MTFCA Forum

Other than stopping evaporation would there be any benefit to pressurizing a T radiator?

For every pound of pressure the boiling point raises 3 degrees, so a 15 lbs system won't boil until 257 degrees.

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.

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

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.

600F is about 1,500 psig, that might be a tad high for the model T.

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.