The Ford Barn

jhaas63 · 07-18-2013, 09:37 PM

Like most parts of the country, it is terribly hot here in Wisconsin. It has been in the lower 90's with a ton of humidity. I just installed mechanical water temp gauges on my 1953 8rt in my 53 f100. On a recent trip of about 20 miles, i noticed the temp was just over 200. When I got it to my house, the overflow was dripping a few drops but nothing significant. Any cause for concern here?

Old Henry · 07-19-2013, 12:38 AM

Other's may differ but, in my opinion, 200° is not approaching boil over at your elevation if you're using the standard 7 lb. radiator cap. At sea level atmospheric pressure of 15 psi water boils at 212°. But, adding the 7 lb. radiator cap raises the boiling point to 233°. You're still 33 degrees below that at 200°. If you keep your radiator full the mear expansion of water will push some out through the radiator cap and is not something I worry about. I leave the water down a bit in the radiator to allow for expansion of the water.

richard crow · 07-19-2013, 06:39 AM

install a recovery take you can either buy one there cheap or make your own

gmc1941 · 07-19-2013, 08:24 AM

Install a over flow tank and a 7lb cap and it will be fine.

Ken Bull · 07-19-2013, 10:18 AM

When I first ran my v8 --rebuilt Radiator etc-- I freaked out when steam was coming out of the hood vents , even had some antifreeze on the running board. When it cooled down the water level was 1/2" above the cores in the radiator & no more problem--The cooling system found the level it likes. (I think I have a 7lb Cap) One of these days I will put on a Recovery Tank like Richard Crow suggests, cause I'd like to think I have the 22 quarts in there the factory calls for. Living in Florida I run with no thermostats, Skips rebuilt Pumps & Coil . Hi Rich

Oh! I use some Purple Ice mixed in there too & according to my hand held Temp Gun I do 10 -15 degrees cooler

Ross F-1 · 07-19-2013, 10:22 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

F-1's used a 4-lb cap.

jhaas63 · 07-19-2013, 03:28 PM

I currently have a 4 lb cap...I take it I need to put on a 7 lb cap?

07-18-2013, 09:37 PM	#1
jhaas63 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 16	is this too hot for my flathead? Like most parts of the country, it is terribly hot here in Wisconsin. It has been in the lower 90's with a ton of humidity. I just installed mechanical water temp gauges on my 1953 8rt in my 53 f100. On a recent trip of about 20 miles, i noticed the temp was just over 200. When I got it to my house, the overflow was dripping a few drops but nothing significant. Any cause for concern here?

07-19-2013, 12:38 AM	#2
Old Henry Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 5,762	Re: is this too hot for my flathead? Other's may differ but, in my opinion, 200° is not approaching boil over at your elevation if you're using the standard 7 lb. radiator cap. At sea level atmospheric pressure of 15 psi water boils at 212°. But, adding the 7 lb. radiator cap raises the boiling point to 233°. You're still 33 degrees below that at 200°. If you keep your radiator full the mear expansion of water will push some out through the radiator cap and is not something I worry about. I leave the water down a bit in the radiator to allow for expansion of the water. __________________ Prof. Henry (The Roaming Gnome) "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” *Ursula K. Le Guin in The Left Hand of Darkness

07-19-2013, 06:39 AM	#3
richard crow Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,770	Re: is this too hot for my flathead? install a recovery take you can either buy one there cheap or make your own

07-19-2013, 08:24 AM	#4
gmc1941 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Palatine, Il Posts: 486	Re: is this too hot for my flathead? Install a over flow tank and a 7lb cap and it will be fine. __________________ 1939 Fordor Deluxe 1939 Ford Coupe Std 1940 Ford pickup Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.

07-19-2013, 10:18 AM	#5
Ken Bull Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Port St Lucie Florida Posts: 398	Re: is this too hot for my flathead? When I first ran my v8 --rebuilt Radiator etc-- I freaked out when steam was coming out of the hood vents , even had some antifreeze on the running board. When it cooled down the water level was 1/2" above the cores in the radiator & no more problem--The cooling system found the level it likes. (I think I have a 7lb Cap) One of these days I will put on a Recovery Tank like Richard Crow suggests, cause I'd like to think I have the 22 quarts in there the factory calls for. Living in Florida I run with no thermostats, Skips rebuilt Pumps & Coil . Hi Rich Oh! I use some Purple Ice mixed in there too & according to my hand held Temp Gun I do 10 -15 degrees cooler

07-19-2013, 10:22 AM	#6
Ross F-1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NM Posts: 2,438	Re: is this too hot for my flathead? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) F-1's used a 4-lb cap. __________________ '52 F-1, EAB flathead

07-19-2013, 03:28 PM	#7
jhaas63 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 16	Re: is this too hot for my flathead? I currently have a 4 lb cap...I take it I need to put on a 7 lb cap?