![]() ![]() This could also happen if the radiator cap fails to allow excess pressure to bleed into the coolant reservoir when the system reaches the target pressure. ![]() If you attempt to use a radiator cap that holds more pressure than the system was designed for, you may introduce a leak, especially if it causes an old coolant hose to fail. See Also: 5 Symptoms of a Faulty Radiator Fan #1 – Coolant Leak If you suspect you have an issue with your head gasket(s), it’s not a bad idea to replace the radiator cap first since it’s so quick, cheap, and easy, before throwing more time and money at a potentially expensive problem. Many symptoms of a faulty radiator cap can also be signs of another problem, such as the much dreaded head gasket failure. If they are hot, wait longer (or overnight to be safe) before opening to avoid a scalding geyser of coolant in the face. If you’re unsure, carefully feel the hoses. If you attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm, the coolant (likely as hot as boiling water) would shoot out and could seriously injure you third degree burns are a very real possibility. Please note: since the cooling system is hot and under pressure when the vehicle has been running, it is very important that you never open the radiator cap until the vehicle has cooled completely. Under lower pressure, the cap draws the coolant back into the cooling system. To avoid overpressurizing, which can damage components of the system, a spring-loaded valve on the radiator cap vents excess coolant into the expansion tank (also known as reservoir). The water absorbs the heat from the engine and the antifreeze further raises the boiling point of the coolant.Įvaporation of coolant is undesirable because gaseous coolant will either leave the system entirely through a leak or will take up more space than it should which causes overpressurization. If the coolant in the engine were to boil, it would not effectively cool the engine since a gas will not remove heat from the system nearly as well as a liquid will.Ī cooling system at optimal pressure enables the engine to run more efficiently and protects it from damage.Ĭoolant is usually made up of water and antifreeze in a one-to-one ratio. Most engines have a normal operating temperature right around the boiling point of water (212° F). This enables the liquid to hold more heat before evaporating. Pressurizing the cooling system is necessary to increase the boiling point of the coolant. It is important to buy a radiator cap that matches the factory specification. Different cooling systems call for different pressures. Total cost less than $25 search for " stainless steel overflow tank" on eBay.Click Here to chat online with a verified mechanic who will answer your questions.Įach radiator cap is rated for a certain amount of pressure it can hold (e.g. ![]() No site glass here, so you would have to remove the cap to check fluid level, but the canister is not pressurized, so no problem checking either hot or cold. The vent tube goes through the bottom and extends internally near the top. The fluid pass tube connects at the bottom of the tank. The can is vented from below with small bore tubing. The screw cap is o-ring sealed to prevent any top spill. Tucked right up in the corner near the radiator it may not interfere too much with other maintenance. That should hold slightly more than one pint of fluid, which may be just enough to satisfy a 6-quart cooling system. This one is 2-inches diameter and 10-inches tall. Here is a nifty little stainless steel coolant recovery tank to fit in tight spaces. MGA coolant recovery system, A Neat Non-pressurized Tank The MGA With An Attitude ![]()
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