So, rad caps, are a very important part of, the engine’s cooling system.
But, most of the time, no one pays attention to them, until it’s too late.
Most of today’s cooling systems, also include, a coolant recovery tank, that also has a cap. And, that cap, is equally important. Because, it is critical, that pressure must be maintained, at all times.
Above all, damaged rad caps cannot effectively, seal off the system, nor, keep it properly pressurized.
So, What Are The Basic Functions Of, Rad Caps:
- They keep the cooling system sealed, from outside contaminants.
- By keeping pressure in the cooling system, they raise the boiling point, of the engine coolant.
- Rad caps, allow coolant to flow to the recovery tank, when coolant gets hot, expands, and pressures increase.
- As the system cools down, they allow coolant, to return to the engine, from the coolant recovery tank.
- The above function also help with, stopping extra outside air, from entering the system.
- Extra air in the system, will cause air locks, resulting in overheating.
Consequently, a bad radiator cap, can cause the engine to overheat, at lower temperatures. As a result, this will cause the coolant, to boil over to the recovery tank. Rad caps that are faulty, could also prevent coolant from, returning to the engine. This would create a vacuum and cause, the radiator hoses to collapse.
There are several warning signs, that your radiator cap is not working right:
Leaking Engine Coolant
So, if your coolant is leaking, it could mean your radiator cap is bad. If the cap isn’t releasing excess pressure properly, that pressure can force the coolant to leak. Usually, at the point of least resistance. This can be from the rad caps, a hose, engine gaskets, the water pump or even from, the radiator itself.
Engine Running Hot And Overheating
If your temperature gauge starts reading high, your radiator cap, could be at fault. Consequently, it could mean the cap, is failing to maintain the correct pressure.
Overflowing Coolant Recovery Tank
Coolant flows into the recovery tank, as it expands. The radiator cap, is released by the pressure and the coolant, flows toward the overflow tank. With a bad rad caps, the coolant will get released too quickly and cause, the recovery tank to boil over.
Collapsed Radiator Hose
You may have a bad radiator cap, if a radiator hose collapses. Therefore, vacuum won’t be released by the radiator cap and will cause, the radiator hose to collapse.
Air Inside the Cooling System
When your radiator cap does not seal properly, air will get inside of the cooling system. Consequently, this will cause air pockets, to get inside of the heater core, thermostat and radiator hoses. As a result, the engine will start to overheat, because, it cannot sustain a temperature, that is consistent.
Choose Rad Caps Help Topic Below
Bad Radiator Cap – A Cheap Fix For A Potential Disaster
Radiator Caps – This Fairly Cheap Part Is More Important Than You Think
Radiator Cap – Basic Function – Failure Symptoms – How Important Is It
Thank You !