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SportTrac Discussion
General Sport Trac Discussion
So I swapped a 16 lb radiator cap for the 20 lb...
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<blockquote data-quote="Berf" data-source="post: 1039569" data-attributes="member: 75201"><p>It's good to hear that enough folks have tested the 16lb cap and not had any negative effect, I'll probably swap mine out as well.</p><p></p><p>I would like to mention that it's incorrect to think that the operating temp is totally controlled by the thermostat. When discussing cooling systems it's important to remember that every component of the system plays a role and has an impact on the overall systems efficiency. The thermostat does not totally control the operating temperature, and once the full open temp of the thermostat has been reached, it no longer has any control at all on the upper limit that the system will reach. That will be determined by the overall system efficiency. One of the main things the thermostat does do is control the time it takes for the engine to heat up when cold, because it has the most control over the system when it is closed or only partially open. In higher operating temps with the AC on the thermostat will most likely be running full open.</p><p></p><p>And as the internal pressure increases it lowers the boiling point of the coolant, so pressure is an important factor in preventing boil over. This is why I asked how the system work in 100 degrees with the AC on and in traffic, because this is the upper extreme that will tax the system. Now throw in uphill towing and you may approach the limits and experience boil over with the lower pressure cap. I'm sure Ford did endurance testing to determine what cap pressure, radiator size, and thermostat to select. (Fun fact, many manufactures use Death Valley for this type of testing.) Other things to consider are the cleanliness of the radiator fins, age of the coolant, airflow, speed, proper water pump flow, and a thousand other factors that all come into play to determine what the engines final operating temp will be.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Berf, post: 1039569, member: 75201"] It's good to hear that enough folks have tested the 16lb cap and not had any negative effect, I'll probably swap mine out as well. I would like to mention that it's incorrect to think that the operating temp is totally controlled by the thermostat. When discussing cooling systems it's important to remember that every component of the system plays a role and has an impact on the overall systems efficiency. The thermostat does not totally control the operating temperature, and once the full open temp of the thermostat has been reached, it no longer has any control at all on the upper limit that the system will reach. That will be determined by the overall system efficiency. One of the main things the thermostat does do is control the time it takes for the engine to heat up when cold, because it has the most control over the system when it is closed or only partially open. In higher operating temps with the AC on the thermostat will most likely be running full open. And as the internal pressure increases it lowers the boiling point of the coolant, so pressure is an important factor in preventing boil over. This is why I asked how the system work in 100 degrees with the AC on and in traffic, because this is the upper extreme that will tax the system. Now throw in uphill towing and you may approach the limits and experience boil over with the lower pressure cap. I'm sure Ford did endurance testing to determine what cap pressure, radiator size, and thermostat to select. (Fun fact, many manufactures use Death Valley for this type of testing.) Other things to consider are the cleanliness of the radiator fins, age of the coolant, airflow, speed, proper water pump flow, and a thousand other factors that all come into play to determine what the engines final operating temp will be. [/QUOTE]
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SportTrac Discussion
General Sport Trac Discussion
So I swapped a 16 lb radiator cap for the 20 lb...
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