9/3/2023 0 Comments Bad coolant cap symptoms![]() ![]() Most radiator cap replacement prices are below $10, and it is not worth the risk to not change the cap. If you have a radiator cap leak or any radiator cap problem just change the cap. It is also a good idea to do a pressure test on the cap to make sure it holds and then releases pressure at the proper settings for your vehicle. Look at the rubber seals and the spring and make sure everything looks good. For safety reasons, we only recommend using the factory recommended parts and settings on your vehicle.ĭuring any Truck cooling system inspection, it will be wise to check your radiator cap. Maybe a 7-pound cap would be better but only until you can get your system fixed. If your cooling system is weak, and you have small seep leaks within your radiator, head gasket or hoses, you may wish to lower the amount of pressure your cap will hold. The extra pressure created by custom or higher performance caps is not normally needed, and extra pressure created by these types of caps can cause radiator failure or other cooling system failures. A stock radiator cap normally holds between 14 to 16 PSI.A defective radiator cap that does not release the vacuum properly and draw the coolant from the overflow bottle can cause radiator hoses to collapse as your system cools. If you have a collapsed radiator hose, it could be because of your radiator cap.Your boiling point will be lower, and your cooling system will not be properly pressurized. If the radiator cap is stuck open, it will not allow your cooling system to build up to the proper pressure.This high pressure can cause a radiator leak or a hose to burst. A radiator cap that is stuck closed and not releasing fluid or pressure may allow pressure to build up to unsustainable levels.It is important that the vacuum is working as you need to bring all vented coolant back into the radiator to prevent air pockets or air bubbles. It pushes fluid into the reservoir tank when the radiator is too hot and pulls fluid from the radiator reservoir tank back into the radiator as the engine cools. This is a very effective system in that it pushes and pulls the fluid at each temperature cycle. Once the check valve on the radiator cap opens, the coolant is sucked through the tube that leads to the radiator reservoir tank and refills the car’s radiator. As the volume of the coolant contracts, the pressure in the radiator creates a vacuum that forces the circular plate to be pulled down and opens the check valve. As the temperature in your engine starts to cool down, the coolant shrinks in volume. This circular plate acts as a check valve that operates in only one direction. This little plate should always be hanging down and seem loose. If you look at the bottom center of the radiator cap, you will find a brass or stainless steel plate. A defective radiator cap can cause a lot of cooling system problems, including bursting hoses. You should also know how to pressure test a radiator cap to make sure it is holding and releasing pressure properly. It is important for you to have the recommended pressure cap for your cooling system, not too much pressure and not too little. Your radiator cap must hold and release pressure for it to work properly. The second seal is used to create a vacuum. As your truck cools down this seal will allow vented coolant to draw back from the overflow reservoir into the radiator, helping to maintain the proper coolant level. When the pressure is sufficiently relieved, the radiator cap spring will allow the plunger to close stopping the venting. The seal then allows the heated coolant to pass into the overflow reservoir tank. If the pressure keeps building up and surpasses the limit held by the radiator cap seal the internal spring and plunger will start to move. As your vehicle heats up, your coolant will expand, and pressure will increase. The main seal is on the inside top of the cap and works with a spring-loaded plunger. Radiator caps have a couple of seals that are necessary to control your coolant. ![]() Creates a vacuum to recapture vented coolant as your system cools.Transfers overheated coolant into an overflow bottle to prevent fluid loss and air pockets. ![]()
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