Quick radiator cap question...

I

Insane3D

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• #1

I'm in the process of ordering a radiator cap for my Griffin 31 x 19, and I had a quick question. I know the stock cap is a 16lb cap, but the one I'm looking at is a 17lb unit. My question is would the extra 1psi make a difference in anything? My guess is no.

This is the cap in question...

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...&part=GRI-KM84&autoview=sku&Ntk=KeywordSearch

Thanks guys...

 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master

Nov 29, 1999

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#2

• Aug 1, 2005

• #2

With a good aftermarket radiator that has metal tanks (not plastic) you can actually go higher which will rasie the boiling point. Ron Davis recommended a 18lb-21lb cap on there alum radiator that I used.

 

2

2002BLGT

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Dec 18, 2003

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#3

• Aug 1, 2005

• #3

1 psi = 3 more degrees before it boils ..........16lbs cap boils at 260 degrees
18psi = 263 degrees

not that big a deal IMO..............

 

I

Insane3D

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#4

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Thanks for the info. The Griffin 31 x 19" I have I would consider a " good aftermarket radiator", and it's 100% aluminum, so I'm assuming the 17lb cap should be fine?

What are the advantages to raising the pressure and boiling point?

 

Euphoric306

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#5

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ur engine can get warmer before the coolant boils... when coolant boils, it overflows into the reservoir then when engine cools back down, coolant gets sucked back into system by vacuum in radiator

really a fool-proof system if there's no leaks

17 lb cap will be fine, u dont even need the higher boiling point if ur cooling systems working fine, because the engines never supposed to get that hot

 

K

Kerpal

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#6

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I have the Griffin 31x19" radiator, and I used this 16lb cap: http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=egnsearch.asp&N=400030+303919&autoview=sku

I'm sure you will be just fine with the 17lb though... I probably would have got that one myself had I seen it on Summit, that's kinda cool looking.

Nice choice on the Griffin, you'll love it, cools like a bad mofo and looks nice under the hood as well.

 

90mustangGT

I felt sorry for girls because

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#7

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• #7

Be carefull when using higher PSI caps if your running a heater core.

Some also say that the higher psi's help cooling effeciency. I havn't seen any proof.

 

B

BaXTeR3221

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#8

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2002BLGT said:

1 psi = 3 more degrees before it boils ..........16lbs cap boils at 260 degrees
18psi = 263 degrees

not that big a deal IMO..............

Click to expand...

Your math is a little off, 18psi would equal 266 degrees. Still doesn't make a difference, but I thought I'd correct it anyway

 

2

2002BLGT

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Aug 2, 2005

#9

• Aug 2, 2005

• #9

BaXTeR3221 said:

Your math is a little off, 18psi would equal 266 degrees. Still doesn't make a difference, but I thought I'd correct it anyway

Click to expand...

LOL , just noticed that , but still , big deal right ....

 

I

Insane3D

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#10

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Kerpal said:

I have the Griffin 31x19" radiator, and I used this 16lb cap: http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=egnsearch.asp&N=400030+303919&autoview=sku

I'm sure you will be just fine with the 17lb though... I probably would have got that one myself had I seen it on Summit, that's kinda cool looking.

Nice choice on the Griffin, you'll love it, cools like a bad mofo and looks nice under the hood as well.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm pretty psyched to get it in. I'm doing a whole cooling system upgrade, and I'm pairing it with the Ramcharger fan and some other goodies.

Thanks for all the help guys...

 

5spd GT

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#11

• Aug 2, 2005

• #11

I got the 16psi cap for my Griffin...just because I knew it would work fine. The 17psi would be fine as well.