Proper Radiator Cap
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Proper Radiator Cap
I want to replace my radiator cap. I went to the local Ford Dealership and they were unable to tell me what the proper cap is. I have a 1995 F-350 CC with a 7.3 DI 4x4. The current cap says it is a 6.5 kpa, I don't know that this is the original/correct cap. A part number or pounds would be great.
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If it is a 16 lbs., that is equal to 110 kpa. and I have a 65 kpa. on it now. Maybe that is why it is leaking more than it should.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
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From: Vale, NC
Thanks, that is what the Dealership told me. They were trying to sell me a 16 lbs. cap, but their computer said it was for a 1994. They had no information for a 1995 and I didn't want to take a chance.
If it is a 16 lbs., that is equal to 110 kpa. and I have a 65 kpa. on it now. Maybe that is why it is leaking more than it should.
If it is a 16 lbs., that is equal to 110 kpa. and I have a 65 kpa. on it now. Maybe that is why it is leaking more than it should.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
X2
Just to be clear we are talking about the cap on the surge tank right?
I believe if you have an IDI the cap is still on the radiator, where as our trucks have it on the surge tank (no cap on the radiator). Without any info in your signature its hard to tell.
Not trying to be difficult just want to point you in the right direction!
Just to be clear we are talking about the cap on the surge tank right?
I believe if you have an IDI the cap is still on the radiator, where as our trucks have it on the surge tank (no cap on the radiator). Without any info in your signature its hard to tell.
Not trying to be difficult just want to point you in the right direction!
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X2
Just to be clear we are talking about the cap on the surge tank right?
I believe if you have an IDI the cap is still on the radiator, where as our trucks have it on the surge tank (no cap on the radiator). Without any info in your signature its hard to tell.
Not trying to be difficult just want to point you in the right direction!
Just to be clear we are talking about the cap on the surge tank right?
I believe if you have an IDI the cap is still on the radiator, where as our trucks have it on the surge tank (no cap on the radiator). Without any info in your signature its hard to tell.
Not trying to be difficult just want to point you in the right direction!
It is the cap on the radiator, not the surge tank. The surge tank has a little slip on cap.
VIN#: 1FTJW36F7SEA12250
It is a Ford F-350 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel, OBS.
One poster mention that he thought it would leak more with a higher pound cap, I don't see how, with a higher pound cap it would take more pressure before it open to allow excess pressure to escape into the surge tank.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
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From: Pecatonica, IL
I stand corrected, they must have changed them at some point. Cause my 97 has a pressurized surge tank with no cap on the radiator. I just assumed they changed them when they went to the Powerstroke in 94.5. I'll do some checking here myself and see what I come up with.
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I stand corrected, they must have changed them at some point. Cause my 97 has a pressurized surge tank with no cap on the radiator. I just assumed they changed them when they went to the Powerstroke in 94.5. I'll do some checking here myself and see what I come up with.
I am skeptical about using a 16 lbs. cap, even my Peterbilt 387 with a Cat. C15 with over 500 HP only uses an 8 lbs. cap. I don't want to create excessive pressure and have my radiator develop a leak.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Madison, WI
The '94.5s and EARLY (like, before mid January mfr. date) '95s had the old-style radiator with the cap on the radiator tank and the "overflow" bottle, rather than the degas bottle found in the later '95s up to '97. That's why the listing at the dealer only refers to the '94. Since you have the old-style cooling system, the '94 reference would apply to your truck as well.
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The '94.5s and EARLY (like, before mid January mfr. date) '95s had the old-style radiator with the cap on the radiator tank and the "overflow" bottle, rather than the degas bottle found in the later '95s up to '97. That's why the listing at the dealer only refers to the '94. Since you have the old-style cooling system, the '94 reference would apply to your truck as well.
So, the 65 kpa. cap on it now is slightly more than half the pound rating it should be, no wonder it is leaking!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: San Ramon Ca.
Pretty sure the early powerstrokes with a radiator cap / overflow tank opposed to a degas bottle were 13 PSI. Stant 10329 seems to fit the bill.
On edit: Just a thought. I have no idea for sure. Might the 13 PSI cap be based on the fact the early Powerstrokes had the 205* thermostat?
On edit: Just a thought. I have no idea for sure. Might the 13 PSI cap be based on the fact the early Powerstrokes had the 205* thermostat?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
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From: Vale, NC
It is the cap on the radiator, not the surge tank. The surge tank has a little slip on cap.
One poster mention that he thought it would leak more with a higher pound cap, I don't see how, with a higher pound cap it would take more pressure before it open to allow excess pressure to escape into the surge tank.
One poster mention that he thought it would leak more with a higher pound cap, I don't see how, with a higher pound cap it would take more pressure before it open to allow excess pressure to escape into the surge tank.
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Yeah, you are right. I wasn't thinking it had the cap on the actual radiator. Is it running hot at all or just leaking at the cap? If it isn't running hot then you might go with the lower cap just to give yourself a better safety vavle? Just thinking out loud. The pressure does change the boiling point to the fluid, though. Something to consider.
FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Read this link:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...my-95-psd.html
The o-ring for the thermostat has to be square type, not round, IMHO how is yours?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...my-95-psd.html
The o-ring for the thermostat has to be square type, not round, IMHO how is yours?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Are you referring to the thermostat housing? The flange is probably warped/bent. You need one of these: Thermostat Housing Ring