Re: Pressurized Radiator.Advantage/disadvantage?

Posted by Paul on April 22, 1998 at 19:25:48

In Reply to: Pressurized Radiator.Advantage/disadvantage?
posted by Neil Mylar on April 21, 1998 at 20:39:27

: Met a guy the other day who had presurrized his Model A radiator.The upper filler hole was closed off under the radiator cap.A new filler hole was added to the upper part of the tank, just under the hood.He was using a pressurized cap with a overflow tube going into a plastic tank hanging on one of the radiator cross braces.I understand this allows the radiator to get alittle hotter before it would overheat.This sounds like a great idea for a touring car.I'd appreciate any comments.Also what pressure should the cap be?Thanks in advance.Neil
:
Hi Neil,
I am surprised you have not been bombarded with pro & con replies to your question.I hope my reply does not start a string of them.
I have installed a closed system on one of my cars ('30) to see how it performed against another one.The summer heat in central Texas will bring out the best or worst in a Model A cooling system or modern cars for that matter.
My system is probably designed on the "rube goldberg" system in that it employs a length of 2" (thick wall) copper pipe with caps soldered on both ends to form a cylinder or tank.The tank is mounted vertically to the radiator brackets to which the radiator shell is bolted.The bottom of the tank has a 3/8 hose adapter fitting installed.A short piece of 3/8 is connected to the adapter and then to the overflow pipe.
The top of the tank has a radiator cap adapter "off a small car using the small size cap" soldered to it.A overflow hose is connected to the cap adapter as usual.It goes down below the engine pan to allow any over flow to be released.The radiator cap has a neoprene rubber seal under it to prevent leaks and allow pressure to build.The overflow pipe has been extended to the very top of the radiator filler neck.The original radiator cap has a functioning Motor Meter installed.The pressure cap is 4lb and there is a 160 degree thermostat employed.Sierra antifreeze with a 50/50 ratio is used for coolant.
The unit has been installed about three years.I have had no problems with it.The car does not overheat in parades or any other type use. Very little coolant has been added since installation.
I have been comparing it to another system with only a over flow tank fitted (no pressure). I really can not say there is a lot of difference between the two.Possibly a little less coolant used and perhaps more confidence that it will not overheat in the pressured one.However, the car did not have a overheating problem prior to pressurizing. That's about it!
Have fun!
Paul

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