ot cooling system question

[Los_Control]

Working on this old Ford for my neighbor. It has original cooling system, with a mid 90's' 5.0 mustang motor. efi

The water pump was shot, T-stat stuck, hoses rotted .... I flushed the radiator, got everything replaced. Test drive and all seems to be working well now.

To finish the cooling system, I am adding a flushing T, flush it then antifreeze.

I still need to replace the radiator cap.

This brings questions, hoping the smart people can help me answer.

 

Currently it has a cap that has 16v stamped on it, am guessing it is a 16 pound cap. For a 1954 radiator, heater core, seems like to much pressure to me.

It also had a 195 T-stat, I dropped it to 180.

 

Thinking I could get a old school cap with the lever on it, call it a day .... but what poundage for the old radiator?

Or, should I stick with a modern cap, go hunt the antique shops for a reservoir bottle, and create a modern system with the old radiator.

Again, what pressure cap to use.

Going from 195 to 180, I think will also have a effect.

Mixing old cooling system with modern motors has been done forever, just not by me ... could use some advice here.

 

 

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

as the radiator is built for a sustained pressure of x pounds for x year.....go with rad cap specs for x years....also keep in mind not only are you considering the build of the radiator and its age, you also have to consider the heater core specs.  Many with a bit of age and what with some thinning due to electrolysis...may even get a cap a couple pounds lighter in value.  A good functional cooling system will not necessary need added pressure for extended temp rise before boil over....but it is there as a margin of safety against boil over on hot day, high grade climbs etc etc....AC also will add to this value.  A better degree of safety can be had with the use of an electric fan that is thermostatically controlled and installed in proper manner to read and respond to the changing temps.

[Los_Control]

Thanks for replying Plymouthy Adams

I look on line, seems like maybe 13 pounds was original ... I think I want to go 7 pounds ... just me.

 

As far as fan goes, there is no mechanical fan, no room for it. It has a electric pusher fan in front of the radiator,  That also was not working and I replaced.

It is on when the key is on.

 

I dunno, thinking I'm going to slap a 7 pound cap on it and call it a day.

 

Then it needs other work, vacuum leaks, brake pedal is middle of the road, The driver side wheel bearing is loose, oil seems almost a quart to much ... this car was built in 1998. Daily driver for awhile and then parked .... last known work on it was 2003.

OMG, she is one dirty girl ... Just a fun project for a good neighbor.