The engine in a vehicle can get hot enough to fry an egg on; the amount of heat that is generated as a result of combustion is phenomenal. It is the engine cooling system that keeps this temperature in the range of 180 to 200 degrees, at this temperature the engine runs at its most efficient. Radiator pressure caps are an important component of the cooling system, an efficient pressurized system ensures:
- The engine gets up to its ideal operating temperature quickly
- The optimum coolant temperature is maintained as is the coolant level as the engine temperature varies
The importance of radiator pressure caps:
When you look under the hood of your vehicle you see the radiator of course, you also see an overflow tank. As the temperature of the coolant goes up and down it flows between the radiator and this tank. When the coolant pressure rises above the safe operating level the radiator cap comes into play, it releases coolant into the overflow tank. The cap contains a spring orated valve, when the temperature rises to a certain point, the valve opens and coolant flows into the tank. As the temperature decreases, coolant is siphoned back from the tank into the radiator. By this constant movement between radiator and overflow tank, the system pressure is maintained perfectly.
The engine begins to cool the moment it is shut down, as the temperature goes down, so does the pressure. Radiator pressure caps are designed to allow coolant to flow back into the radiator from the overflow tank, the cap has a second valve that is sensitive to vacuum which is produced as the pressure drops.
Although they are insignificant to look at, radiator pressure caps are an extremely important component of the cooling system. It controls the movement of coolant and ensures there are no air pockets in the system which could cause the radiator hose to collapse.
