Radiator cap question

Soup444 · 01-11-2005, 08:06 AM

Hey fellow Jeepers

Unfortunately my 97 4 banger has joined the list of the, "Seeping plastic radiator syndrome." While I will be replacing it with a good hearty STEEL one, I have one question to pose to the forum. I am wondering what is the best radiator cap to use with the new radiator. I have the 18 lb. cap., would I benefit more by using a 13 lb. cap? What are the advantages of changing caps? I live in CT, so my climate ranges from BUTT ASS cold to 100 degrees F and very humid at times. Any opinions, advice, or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Soup

YellowX · 01-11-2005, 09:12 AM

Stick with the stock pressure cap.

91RS383 · 01-11-2005, 10:23 AM

The pressure of the cap controls the boiling point of the antifreeze (like a pressure cooker). Using a lower pressure cap will allow the coolant to boil at a lower temp. This can cause steam pockets to form in critical areas and overheat the engine. Stick with the stock cap.

Some race cars use high pressure caps as insurance against overheating. Your Jeep does not need it.

Soup444 · 01-12-2005, 06:53 AM

Thanks guys, I'll stick to the stock 18 pounder. Thanks.

Soup

bn98 · 01-12-2005, 09:23 PM

Worth mentioning at this point that a spare radiator cap should be in your tool box. Very cheap insurance.

Chris142 · 01-12-2005, 10:47 PM

I recomend that you drop the pressure down a little. 18 psi is alot of pressure on everything. I'd put a Stant 10229 cap on it. This is a 13 lb cap and is more than suficient in preventing a boil over unless you drive it over 250 degrees.

01-11-2005, 08:06 AM	#1
Soup444 Registered Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Naugatuck, CT Posts: 140 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Radiator cap question Hey fellow Jeepers Unfortunately my 97 4 banger has joined the list of the, "Seeping plastic radiator syndrome." While I will be replacing it with a good hearty STEEL one, I have one question to pose to the forum. I am wondering what is the best radiator cap to use with the new radiator. I have the 18 lb. cap., would I benefit more by using a 13 lb. cap? What are the advantages of changing caps? I live in CT, so my climate ranges from BUTT ASS cold to 100 degrees F and very humid at times. Any opinions, advice, or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Soup

01-11-2005, 10:23 AM	#3
91RS383 Registered Join Date: May 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 281 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The pressure of the cap controls the boiling point of the antifreeze (like a pressure cooker). Using a lower pressure cap will allow the coolant to boil at a lower temp. This can cause steam pockets to form in critical areas and overheat the engine. Stick with the stock cap. Some race cars use high pressure caps as insurance against overheating. Your Jeep does not need it. __________________ Check it out at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/821713

01-12-2005, 10:47 PM	#6
Chris142 Registered Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Apple Valley,Ca AKA:Methville Posts: 3,556 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	I recomend that you drop the pressure down a little. 18 psi is alot of pressure on everything. I'd put a Stant 10229 cap on it. This is a 13 lb cap and is more than suficient in preventing a boil over unless you drive it over 250 degrees. __________________

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01-11-2005, 09:12 AM	#2
YellowX Registered Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Weare, NH Posts: 831 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Stick with the stock pressure cap.

01-12-2005, 06:53 AM	#4
Soup444 Registered Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Naugatuck, CT Posts: 140 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks guys, I'll stick to the stock 18 pounder. Thanks. Soup

01-12-2005, 09:23 PM	#5
bn98 Registered Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 136 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Worth mentioning at this point that a spare radiator cap should be in your tool box. Very cheap insurance.