Coolant cap psi rating

[w-lewis]

I have a very slight coolant drip from the one of the hose clamps connecting the top stainless steel flexible radiator hose to the suge tank (351W) on the tank end. Hose clamps are tightened as much as I feel comfortable with. I've replaced the 13psi cap on the tank and removed the cap altogether from my overflow tank, but excessive pressure seems to be building up. Next step will be to drain radiator down halfway to allow removal and reattachment of top radiator hose. Before doing that, I was wondering what the pressure rating on the tank cap should be. Is 13psi about right or should I be using one with a lower pressure rating?
Walter

[FWB]

Originally Posted by w-lewis

I have a very slight coolant drip from the one of the hose clamps connecting the top stainless steel flexible radiator hose to the suge tank (351W) on the tank end. Hose clamps are tightened as much as I feel comfortable with. I've replaced the 13psi cap on the tank and removed the cap altogether from my overflow tank, but excessive pressure seems to be building up. Next step will be to drain radiator down halfway to allow removal and reattachment of top radiator hose. Before doing that, I was wondering what the pressure rating on the tank cap should be. Is 13psi about right or should I be using one with a lower pressure rating?
Walter

i find 13 psi to be a little low.....i run a 16 psi. could the braided line be the problem and not the pressure?

[w-lewis]

If you're runnning a 16psi, it sounds like my problem is not the pressure. The hose is not braided. I believe it's a Magna Kool. Nevertheless, it sounds like I need to drain the radiator and disconnect, reconnect hose and check it out. Thanks.

[tcrist]

If you are using the stainless "Cool Flex" type flex hoses like I am (see the pictures using the camera icon under my uesr name) and you are using the recomended hose clamps, that will/might be an issue. The clamps that fit inside the polished covers are very thin and I find that they can't be tightened good enough.

I have removed the covers on mine and installed better (read thicker material) hose clamps. My plan later is to remove all of the stainless flex hoses and replace them with standard hoses. I just need to find an auto parts store that will let/help me go through their inventory to to be able to find and modify what is needed.

Will probably have to use a long piece of tubing to use as a cross over for the lower hose though. I had one and was dumb enough to give it away thinking that I did not need it with the flex hose.

[w-lewis]

Thanks Terry.

[Pman1961]

I had small leaks where the hoses slipped over the chrome metal extension pipes. What worked for me was to use sandpaper and scuff the chrome finish where the hose slips on. Gives the hose some bite.