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?
is this too hot for my flathead?
- Thread starter jhaas63
- Start date
Old Henry
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
install a recovery take you can either buy one there cheap or make your own
Ken Bull
Senior Member
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
Oh! I use some Purple Ice mixed in there too & according to my hand held Temp Gun I do 10 -15 degrees cooler
