Radiator cap check

[bp71k5]

I had my motor overheat a few months back because I forgot to plug in my electric fans before a drive. I saw my coolant temp gauge pegged and then then the upper radiator hose came loose spraying steam and coolant everywhere.

Now I've got a small leak somewhere in the fins of the radiator and I'm wondering why the radiator cap didn't pop to relieve the pressure before it damaged the radiator. Assuming this is the cause of the leak.

Is there a way to check the function of the cap? Or would a secondary pressure relief valve be useful?


-Brian

 

[imiceman44]

I don't remember the procedure to check the cap because they became so cheap, when in doubt I buy a new one. Cheaper than my time checking the old one.

I had my motor overheat a few months back because I forgot to plug in my electric fans before a drive. I saw my coolant temp gauge pegged and then then the upper radiator hose came loose spraying steam and coolant everywhere.

Now I've got a small leak somewhere in the fins of the radiator and I'm wondering why the radiator cap didn't pop to relieve the pressure before it damaged the radiator. Assuming this is the cause of the leak.

Is there a way to check the function of the cap? Or would a secondary pressure relief valve be useful?


-Brian

 

[bp71k5]

Yea, what's weird is this one was pretty new, but came with my overflow tank kit.

It's a cheap radiator so it'll probably cost as much to repair as it will to replace. Are the fabricated aluminum radiators any more durable to abuse?


-Brian

 

[ryoken]

coolant system pressure tester kit's usually contain a cap tester... Stant being the most common...


http://www.brandsplace.com/0246-sta12270.html


every mechanic should own one...

 

[imiceman44]

Yea, what's weird is this one was pretty new, but came with my overflow tank kit.

It's a cheap radiator so it'll probably cost as much to repair as it will to replace. Are the fabricated aluminum radiators any more durable to abuse?


-Brian

I don't know how durable the aluminum radiators are but I will be finding out.
I got one from Pick n pull a couple of weeks ago, it was about $70 out the door and the radiator was new.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Brian, I have a this http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1901&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Snap-on radiator and cap tester if you want to check either.

 

[bp71k5]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I was hoping not to spend money on this thing for a bit.


-Brian

 

[wazzabie]

Do you have an OReily Auto parts store close buy? You can rent tools for free and check your cap. I checked my cap and the coolant system with a pressurizer. Turned out my cap was bad and I had some small leaks.