Radiator/reservoir cap question

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Nov 29, 2008 | 03:12 PM

Dakrri

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Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Sheboygan WI

Radiator/reservoir cap question

I had my radiator fluid tested at a local “quick lube” shop yesterday. The antifreeze was good, clean, and tested to 30 degrees below zero. However, he tested my radiator/reservoir cap and it would not hold 16 lbs of pressure. And I noticed that when you tightened the cap, it would “rachet” when it was tight, sort of like a gas-cap.

So I went to Autozone and bought a new 16 lb (pressure) cap and this one does not rachet, it just screws tight. And...maybe this is coincidental, but my trucks temperature doesn’t seem to have the warm-cool swing it use to have. If I have the temperature at 70, it blow very warm air, and I have to lower it to 67 to get what feels like, 70 degree air.

The temperature "dashboard gauge" is fine and stays steady at the halfway point.

Does anyone know if there is a reason for the rachet type cap versus the one that just screws tight?

Thanks Dakrri

Nov 29, 2008 | 11:51 PM

RACERX7775

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: WARRINGTON, PA

the factory cap does ratchet. at least on my V10.

Nov 29, 2008 | 11:59 PM

weekendwarriorfsw32

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACERX7775

the factory cap does ratchet. at least on my V10.

Same here on Both trucks.

Nov 30, 2008 | 08:11 AM

Supercab

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Joined: Feb 2000

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From: Palm Bay, Florida

I noticed the same thing when I bought a new quality STANT cap for my '99 F350....it just screws tight and thats it no racheting like the original...and if I tighten it ever so lightly is breaks loose and spins kind of like the thresds are bad....put the original cap back on and all is fine.....I think I'll just get a new cap from Ford????