Speaking of Radiator caps, what did you end up with for a pressure rating? I
have a '75 Spit, and have had conflicting reports of the proper rating for the
cap. Some people have told me 14psi, others have said 10, or even 6. Any
suggestions? BTW: I am now running a 14psi cap.
Thanks in advance!
(Richard Triplett) wrote:
> Living in the West Texas desert presents unique problems with overheating
> LBC's. I would like to pass along some tips I learned over the years:
> (1)Don't remove the thermostat in an attempt to prevent overheating,
> because the thermostat does several things; it maintains the engine at its
> most efficient temperature, slows flow of water through radiator to ensure
> heat dissipation (if water flows too fast, heat transfer will be reduced),
> and helps maintain proper system pressure.(2)Make sure the shroud (if
> fitted) is in good shape and in place, air, like water and current, takes
> the path of least resistance which is, in this case, around the radiator
> rather than through it. It's amazing how much a proper shroud will reduce
> overheating. (3)don't paint your radiator! I learned this at a hydraulics
> class, paint is a good insulator and will reduce efficiency of heat
> transfer.(4)if you suspect radiator problems, a non-contacting infrared
> temperature gauge will detect cool spots which represent loss of
> circulation, also input and output temperature differences can help
> troubleshoot the system(5)use the proper mixture of anti-freeze(50-50 works
> for me)(6)install an overflow reservoir if not provided(7)use proper
> pressure rated cap. I learned most of the above the hard way, sure wish
> this group was around in the 70's!
>
> Richard Triplett
> 62 TR3A
> 78 Spitfire
> 85 XJ6
> Slow day at work
--
Glenn E. Bowley, ABOC
Mechanical Designer/
CAD Systems Administrator
Gerber Coburn Inc.
55 Gerber Rd.
South Windsor, CT 06074-3244
gbowley@snet.net
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