Radiator cap question
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 285
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From: Kannapolis NC
Radiator cap question
The radiator I have is a stock(on the outside) 56 but I have it rebuilt with an additional row of tubes to help with the cooling. The radiator guy said to use a 4 pound pressure cap but since I am using a 351w engine my mechanic pals tell me that 4 lbs is not enough for this engine and that I need 12 lbs to keep the water in the radiator. The problem is that all the caps I can find which are the correct dimensions don't go over 4 lbs. I am sure someone has solved this problem before. Thanks for your help.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
Are you going to run an overflow tank? Are you running any other accessories, like AC? If not the 4lbs on should be fine, I run one on my 49 with a 350... I was told at one time that the Bronco or Dodge cap should work...
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,804
From: Burbank, WA
You need a better mechanic. Using a pressure cap on an old radiator is a good way to split seams, or other related damage. They weren't designed to be under 14lbs of stress. I had a 4lb cap on the stock 6 cyl. radiator I used with a 289, and I had no issues whatsoever. I don't know why anyone would tell you the SBF would blow the water out of the rad without higher pressure in the cooling system. That makes no sense at all.
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