiator cap? Vehicle is a Ford Explorer 91

Keep the 16 psi cap. It's just changing the boiling point of the coolant and isn't affecting the operating temp of the engine (that's the thermostat's job).

~Mark