1960 mk2 problem
#1
03-12-2007, 06:57 AM
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1960 mk2 problem
Hi, I have a 1960, 2.4 mark 2 Jag. My question relates to the type of radiator cap that can be used. As you know the one that is recommended is a low pressure cap (30?). My car is standard and has not been fitted with a extra water bottle so the water can expand into and then suck back when cool. As Iam in Australia with an often hot climate, I have to watch my water level all the time as each time I stop it spits a little out. My specific question is can I fit a radiator cap with a slightly higher pressure rating (such as 50?) to avoid this loss of coolant or will that cause other problems? Regards Mark, Sydney, Australia.
#2
03-12-2007, 07:37 PM
Veteran Member
RE: 1960 mk2 problem
hello Mark, I have a 1965 'S' type (3.8 engine) and the original Service Manual specifies a 4 pound radiator cap, which was later changed to a 12 pound cap. Why? ...I have no idea but I think it was because the 4 lb. cap opened too soon allowing coolant to spill way too soon.
But you must be talking in different ratings, because you say "30" or "50", so I don't know what the Measurement is in Australia, but regardless, you can get a 12 pound STANT cap anywhere on earth.
STANT makes suitable caps with a pressure relief lever, so you can relieve the pressure before removing the cap. Try a 12 to 14 lb. cap
I installed a Recovery container in my 3.8 'S', very easy to do, though you might have to remove the entire radiator, and have a Radiator Shop install a "nipple" on the side of the radiator's cap "mouth", (if it doesn't have one already); Attach a suitable hose from the radiator mouth nipple down to the bottom nipple of a recovery container; (length of hose determined by where the recovery container is but the hose should be below/under the container), then another hose from the top nipple of the recovery container goes to "atmosphere", (a glorified word for "under the car"). This second hose is there just in case the recovery container gets so full of coolant that it needs to release it instead of exploding. Very simple. When the radiator/engine cools, it will suck the coolant in the container back into the radiator next time you turn the engine on.
Do a search in www.google.com for "radiator coolant recovery" (less the quotes), there is a guy who has a website using his MG-A to demonstrate how the coolant recovery works. If you cannot find it, I'll post a link to it. It is very educational.
regards & good luck!
Jose
But you must be talking in different ratings, because you say "30" or "50", so I don't know what the Measurement is in Australia, but regardless, you can get a 12 pound STANT cap anywhere on earth.
STANT makes suitable caps with a pressure relief lever, so you can relieve the pressure before removing the cap. Try a 12 to 14 lb. cap
I installed a Recovery container in my 3.8 'S', very easy to do, though you might have to remove the entire radiator, and have a Radiator Shop install a "nipple" on the side of the radiator's cap "mouth", (if it doesn't have one already); Attach a suitable hose from the radiator mouth nipple down to the bottom nipple of a recovery container; (length of hose determined by where the recovery container is but the hose should be below/under the container), then another hose from the top nipple of the recovery container goes to "atmosphere", (a glorified word for "under the car"). This second hose is there just in case the recovery container gets so full of coolant that it needs to release it instead of exploding. Very simple. When the radiator/engine cools, it will suck the coolant in the container back into the radiator next time you turn the engine on.
Do a search in www.google.com for "radiator coolant recovery" (less the quotes), there is a guy who has a website using his MG-A to demonstrate how the coolant recovery works. If you cannot find it, I'll post a link to it. It is very educational.
regards & good luck!
Jose
#3
03-13-2007, 08:09 AM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: 1960 mk2 problem
Thanks Jose,
I have checked and the 30 I referred to is Kpa (kilopascals I think) which is the same as 4lb. Thanks for all your advice. I have been resisting putting in a recovery container as I thought she's gone 47 years without one and everything else is original...silly?? Anyway I can get a 10lb cap or a 13lb cap, so I might start off with the 10lb cap and see how she goes. If anyone else out there has any comments please advise. Thanks again Jose. Mark, Sydney, Australia.
I have checked and the 30 I referred to is Kpa (kilopascals I think) which is the same as 4lb. Thanks for all your advice. I have been resisting putting in a recovery container as I thought she's gone 47 years without one and everything else is original...silly?? Anyway I can get a 10lb cap or a 13lb cap, so I might start off with the 10lb cap and see how she goes. If anyone else out there has any comments please advise. Thanks again Jose. Mark, Sydney, Australia.
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