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Author Topic: Correct Radiator Cap  (Read 729 times)

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Offline vegasjerry921

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Correct Radiator Cap
« on: September 18, 2019, 10:15:11 AM »
Those of you, who have added an radiator expansion bottle to your ride, you know it needs a different rad cap to make the system work.  The coolant flows into the bottle when engine is off. Then flows back as the engine cools. Standard caps only allow coolant to flow to the bottle but not back.  I want to add a expansion to my 72 Pinto 2.0, (27 K actual miles ), but can't find the correct cap. Any body got an answer ?  Thanks, Jerry.
1972 Pinto sedan, 27 K actual miles.  All original.

Offline nnn0wqk

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2019, 10:58:29 AM »
Had one of the 74 for years. I do not remember what the actually application was that I used. Since most caps are the same physical size that is not the issue. What you need is one with the correct pressure setting as the Pinto used. Find a parts man who can use their head and not rely on a computer as you will want say a 10 pound cap for a closed system or coolant recovery system. Most now days are going to want to know the application and that will be the stumbling block you run into. Not car applications but International Harvester Loadstar trucks out of the mid 70's used a recovery system and I believe they were around 13 pounds. Their tractors and combines also used a closed system. 3388, 3788 tractors or 1460, 1480 combines would be some models you could give them to look up.

Offline vegasjerry921

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2019, 01:42:14 PM »
Pressure is not the issue. It's the ability to bring the coolant back to the radiator as it cools. Any 12 pound or so should do the job.  Need cap that does that .. ??
1972 Pinto sedan, 27 K actual miles.  All original.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2019, 05:22:50 PM »

nnn0wqk
"... as you will want say a 10 pound cap for a closed system or coolant recovery system."


vegasjerry921
"Pressure is not the issue. It's the ability to bring the coolant back to the radiator as it cools."


Yes, that is what "nnnOwqk" is saying. You need a cap that does as you say. A "closed system cap" works as you describe and is what you need,  - it is just another way of saying it (in more technical terms).


You might consider contacting a company like Stant and see is they have a cap of the physical dimensions, pressure and is for a closed system.

Offline The Whistler

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2019, 05:33:47 PM »
I used The cap from and 80 model  worked for me! It worked until I changed radiators I put the cap on the replacement it still works! Like the other person said its all about the parts man! No Rocket science here! It took less than 5 min. to install a working system on my Pinto more than 30 years ago.
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Offline Wittsend

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2019, 05:39:43 PM »
The only thing is he has a 72 with the 2.0 radiator (17") and it MIGHT have a different size cap.  The 2.3 cars have a 20" radiator. But, it only takes a minute to walk out to the car and see if the cap fits.

Offline The Whistler

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2019, 05:42:37 PM »
 Coolant recovery was an option  most Pinto's never had it in 72!
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Offline The Whistler

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2019, 05:43:27 PM »
Same cap!
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Offline The Whistler

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Re: Correct Radiator Cap
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2019, 05:48:11 PM »
Coolant recovery cap the same for multiple Ford cars of that era same for non-recovery cap!
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