What type of radiator cap should I use? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72c10step · 07-21-2004, 01:10 PM

I am going to finally put my coolant overflow tank on my 72 Chevy pretty soon, and I remember a post from last year that said you had to run a certain type of radiator cap to let the system work properly with it. I've been searching for the post, but can't find it anywhere. I want to get the new cap when I go to the parts store tonight, so what type do I need, or to make it easier, fill in the blank: I need a radiator cap for a 19__ Chevy Truck.
Thanks,

Jay

71Chev · 07-21-2004, 01:34 PM

85

**StingRay** · 07-21-2004, 01:44 PM

All you really need is an 11 lb cap for your rad. Anything over that is really overkill as the engine will be overheating before the coolant is boiling anyway. At only 11psi it is way easier on your rad.

ChevLoRay · 07-21-2004, 03:15 PM

It has to have a double seal, for a closed system. If it isn't a double seal cap, the excess will be siphoned off to the recovery tank, but won't be returned to the radiator.

cdowns · 07-21-2004, 03:48 PM

chrome caps keep them cooler!!!

depends what type of system you're using?? if just the standard 72system then you need a rad cap for a 72 and like he said 11-12lbs is about right

OhioDan · 07-21-2004, 04:50 PM

As was said before, just tell them you want a cap for a "closed" system.

71Chev · 07-21-2004, 05:28 PM

or for a 1985 chevy truck to make it easy.

shuttermutt · 07-21-2004, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StingRay

All you really need is an 11 lb cap for your rad. Anything over that is really overkill as the engine will be overheating before the coolant is boiling anyway. At only 11psi it is way easier on your rad.

Not only that, but it greatly reduces the chances of blowing out your heater coil. I wouldn't run more than 12 lbs on these old trucks for that reason alone.

72c10step · 07-22-2004, 04:12 PM

Thanks guys, I'll put it on the list of parts to get next time I go to the parts store. Looks like I'll be spending quite a bit there

.

Tx Firefighter · 07-22-2004, 04:41 PM

You'd be hard pressed to find a non closed system radiator cap at any parts store this side of Dry Crotch Nowheresville. They are somewhat obsolete nowdays.

All the parts guy is going to want to know is how many PSI do you want.

07-21-2004, 01:10 PM	#1
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	What type of radiator cap should I use? I am going to finally put my coolant overflow tank on my 72 Chevy pretty soon, and I remember a post from last year that said you had to run a certain type of radiator cap to let the system work properly with it. I've been searching for the post, but can't find it anywhere. I want to get the new cap when I go to the parts store tonight, so what type do I need, or to make it easier, fill in the blank: I need a radiator cap for a 19__ Chevy Truck. Thanks, Jay __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

07-21-2004, 01:34 PM	#2
71Chev Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 3,074	85 __________________ 71 Chevy CST Long Fleet 350/350/3.07 leaf rear.

07-21-2004, 01:44 PM	#3
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	All you really need is an 11 lb cap for your rad. Anything over that is really overkill as the engine will be overheating before the coolant is boiling anyway. At only 11psi it is way easier on your rad. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

07-21-2004, 03:15 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	It has to have a double seal, for a closed system. If it isn't a double seal cap, the excess will be siphoned off to the recovery tank, but won't be returned to the radiator. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-21-2004, 03:48 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	chrome caps keep them cooler!!! depends what type of system you're using?? if just the standard 72system then you need a rad cap for a 72 and like he said 11-12lbs is about right __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-21-2004, 04:50 PM	#6
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	As was said before, just tell them you want a cap for a "closed" system. __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

07-21-2004, 05:28 PM	#7
71Chev Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 3,074	or for a 1985 chevy truck to make it easy. __________________ 71 Chevy CST Long Fleet 350/350/3.07 leaf rear.

07-22-2004, 04:12 PM	#9
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	Thanks guys, I'll put it on the list of parts to get next time I go to the parts store. Looks like I'll be spending quite a bit there . __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

07-22-2004, 04:41 PM	#10
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	You'd be hard pressed to find a non closed system radiator cap at any parts store this side of Dry Crotch Nowheresville. They are somewhat obsolete nowdays. All the parts guy is going to want to know is how many PSI do you want. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin



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