Radiator Cap

Have a 97 accord with 187K on it - radiator recently started leaking in
the upper seam on the engine side. A local shop replaced the radiator
- took 2 attempts to get one that would hold fluid - but they did not
replace the cap.

Question - do radiator caps as they age ever hold back too much
pressure - got stuck in some heavy traffic when the radiator started
leaking. Wonder if I should replace the cap.

Thanks

 

wrote in

Rad caps get old and REFUSE to hold pressure, which will cause boiling.

Absolutely, replace the cap. With OEM if you can get it. It's cheap.

 

The aftermarket radiators from some places fit 90-97... and take the 90-93
cap or the 94-97 cap.... you may have to try both. One's big, one's little.

 

I understand the spring can get weak and won't hold pressure - can the
opposite happen and subject the system to too much pressure.

Just curious.

Thanks

 

Guess it could, but personally I've never seen that happen.

 

Went back to the garage that replaced the radiator and the guy who owns
the place took a pair of pliers and twisted the drain cock tight and no
leaks. Told me to watch it for leaks. Am buying and carrying a
replacement cock and a gallong of coolant and a gallon of water.

Had this same thing happen on another honda radiator which I replaced -
someone said this is a common problem so watch for leaks around the
drain cock when you have a radiator worked on or replaced.