Radiator cap 52 F1

[adileo]

Hi guys

Only had truck on road half dozen times. All occasions (after warmed up) truck runs at 190. Upon getting home engine is dry and no antifreeze under truck.

I have no clue what radiator cap is on it. There are no markings. I believe the truck should have a 4 lb cap and having the wrong one could cause damage. Should I buy a new one or based on the history I just explained, not worry and buy new when I come across one.

Btw I've tried local Napa and other auto stores and they don't carry 4 lb cap.

Thanks Andy

[Ken/Alabama]

I wouldn't sweat it. If the temp gets up above 200 or so and don't lift the cap then I would investigate it.

[4t8v8]

I know it is an old issue but I've never run pressure on mine. Been running it for 67 years and it has never once overheated. Removed the bottom seal on the cap and hooked up a recovery system. Left the top seal in place. Works like a champ. I do have to add a little anti-freeze occasionally. 160 degree thermostats.

[Ken Crans]

I would find a place like Sacramento Vintage Ford or Classic Haulers for a 4# cap. Im running 180-190' with a 4# cap. stock 8BA

[Thaplumbr]

Mac's has um listed in ther latest catalog I got in today's mail page 27

[1948F-1Pickup]

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I got mine locally from Carquest...... or whatever they're calling themselves today. (Advance bought them?)
Anyhow, Stant part number 10208. (4# cap)

I'm running 180 degree thermostats. Temp sits a little over 180 usually.
If it's really hot outside it may get up to a little over 190.

[chap52]

Also running 180 stats. and 4# cap. Usually runs about 180-190.(Even with a/c) I understand that's the best temp to run these flatties.

[G.M.]

Most old caps don't seat down on the bottom seat in the radiator
filler neck. The bottom rubber seal needs to hit before the under
side of the cap hits the top of the filler neck. I put a rubber washer
down in the bottom on the brass seat. For the guy that put on the
recovery tank and removed the rubber on the bottom of the cap,
this is not necessary because as the engine cools when the temp
gets below 155 a vacume is created in the engine. This vacume
sucks the water from the recovery bottle into the engine as the
jiggle valve on the bottom of the cap opens. G.M.

[4t8v8]

I didn't remove it for recovery purposes. My radiator is as old as my engine and with any pressure it leaks a little. Removing the lower seal cured it. The engine and radiator have been carefully cared for all their lives. There is no build up in the block and the inside of the radiator is shiny copper.

[50fordcoupeman]

I had my original radiator at a repair shop to have a couple leaks repaired. The shop owner also has several classics. He made the repairs and told me that these old radiators should NEVER have more than a 4# cap. Hope this helps!

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by 4t8v8

I didn't remove it for recovery purposes. My radiator is as old as my engine and with any pressure it leaks a little. Removing the lower seal cured it. The engine and radiator have been carefully cared for all their lives. There is no build up in the block and the inside of the radiator is shiny copper.

Your just nursing it along, Waiting for the result. G.M.

[4t8v8]

Yep. Been nursing it along for a great many years with excellent results. Guess I'll keep on truckin'. Or nursin'.