Radiator Cap Presssure

jwe648 · 08-24-2009, 02:13 AM

I couldn't stand letting it set any longer...so today I took the ole' 74 for a spin thinking I would throw in some fuel along the way.. Ran out before I made the station (5 miles).. but that is another story. I put the gauge on the list...

Thinking I better check out other fluids I checked the coolent, fortunately it had some.. But, I found the radiator cap rusted and kinda resting on the neck.. better that a rag, I suppose..

Anyway.. anyone have a good guess as to what the Cap PSI is supposed to be? Running the CAT 1160....It does well with fuel!

Jimmy

prairieschooner · 08-24-2009, 02:51 AM

Do you have a repair manual for the Engine? That is where I would start looking for the Radiator Pressure and Cap.
I have an '82 with Detroit 6V92 in it. I am going to add a Recovery Bottle but plan to use the old Radiator Cap. The idea here is that when you increase the pressure at the Radiator Cap, it increase the boiling point of the coolant. I did a Google search and it looks like 15 psi raises the boliling point by 45 degrees. I am not recommending 15 psi, just some of the info from my search. With our older Diesel Engines we need to be careful and not raise the Pressure by too much otherwise you can make other problems with Head Gaskets, Head Bolts, etc.
I would check with the Engine Manufacturer and go with their recommendations.
Looking forward to what you find out.

jwe648 · 08-24-2009, 04:06 AM

I do have the Cat Books it talks about testing at 7-10 lbs. That just seemed low to me however, it runs 165` therostats so that may be correct.

Thanks foe your input...

Jimmy

prairieschooner · 08-24-2009, 03:06 PM

Sounds like the Cap should be in that range.
good luck

jwe648 · 07-09-2010, 05:42 PM

Luck is with me. I found the cap for my radiator on the 74' . The pressure valve is on the tank... not the cap.

Fits Necks with an Outer Dimension of 2.59"

Radiator Cap Shell ( Lebow-Eaton) NUMBER CC-914 O.D.2.90" I.D.2.75" VENTED No GASKET Neoprene FINISH Zinc Plate STAMPING Water

encantotom · 07-09-2010, 09:49 PM

time to take a trip up the hills again to see what it does to your temps...

tom

jwe648 · 07-10-2010, 03:19 AM

I agree Tom...with our milder 112` temps this weekend I'll try it with the tow/dolly & car also...

Quote:

Originally Posted by encantotom

time to take a trip up the hills again to see what it does to your temps...

tom

jwe648 · 07-19-2010, 01:39 AM

Per Tom's instructions I have challanged the Mountian again... With a new radiator cap and some "Water Wetter" along with our milder temps 112` went up to Sedona.. Mid-day this time with full everything & car intow..

Results as follows. All temps normal.. and everything worked..so...
We ready for the road.. One year to date from the start of the rebuild.
"Ready for the Road"..

Thanks for your support to the Newell Family!

Jimmy