AU Radiator Cap

[BuuBox]

I feel silly asking this question, but bear with me...

The radiator cap on my AUII XR6 looks original and fairly worn out. Went to buy a new one, but no one (Repco, SCA, Autobarn, eBay) stocks a 120kpa / 17 psi replacement, only 135kpa / 20psi.

With radiator hoses possibly approaching 17 years old, I'm a little hesitant using one with a higher pressure.

The only alternative I can see is the Tridon CN15100, which is 100kpa/15psi.

Any recommendations?

[supershifty]

I looked up the Tridon and CPC catalogues - they only list the 20psi caps. If your cooling system is in good order, this doesn't present a problem.

I can't comment on going to a lower psi cap, so I won't.

If your hoses are 17yo, then you've got a good run out of them. A lower psi cap is not going to save your ***.

Yes, it's a PITA changing out all the hoses, but best be planned at home to do it. Imagine if one of the hoses blows while out on the road and the inconvenience it would cause - let alone the cost of towing fees.

Replace the hoses now mate, that's the best advice I can give you.

Cheers!

Edit: Flush the cooling system and add rust inhibitor/coolant while your at it - your alloy cylinder head is expensive to replace, if it's not already munted.

[BuuBox]

Good advice, but I'd still rather use a radiator cap that is equivalent pressure to the factory cap.

[Tickford.]

Originally Posted by BuuBox

Good advice, but I'd still rather use a radiator cap that is equivalent pressure to the factory cap.

Makes no difference that you will notice. Thousands of AUII XR6's have the 20psi cap on with no issues whatsoever, as it's the most common cap available.

Going with your theory, have the tyres being replaced with the original spec tyres? Or the brake pads with the exact same spec as it came from factory?

[snap0964]

3 PSI is bugger all - old age hoses, well, that's another thing.

[Sox]

It's not a good idea to increase the pressure of the radiator cap over standard, the system may not be able to handle the increased pressure.

However, AU2/3 spec is 15-20psi, so you'll be ok.

Your hoses may still be fine, if in doubt, replace them too.

[Sox]

Originally Posted by supershifty

I looked up the Tridon and CPC catalogues - they only list the 20psi caps. If your cooling system is in good order, this doesn't present a problem.

The Tridon catalogue has caps listed from 7psi to 20psi (and everything in between) to fit an AU.

[Fed]

Buy a genuine Ford one.

[BuuBox]

Originally Posted by Sox

It's not a good idea to increase the pressure of the radiator cap over standard, the system may not be able to handle the increased pressure.

However, AU2/3 spec is 15-20psi, so you'll be ok.

Your hoses may still be fine, if in doubt, replace them too.

Thanks, you're right - the service manual on here specifies 120-135kpa.

Originally Posted by Sox

The Tridon catalogue has caps listed from 7psi to 20psi (and everything in between) to fit an AU.

Do you have a part numbers? I can't see them on the website.

Originally Posted by Fed

Buy a genuine Ford one.

Will do, if I can get to the spare parts counter before they close. I'm not actually chasing an issue here, just replacing a worn looking cap. Don't want to create a problem unnecessarily.

[Interceptor]

IIRC VY V8 commodores have a 120kpa cap