50 50 Antifreeze Boiling Point

An example of a radiator cap.

The Radiator Cap keeps the cooling arrangement under pressure. It is also the system's safety valve. It allows the force per unit area to escape if it gets as well high.

Why is it so of import?

As the coolant warms upward, information technology expands. This creates pressure in the system. Without a "safety valve" the force per unit area volition eventually blow past gaskets and seals. It could as well burst hoses and lines.

Notwithstanding, some pressure is good. It raises the humid point of the coolant. This allows for a higher operating temperature range.

Consider the post-obit:

Water boils at 212° F.
50/50 coolant boils at 223° F.
The boiling betoken goes up three° F for every pound of pressure level (psi).
- A 15-psi radiator cap will heighten the boiling point by 45° F.

With the proper Coolant Mix and Radiator Cap, the maximum temperature is raised from 212° F to 268° F. Hopefully, your engine never gets that hot. But under some extreme conditions, you may demand the boosted wiggle room.

For Example

If your engine normally operates at 180° F - 190° F, boiling is non an issue. However, on a hot twenty-four hour period, the coolant tin can get upwardly to 200° F - 210° F. If you ran but water, you are pushing the boiling indicate. Whatsoever boosted strain on the system (similar getting stuck in traffic, passing a truck, or going up a colina) and the fluid will boil.

When the coolant boils, it makes bubbles and vapor (steam). This creates air pockets in the arrangement. Air does not transfer heat the way fluid does. In this case, your engine would overheat.

Answer ID 5280 | Published 04/23/2020 02:42 PM | Updated 05/22/2020 02:29 PM