Radiator Caps

[ARB1977]

Is there any benefit in adding a higher pressure radiator cap? I have a 2002 Tacoma 3.4L with a fancy TRD radiator cap that is rated for alittle higher pressure. Is there any benefit in keeping it on since ill be towing to texas from california this saturday? I still have the stocker. Thanks.

 

[MN Driver]

The more pressure that is under the cap the higher the boiling point becomes. How much pressure is the radiator cap rated for? Coolaning systems would probably blow at 20 psi. I would make sure that all of your hoses are in good condition should the pressure reach the rating of the cap. I have a feeling that there would be no problem with the stock cap and that you probably wouldn't experience engine temperatures approaching the boiling point. I'd say go for it as long as you've got good hoses and it isn't above a 20 psi cap. My 2 cents.

...What are you towing?

 

[ARB1977]

quote:

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Originally posted by MN Driver:
The more pressure that is under the cap the higher the boiling point becomes. How much pressure is the radiator cap rated for? Coolaning systems would probably blow at 20 psi. I would make sure that all of your hoses are in good condition should the pressure reach the rating of the cap. I have a feeling that there would be no problem with the stock cap and that you probably wouldn't experience engine temperatures approaching the boiling point. I'd say go for it as long as you've got good hoses and it isn't above a 20 psi cap. My 2 cents.

...What are you towing?

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I beleave the TRD cap is rated at 18 psi just to be on the safe side i installed my stock one. Im towing a 6x10' uhaul trailer.

 

[Chris142]

The less pressure on the system the better. Most engines will blow a gasket before they boil over with an #18 or more cap.

We use #13 caps at work on almost everything. My Jeep came with an #18 cap and I replaced it with a #13 to try to get more life out of the plastic radiator tanks.

I don't ever plan on letting it get over 250F anyway. I run a #7 on my pickup.

 

[Steve S]

The plastic radiator tanks seem to crack just because .

 

[GT Mike]

Our race car has a 26# cap! It's a Stant "race only" cap. I certainly wouldn't run one on the street though.

I think that it's primarily for the sharp temperature spikes and heat soaks that a circle track car are subject to.