What pressure or temp radiator cap for a 440 powered rig?

Exactly! Had to do a heater core 2000 miles from home once. No fun!

Your best bet would be to use the proper cap and start replacing the aging items that WILL eventually fail. It's much easier to replace items on your time schedule than at random. (when they decide to fail) Any bulging/hard/cracking/leaking coolant hoses are on their last leg. Most of the hoses should be inexpensive and readily available. Cheap insurance.


Chum lee

That's what I figured. Auto parts stores all wanted to give me 14's!

I know higher pressure would mean better cooling but these old heater cores and radiators don't like it!

7 PSI and the red handle is a great feature. It allows removing the pressure so that the cap can be removed while 'warm', and also prevents the cap from turning while the red handle is down.

You do not want more than 8 PSI. Your older system is designed to run on 6-7 PSI.

Yes you will need a overflow reservoir, and you can find aftermarket ones at any auto parts store, rated to hold the 250F water coming out of the radiator while climbing a mountain grade.

Good luck,

Fred.

If the radiator and hoses are 36 years old, I would go lower rather than higher.

Just go to an auto parts store....usually the parts book or computer will tell you what the pressure should be for the right cap for your rig.

I don't think I would go over 7psi. Make sure there is an overflow jug hooked up to the overflow tube, if not use a sturdy jug (like a windshield washer fluid jug) and run the hose into the jug until its at the bottom. It will be fine.