FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Radiator Cap: Description and Operation






GENERAL INFORMATION
The cooling system is equipped with a pressure cap that releases pressure at some point within a range of 97 - 124 kPa (14 - 18 psi). The system will operate at higher than atmospheric pressure, which raises the coolant boiling point, allowing increased radiator cooling capacity.

VENT VALVE
There is a vent valve in the center of the cap that allows a small coolant flow to the Coolant Recovery System (CRS) tank. If the valve is stuck shut, the radiator hoses will collapse on cool-down. Clean the vent valve to ensure proper sealing when boiling point is reached.

GASKET
There is a gasket in the cap that seals to the top of the filler neck so that vacuum is maintained to draw coolant back into the system from the coolant reserve system tank.