Overheated on track - now what?

[RETed]

I see the tear - it's trash; replace it.
The system has to be airtight - a tiny leak like that will compromise it's effectiveness.

15psi is about as high as I would go.
20psi is way too much pressure - in fact, most cooling system will start to leak all over the place.
Remember, the stock radiator cap is only rated to 0.9 bar(?), which is like 13psi.

15psi drops to 14psi is okay in my book.
This pretty much eliminate a major water jacket o-ring failure.

Replace the cap...
Burp all the air out of the system...
I think your engine should be okay...
Cross fingers!


-Ted

[infernosg]

Originally Posted by RETed

I see the tear - it's trash; replace it.
The system has to be airtight - a tiny leak like that will compromise it's effectiveness.

New cap already ordered!

Originally Posted by RETed

15psi is about as high as I would go.
20psi is way too much pressure - in fact, most cooling system will start to leak all over the place.
Remember, the stock radiator cap is only rated to 0.9 bar(?), which is like 13psi.

Yeah, I was a little nervous about the 20 psi. My hope was I'd expose any small leaks by really forcing the pressure. I did not start the ar yesterday, but I will tonight and I'll be sure to look for any white smoke from the exhaust indicating I managed to force water into the combustion chamber.

Originally Posted by RETed

15psi drops to 14psi is okay in my book.
This pretty much eliminate a major water jacket o-ring failure.

Yep, it was a VERY slow, seemingly unsteady leak. Not ideal, but like you said, certainly not a major o-ring failure. It probably would have continued to drop some, but I was running out of daylight...

Originally Posted by RETed

Replace the cap...
Burp all the air out of the system...
I think your engine should be okay...
Cross fingers!

This is the plan, along with a new thermostat. I'm considering a new water pump and belts as well because I'm pretty sure they're the original parts.

-Ted[/QUOTE]