Can you use a higher pressure radiator cap?
Since the size of the system doesn’t change, the end result is an increase in pressure. However, the positive impact is that the boiling point of the coolant increases as the pressure increases. So the over-simplified answer to the tech quiz is that, yes, a higher pressure radiator cap can help prevent overheating.
What pressure radiator cap do I need?
Most radiator pressure caps keep the system pressure at 16 PSI so the engine coolant can get considerably hotter without the fear that it will boil off. If there is no pressure in the cooling system, the coolant will boil off.
Does a radiator cap release pressure?
The radiator cap – a pressure-releasing gizmo When the heat causes the pressure in the vehicle’s cooling system to increase above its psi/kPa rating, the radiator cap, by means of a spring-loaded valve, releases some of the coolant from the system into the overflow tank. As coolant exits the system, the pressure drops.
What is the best radiator cap?
Best Sellers in Automotive Replacement Radiator Caps
- #1. Gates 31525 Standard Radiator Cap.
- #2. ACDelco GM Original Equipment RC85 15 P.S.I. Radiator Cap.
- #3. ACDelco GM Original Equipment RC27 15 P.S.I. Radiator Cap.
- #4. ACDelco GM Original Equipment RC98 15 P.S.I. Radiator Surge Tank Cap.
- #5. Stant 10230 Radiator Cap.
- #6.
- #7.
- #8.
Can wrong radiator cap cause overheating?
If the cap can’t maintain the correct pressure for your vehicle, the engine will start to overheat. An overheating engine could also be a symptom of air pockets within the cooling system. If the radiator cap doesn’t have a good seal, air can make its way into the system, creating little pockets.
Do all radiator caps fit the same?
Do all radiator caps fit the same? They are mostly standard sizes, but some of the older ones were taller than later ones. If you have the stock radiator, then you want the stock pressure cap. Higher pressure will tear the radiator apart.