Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-01-2020, 08:13 PM   #1
Axtell85
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 3
Default 1950 Ford Custom 4# Radiator Cap

I had to replace my radiator as it couldn't be repaired. I got a JCG aluminum radiator but the original 4# radiator will not fit because it is about a quarter inch to tall. I can find 1" deep caps but I need a 3/4" deep 4# cap. Does anyone out there have a good Stant radiator cap number that will fit? I currently have a 7# cap so I can run the car to work on other issues but I don't to end up replace H2O pumps due to overpressure. I hate to have to pull the radiator and take it down to the shop to have a different filler neck put on it if I can find a short 3/4" deep radiator cap. Thanks in advance. I'm learning things the hard way on this restore.
Axtell85 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2020, 09:59 PM   #2
ford38v8
Senior Member
 
ford38v8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 6,616
Default Re: 1950 Ford Custom 4# Radiator Cap

I think you have a misconception regarding the dangers of overpressurizing. The water pumps are pretty stout, but it is the radiator itself that may not be sturdy enough to handle the pressure. Check with the manufacturer of your radiator for their recommendations on pressure caps.
__________________
Alan
ford38v8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 09-01-2020, 10:22 PM   #3
Pat/Ohio
Senior Member
 
Pat/Ohio's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wilmington, OH/Lakeland, FL
Posts: 950
Default Re: 1950 Ford Custom 4# Radiator Cap

When I purchased my '50 Ford Custom Deluxe sedan, I noticed water leaking onto the garage floor. I checked the radiator cap and noticed it was too short. It wasn't sealing against the seat in the radiator neck. It was off to NAPA to purchase another cap. I was told that there were two different caps available....one was longer than the other. I purchased the longer 4# cap and that stopped the anti-freeze escaping through the overflow tube onto the floor. You should be able to locate the correct radiator cap for your car. Check at NAPA or with Chris at Shoebox Central.

Stay Safe,
Pat
Pat/Ohio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2020, 08:56 AM   #4
JSeery
Member Emeritus
 
JSeery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
Default Re: 1950 Ford Custom 4# Radiator Cap

The F1 used a 4 psi radiator cap, so don't think water pumps were an issue, at least not with the 8ba.
JSeery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2020, 09:38 AM   #5
tubman
Senior Member
 
tubman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,260
Default Re: 1950 Ford Custom 4# Radiator Cap

If sounds like the folks who make the radiator intended it to be used with a 7 lb cap; otherwise, why would it be designed to use one? If this is the case, it is a benefit. Under normal conditions, there is no difference whether you have a 4 lb or 7 lb cap. Only in the case of an overheating condition will the 7 lb cap come into play, and it will only raise the boiling point of the coolant, giving you an extra margin of time to get off the road. As a couple of posters have said, the water pumps are "pretty stout" and not a problem in this instance.

If it were mine, I'd leave the 7 lb cap.

Last edited by tubman; 09-02-2020 at 01:02 PM. Reason: Posted before my morning coffee
tubman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2020, 09:42 AM   #6
19Fordy
Senior Member
 
19Fordy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 10,879
Default Re: 1950 Ford Custom 4# Radiator Cap

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
The 7 pound cap will be fine and will not effect your pumps.
19Fordy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:21 AM.