Radiator Cap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

skokie · 03-17-2005, 01:22 AM

What does the pound size on a radiator cap stand for? I have a 16 pound on my new radiator now but I saw in the overhaula manuak it said either 11 or 13.

Thanks

JimKshortstep4x4 · 03-17-2005, 09:01 AM

That is the pressure in the radiator and cooling system. If the pressure reaches the max the radiator cap will release the pressure to keep from rupturing the radiator or other parts in the system.

The pressure is in pounds per square inch and is necessary in the system to raise the boiling point of the coolant.

Jim

Longhorn Man · 03-17-2005, 07:56 PM

Adding a higher rated cap may sound like a good idea, but if your rad is old, or if your heater core is original, I would advise against it. A few extra pounds can create a bunch of stress on old joints, and make a nasty green puddle under your rig.
Been there, done that, and I think I may still have the second degree burn scars to prove it too.

skokie · 03-17-2005, 08:12 PM

Readiator and heater core are new and I know all about the green puddles to

03-17-2005, 01:22 AM	#1
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,335	Radiator Cap What does the pound size on a radiator cap stand for? I have a 16 pound on my new radiator now but I saw in the overhaula manuak it said either 11 or 13. Thanks __________________ RIP to my son Dylan. 5/17/2002 - 8/18/2018 If you want to know more about rare forms of pediatric cancer or if you want to help fund pediatric cancer research, please check out the website for the non-profit I started. https://slothforpedcancer.org 68 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=223234

03-17-2005, 08:12 PM	#4
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,335	Readiator and heater core are new and I know all about the green puddles to __________________ RIP to my son Dylan. 5/17/2002 - 8/18/2018 If you want to know more about rare forms of pediatric cancer or if you want to help fund pediatric cancer research, please check out the website for the non-profit I started. https://slothforpedcancer.org 68 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=223234

03-17-2005, 09:01 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	That is the pressure in the radiator and cooling system. If the pressure reaches the max the radiator cap will release the pressure to keep from rupturing the radiator or other parts in the system. The pressure is in pounds per square inch and is necessary in the system to raise the boiling point of the coolant. Jim

03-17-2005, 07:56 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Adding a higher rated cap may sound like a good idea, but if your rad is old, or if your heater core is original, I would advise against it. A few extra pounds can create a bunch of stress on old joints, and make a nasty green puddle under your rig. Been there, done that, and I think I may still have the second degree burn scars to prove it too.



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