radiator cap...

[black95maro]

this may be a dumb question but can you put a non pressure cap on a radiator that comes stock with and 18lbs?

[nascar24jd]

Re: radiator cap...

this may be a dumb question but can you put a non pressure cap on a radiator that comes stock with and 18lbs?

What is a non-pressure cap? Any radiator cap that I have ever seen have some sort of pressure rating.

[black95maro]

Re: radiator cap...

i guess they make them without a pressure rating too according to the autoparts stores lol

[nascar24jd]

Re: radiator cap...

Oh, ok. I have seen people run less pressure then called for, but I am not exactly sure of the reason. I usually just run what it calls for.

[landj]

Re: radiator cap...

You'll risk boil-over, coolant loss and end up with a new boat anchor. Well, maybe that's exaggerated a bit, but I'd stick with the stock pressure. Do you have a leak or something?

[black95maro]

Re: radiator cap...

ya it keeps coming out of the cap and there are no signs of a blown gasket, no overheating, no sluggishness, and all th gaskets are 35k old and i dont know what else it could be its a new cap as well...

[FirebirdGT]

Re: radiator cap...

this may be a dumb question but can you put a non pressure cap on a radiator that comes stock with and 18lbs?

In simple terms - NO!

[black95maro]

Re: radiator cap...

what could be causeing this problem then?

[rdrr96]

Re: radiator cap...

cap could just be leaking, clogged coolant passages could cause you to build more than necessary pressure causing your cap to leak. or you just need a new cap. they are like 5-10 bucks

get one with the same pressure rating, if that one leaks then try flushing your coolant system.

also, if you havent already, make sure the cap is on there properly!

[black95maro]

Re: radiator cap...

it is a new cap with same rating so i guess coolant flush it is

[black95maro]

Re: radiator cap...

does anyone know what else could cause this?

[landj]

Re: radiator cap...

The radiator cap is leaking? I would check and make sure the rim is real smooth where the cap seats and make sure that the cap seal is in good condition. Use some emory cloth to smooth the rim out if the metal is rough. Check for any cracks around the cap and also check the overflow tube for cracks and a good seal.

The cap SHOULD leak back into the overflow valve when it gets up enough pressure. When the radiator cools down, it sucks the excess back into the system. (it's why there is a "Hot" and a "Cold" mark on the overflow tank.)

[black95maro]

Re: radiator cap...

it doesnt leak it releases out of its pressure valve......my low coolant light comes on when there is still coolant in the overflow usually about 3 inches of coolant sometimes less

[landj]

Re: radiator cap...

So, coolant comes out of the radiator into the overflow tank? Low coolant light will come on when there is low coolant in the radiator, but I don't think the overflow has a sensor.

Sounds like you need to bleed some air out of the system. Have started the car with the radiator cap off and filled it as it warms up?

[black95maro]

Re: radiator cap...

well some goes in the overflow but yet some goes out the pressure release valve on the cap as well.....if i start it with the cap off it comes out of the top after a minute or so