Posted by Vaughn [172.70.207.156] on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 09:44:55 :
In Reply to: pressurized cooling system posted by Karl [172.70.127.71] on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 21:59:24 :
Pressurizing the system is intended to minimize air bubbles at hot metal areas of the engine specifically around the combustion chambers which can form steam, thus boiling of coolant. It also raises the boiling point of coolant which is important in high performance engines. Since the PW is a low compression engine, it doesn't generate those higher temperatures, the need to pressurize the system is not necessary. Also the block core plugs are different design using a thin wall con-caved plug that is much different than you normally find in an engine. Building pressure to much could blow out this type block plug. As long as the engine/radiator is in good shape, you won't experience heating problems. Use a 160 thermostat.
As far as a NOS radiator 60+ years of sitting around does oxidize the solder around joints and will weaken it so you're better off not pressuring the system.
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