CORE AS-RADIATOR 7N3111 - Caterpillar

Remember that temperature and pressure work together. When a diagnosis is made of a cooling system problem, temperature and pressure must be checked. The cooling system pressure will have an effect on the cooling system temperature. For an example, refer to Illustration 1. This will show the effect of pressure on the boiling point (steam) of water. This will also show the effect of height above sea level.
Illustration 1 g00286266
Cooling system pressure at specific altitudes and boiling points of water
Personal injury can result from hot coolant, steam and alkali.At operating temperature, engine coolant is hot and under pressure. The radiator and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.Remove filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when engine is stopped and radiator cap is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.
The coolant level must be to the correct level in order to check the coolant system. The engine must be cold and the engine must not be running. After the engine is cool, loosen the pressure cap in order to relieve the pressure out of the cooling system. Then remove the pressure cap.The level of the coolant should not be more than 13 mm (0.5 inch) from the bottom of the filler pipe. If the cooling system is equipped with a sight glass, the coolant should be to the correct level in the sight glass.Making the Correct Antifreeze Mixtures
Do not add pure antifreeze to the cooling system in order to adjust the concentration of antifreeze. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities" for the correct procedure. The pure antifreeze increases the concentration of antifreeze in the cooling system. The increased concentration increases the concentration of dissolved solids and undissolved chemical inhibitors in the cooling system. The antifreeze mixture must consist of equal quantities of antifreeze and clean soft water. The corrosion inhibitor in the antifreeze will be diluted if a concentration of less than 50% of antifreeze is used. Concentrations of more than 50% of antifreeze may have the adverse effect on the performance of the coolant.Checking the Filler Cap
One cause for a pressure loss in the cooling system can be a faulty seal on the radiator pressure cap.
Illustration 2 g00296067
Typical schematic of filler cap
(1) Sealing surface between the pressure cap and the radiator
Personal injury can result from hot coolant, steam and alkali.At operating temperature, engine coolant is hot and under pressure. The radiator and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.Remove filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when engine is stopped and radiator cap is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.
To check for the amount of pressure that opens the filler cap, use the following procedure:
After the engine cools, carefully loosen the filler cap. Slowly release the pressure from the cooling system. Then, remove the filler cap.
Carefully inspect the filler cap. Look for any damage to the seals and to the sealing surface.