Not Ranked
Seems like some folks should be re-evaluating their cooling system layouts;
In a cooling system, higher pressure equates to a higher boiling point for the coolant. Higher coolant pressures also transfer heat from the
cylinder heads more efficiently. We recommend using a radiator cap with the highest pressure rating the radiator is designed to accept. In
general, performance radiators will accept 22-24 PSI, and professional racing radiators will accept 29-31 PSI.
For cooling systems NOT using a cross flow radiator, mounted higher than the engine, you must use a surge tank. A surge tank
is typically a 1 quart tank mounted at the highest point of the system, with the radiator cap on top. The bottom of the tank is connected to
the inlet side of the water pump with a 1/2" or 3/4" line. A 1/4" to 3/8" "bleed" line from the side of the surge tank is connected to the highest
point of the low pressure side of the radiator. The bleed line allows some circulation through the tank while the engine is running. The
surge tank is also large enough to allow the air to separate as the coolant flows through it. Air in the system will then migrate to the area
just below the radiator cap, so that it will be forced out first if system pressure exceeds the radiator cap's rating.
Any aftermarket thermostat housing that mounts the radiator cap directly above the thermostat location, or that mounts the radiator cap in
the top coolant hose, is NOT recommended. Both housing styles are poorly designed, and will push coolant out of the cap at high RPM.
Eric
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