Major 3 signs or symptoms are discussed here which you should know about the radiator cap. These three symptoms are Coolant leak, coolant reduction and Engine overheating.
The radiator cap is a well-structured closure for the Radiator. It has been used so widely that it can’t get any major modifications in every car. It maintains the coolant system pressure with respect to temperature. It is like a Two-Way valve.
1 – Coolant reduction from the tank
The Coolant tank is marked with maximum and minimum level indication. If you surprisingly found the reduction in coolant then you check for coolant leakages from elsewhere. One of the reasons for leakage may be the radiator cap.
2 – Coolant Leakage from Cap
If Coolant reduction is indeed the problem of your car then Any skilled mechanic firstly checks the radiator cap because it has no time consuming and also it can be done visually also.
If the damaged cap is there then the coolant will automatically leak from it after raising the pressure of the coolant system. Whenever the coolant gets reduced and no outer leak is found, There is a possibility of leakage from the cap.
3 – Engine Overheating Problem
This Symptom can be easily predicted with a damaged cap. Temperature reading gauge shows high temperature suddenly with less time driving then Damaged cap may be one of the reasons for it.
Engine Overheating is caused by a lot of reasons but coolant leakage is a prime cause for it. The engine can’t be cooled and gets overheated due to a lack of coolant. If coolant leaks from the radiator cap then you must replace it.
Methods for checking the radiator cap –
1 – leakage
If you found the coolant marks on the upper radiator or on the cap then surely there is leakage. This leakage if you have noticed repeatedly, Replacement of cap should be done. Don’t Open the cap until the engine is cooled. Hot and pressurized coolant can be harmful to you.
2 – check the Plunger Condition
Flow restriction of the coolant may appear due to spring-loaded plunger of a cap. If It gets jammed then-No coolant is transferred to the reservoir tank through pressure is built. In such a case, Replace the cap.
3 – Pressure Gauge Test
Pressure should not be dropped in this test. If pressure drops you must replace the cap.
Replacement cost is so negligible so you must replace it in any sign of It’s a bad condition.
Radiator Cap Working –
It works like a pressure cooker. As temperature increases of any liquid,
That liquid gets vaporized. But If the pressure is applied then it can’t be vaporized.
The radiator cap restricts the coolant flow and helps to maintain the engine temperature. But after reaching a certain point of temperature, Cap gets opened just by building the pressure on it. Coolant flow is transferred to the reservoir tank.
