Radiator Cap: Service and Repair

INSPECTION

Hold cap at eye level, right side up. The vent valve at bottom of cap should open. If rubber gasket has swollen and prevents vent valve from opening, replace cap.

Hold cap at eye level, upside down. If any light can be seen between vent valve and rubber gasket, replace cap. Do not use a replacement cap that has a spring to hold vent shut. A replacement cap must be the type designed for a coolant reserve/overflow system with a completely sealed diaphragm spring and a rubber gasket. This gasket is used to seal to radiator filler neck top surface. Use of proper cap will allow coolant return to radiator.