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New coolant cap = seepage, does turbo need 150KPa? 700

posted by  Steve on  Sat Apr 3 05:07 CST 2004
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 07:16 CST 2014
[RELATED]

I spoke to IPD about this: they recommend a 75kpa cap with all replacement radiators for the reason that the 150kpa cap is rated for all conditions, including summer heat with a/c in Phoenix and most people don't need that. Note, however, that if pressure reaches the rated level, the cap will release and coolant will come out. Your problem is different: the radiator is failing. Your original plastic radiator has reached the end of its life and you definitely need a new one ASAP since you risk catastrophic loss of coolant (see the FAQ). The typical failure mode is a small crack followed by sudden and massive failure when the pressure/temperature reaches a high enough level. Every spring this board sees a spate of "help: lost all my coolant" messages due exactly to this problem. The plastic/al radiator is in fact a superior design, far more resistant to corrosion than copper/brass, and suffers from only one flaw: the plastic lifetime is reliably about 8-10 years max.

If you are short of cash, drive with NO radiator cap for the time being. Buy a new PL/AL radiator from FCPGroton who have the lowest prices.

And I can also guarantee that your heater water valve is aging and close to failure as well, being made of the same plastic. Regrettably, you are close to requiring a new radiator, valve, and all hoses ASAP.






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