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miker98038 · 03-29-2026, 10:20 AM

Stolen off the internet

“ A mix of 50/50 coolant and water boils at around 220 degrees. That same mix at 16 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure boils at approximately 250 degrees. And the boiling point increases 2-3 degrees for each additional psi of pressure in the system.”

As temperatures rise, you can expect to see 1 degree of increase in the cooling system for each degree in ambient. So if you’re ok at 80 degrees (running 180 on your stat) you’ll be around 200 on a 100 degree day. But still well below the boiling point. Modern engines run well over 200 all the time.

Have you checked the thermostat housing and upper and lower radiator hoses with an infrared thermometer? Are you actually boiling and loosing coolant?

None of us like to see the temp gauge go up, but it isn’t necessarily a problem.

03-29-2026, 10:20 AM	#5
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,766	Re: Best 1956 Fairlane radiator? Stolen off the internet “ A mix of 50/50 coolant and water boils at around 220 degrees. That same mix at 16 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure boils at approximately 250 degrees. And the boiling point increases 2-3 degrees for each additional psi of pressure in the system.” As temperatures rise, you can expect to see 1 degree of increase in the cooling system for each degree in ambient. So if you’re ok at 80 degrees (running 180 on your stat) you’ll be around 200 on a 100 degree day. But still well below the boiling point. Modern engines run well over 200 all the time. Have you checked the thermostat housing and upper and lower radiator hoses with an infrared thermometer? Are you actually boiling and loosing coolant? None of us like to see the temp gauge go up, but it isn’t necessarily a problem.