I know this is semi newbie, but I have been wondering lately. what exactly does it do? does it help vent heat from the radiator? is it sorta like the thermostat? just kinda curious as to what all these odd parts and stuff on my car do exactly, just so I can get a better understanding of how my car functions totally. Also, what would the advantages of having a aftermarket radiator cap be, besides looks? I'm hoping JGLuder, or laughin 2.2 can answer these, since you guys seem to be the kings around here....


Thanks in advance..

Evan

 

An aftermarket radiator cap (Spoon, etc..) causes higher pressure in the radiator which causes the coolants boiling point to raise, thus increasing cooling efficiency. The open valve presure is 1.35kg.cm2 with a spoon cap is compared to the normal 1.1kg/cm2.

 

The radiator cap vents pressure since your coolant expands and contracts as your engine warms up and cools down. Check the level of coolant on your overflow reservoir before you start up your car and after you've been running for a while. You'll notice that the coolant level in the reservoir changes.

 

So an aftermarket cap actually is beneficial to engine life? There has got to be some reason that Honda decided they didn't want a perfect seal. I dont want to get one and then have my radiator blow up or something.

Dan


[Modified by LudemanDan, 9:11 PM 5/8/2002]

 

They help, but I wouldn't put down the money for one unless you are serious about road racing or live in the Sahara desert.
Edit: spelling


[Modified by laughin2.2, 1:13 PM 5/8/2002]

 

Your car has a radiator cap because of the difficulty involved with adding coolant from the bottom of the radiator.

 

so If I have an after market radiator cap, would this help lower my coolant temp noticably? I have an autometer water temp guage right now, and it hovers around 195 degrees F during normal driving, and I was thinking of getting a greddy or spoon cap (greddy cap has the same pressure as the spoon) would I notice a drop in temp, or should I go with a thermostat instead, like mugen?

 

I agree.

 

if your getting the cap you might as well get the spoon thermostat.