Pressurized radiator
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Topic author - Posts: 373
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2019 8:00 pm
- First Name: Chris
- Last Name: Haynes
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1921 Runabout
- Location: Camarillo. CA
- Board Member Since: 2019
Pressurized radiator
Other than stopping evaporation would there be any benefit to pressurizing a T radiator?
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- Posts: 344
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:36 pm
- First Name: Dennis
- Last Name: Prince
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1)24 touring 2)25 TT's 1)26 roadster 2)26 tourings 1) 26coupe 1)27 funster 1)28 A pick up
- Location: Madras Oregon
- MTFCA Number: 22802
- Board Member Since: 1999
Re: Pressurized radiator
For every pound of pressure the boiling point raises 3 degrees, so a 15 lbs system won't boil until 257 degrees.
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- Posts: 344
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:36 pm
- First Name: Dennis
- Last Name: Prince
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1)24 touring 2)25 TT's 1)26 roadster 2)26 tourings 1) 26coupe 1)27 funster 1)28 A pick up
- Location: Madras Oregon
- MTFCA Number: 22802
- Board Member Since: 1999
Re: Pressurized radiator
I hit post before I was done with it, I don't think that there is any advantage on a Model T to pressurize the cooling system, it might actually hinder the thermosyphon effect. With a properly working cooling system the only modification I do is add a thermostat and I have had no heating problems.
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- First Name: Rich
- Last Name: Bingham
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 runabout
- Location: Blackfoot, Idaho
Re: Pressurized radiator
Pressurizing the system would have more benefit for T owners at higher altitudes. Boiling point lowers to 202F at 5000' of elevation. The problem is that the system was never designed to be pressurized, so most model Ts would probably exhibit leaks in the cooling system they never had before.
Fun to think about, but another unnecessarily complicated alteration for dubious gain. MHO
Fun to think about, but another unnecessarily complicated alteration for dubious gain. MHO
"Get a horse !"
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- First Name: Terry & Sharon
- Last Name: Miller
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1920 Center Door, 1920 TTWood cab Farm Truck with cable dump grain bed, 1920 TT C-Cab with express bed, 1927 Wood body Dairy Delivery truck
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Re: Pressurized radiator
Rich is right on the point. Pressurizing a system that was not designed to be pressurized is not a good idea.
On the other hand, pressure has very little to no effect on thermosyphon. I have operated a nuclear power plant that worked up to 66% of full power on thermosyphon. It's impressive to see temperatures over 600 degrees Fahrenheit without boiling.
On the other hand, pressure has very little to no effect on thermosyphon. I have operated a nuclear power plant that worked up to 66% of full power on thermosyphon. It's impressive to see temperatures over 600 degrees Fahrenheit without boiling.
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Re: Pressurized radiator
600F is about 1,500 psig, that might be a tad high for the model T.
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Re: Pressurized radiator
Pressuring a T radiator is never a good idea. As others state, it's not made for that. If you don't actually blow the tank open, you'll greatly distort it. Would be even worse, and more expensive an error, on a brass radiator.
That said, never let a radiator shop pressure test your radiator either. It's a standard thing they do to all radiators, so always warn them to not do it with your T radiator.
That said, never let a radiator shop pressure test your radiator either. It's a standard thing they do to all radiators, so always warn them to not do it with your T radiator.