Radiator Cap

[jwaldrich]

Got one of those quick open/close/ 1/8th turn radiator caps (came on the car). Put new gaskets in it because when the radiator boiled it came out the cap.

Still does after gasket replacements.

Why?

[Ray in La Mesa]

Some times the washers are made of a hard, non-compressing material and will not seal. Cut washers from a softer material or cork. If it still leaks, you might have to make thicker washers or do two layers. Do you have an overheating problem or just over filling the radiator and the water is seeking its own level then stops the over flow?

[jwaldrich]

Originally Posted by Ray in La Mesa

Some times the washers are made of a hard, non-compressing material and will not seal. Cut washers from a softer material or cork. If it still leaks, you might have to make thicker washers or do two layers. Do you have an overheating problem or just over filling the radiator and the water is seeking its own level then stops the over flow?

It IS a hard non-compressing washing. I thought that was weird. Thanks.

[Bruce]

Carry the hard gasket into your local hardware store and match it up with an "O" ring. Buy the skinny one first. It is probably the one that will snug things up.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Sometimes it's better just to go back to a STOCK cap, to ELIMINATE leaking problems. Is it worth risking an engine, JUST to have a QUAIL that only POOPS on yo' hood?
Bill W.

[mshmodela]

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John,

When I got my Model A the first thing I had to fix was coolant tossing out of the top of my quail cap. I got both a new lower and upper gasket but the upper was too thin. I end up buying a thick rubber washer and just cutting it by hand per the advise of the experts here.



It take some playing around but it had been great for over a year with nothing coming out... I got one just think enough but not too thick to put too much stress on the cap... I'd buy a few washers --they are cheap and you might make a mistake at the first try --I did.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

John,

When I got my Model A the first thing I had to fix was coolant tossing out of the top of my quail cap. I got both a new lower and upper gasket but the upper was too thin. I end up buying a thick rubber washer and just cutting it by hand per the advise of the experts here.



It take some playing around but it had been great for over a year with nothing coming out... I got one just think enough but not too thick to put too much stress on the cap... I'd buy a few washers --they are cheap and you might make a mistake at the first try --I did.

Mike, this is IMPORTANT! When I added a Moto-Meter probe in Minerva, she immediately started losing water. With cap open, I discovered the water REALLY churns through at 1800 to 2000 RPM.
Stuck a 1/2" bolt in the water, to simulate the probe & it made a WAKE, that threw the water RIGHT into the OVERFLOW!!!
Dropped a roofing NAIL into the overflow & PROBLEM GONE!!
ALSO, remember this, I've tiped it MANY times: If you have a temp gauge & it cycles up & down regularly, every 1 to 1 1/2 minutes at ROAD speed, shut that thing DOWN, YOU'RE LOW ON WATER!!!
Whatever you think of me, I DON'T tipe BULLSHIT, only things that's worked for me, or things I've seen, personally & I AM a quite proficient general auto technician, SO THERE!
"Maybe" Purdy got tired of no one listening or just wanted to ARGUE. He's my BROTHER, you know.
Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

i have the harbor freight large standard / metric oring kits at the shop..in the metric assortment there is one that fits the motormeter perfect with a tight seal

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Mike, this is IMPORTANT! When I added a Moto-Meter probe in Minerva, she immediately started losing water. With cap open, I discovered the water REALLY churns through at 1800 to 2000 RPM.
Stuck a 1/2" bolt in the water, to simulate the probe & it made a WAKE, that threw the water RIGHT into the OVERFLOW!!!
Dropped a roofing NAIL into the overflow & PROBLEM GONE!!
ALSO, remember this, I've tiped it MANY times: If you have a temp gauge & it cycles up & down regularly, every 1 to 1 1/2 minutes at ROAD speed, shut that thing DOWN, YOU'RE LOW ON WATER!!!
Whatever you think of me, I DON'T tipe BULLSHIT, only things that's worked for me, or things I've seen, personally & I AM a quite proficient general auto technician, SO THERE!
"Maybe" Purdy got tired of no one listening or just wanted to ARGUE. He's my BROTHER, you know.
Bill W.

Bill, thank you for your advise.. being a newbie, I am open to any and all opinions... you and Mitch have helped me a lot and I and very greatful

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

Bill, thank you for your advise.. being a newbie, I am open to any and all opinions... you and Mitch have helped me a lot and I and very greatful

Mitch & I are in CAHOOTS, he's my SON, you know & a DAMN GOOD ONE!!! I could write a "book" about him
Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

Thanks Mike
Everything I know is because of dad so ask him first
unless the dog buts in

[mshmodela]

Mitch,

You're a lucky man to have a Father that has passed on his wisdom and experience to you. It's been nearly 9 years since I enjoyed the same. The very best to both of you.

Thank you

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

Mitch,

You're a lucky man to have a Father that has passed on his wisdom and experience to you. It's been nearly 9 years since I enjoyed the same. The very best to both of you.

Thank you

Mike,
Mitch is really my "Son"--Sometime ago, he asked if he could adopt me as his "DAD"--- I've connected with SO many great & down to earth folks here!
Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

Dad mails me a monthly check also wahooo