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Problem: oil cap broke, stuck as there's nothing to grab on to (pics)

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Old May 21, 2014 | 03:14 PM
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centuryhouse's Avatar
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Default Problem: oil cap broke, stuck as there's nothing to grab on to (pics)

I tried to remove the oil cap today on my XJ 4.0L, and the cap wouldn't unscrew - it felt really tight, like the last time I had an oil change that really cranked it down.

I tried to exert slow pressure, hoping it wouldn't break - but it did. And the part left in the valve cover appears not to have anything sticking above the valve cover, so there's nothing to grab on to.

1) Am I right that the ring / lip that is sticking up, is a part of the valve cover, not a part of the cap? Any suggestions?

2) What is the best deal on a non-ratcheting replacement cap?




Last edited by centuryhouse; May 21, 2014 at 03:16 PM.
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Old May 21, 2014 | 03:17 PM
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That ring sticking up is not part of the valve cover.

Hog it off with channel locks.

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Old May 21, 2014 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by CCKen
That ring sticking up is not part of the valve cover.

Hog it off with channel locks.

Thank God!!! My near eyesight is getting rough, I couldn't tell and didn't want to crank on it with channel locks until I knew! Thanks!

Is there a good non-ratcheting replacement cap anywhere?
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Old May 21, 2014 | 03:38 PM
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Mine broke the same way. Like CCKen said I also used channel locks to take it off. I still haven't changed it out. I have a flat piece of metal that fits in the grove and I use it like a key to take it off when needed. I'm just t cheep to buy a new cap.
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Old May 21, 2014 | 04:36 PM
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Been there done that. I replaced it with a new one of the same type. I just don't over tighten it.
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Old May 21, 2014 | 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by centuryhouse
Thank God!!! My near eyesight is getting rough, I couldn't tell and didn't want to crank on it with channel locks until I knew! Thanks!

Is there a good non-ratcheting replacement cap anywhere?
Not that I know of.
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Old May 21, 2014 | 06:11 PM
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Just had one break the same way last week. Came off with channel locks. Replaced with one from PB solid one piece, no ratcheting BS.
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Old May 21, 2014 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by centuryhouse
Is there a good non-ratcheting replacement cap anywhere?
That cap is 14 years old and was never designed to last forever , just buy a new one and move on...
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Old May 21, 2014 | 08:27 PM
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remove the spring. But some devcon 5 minute plastic welder. Mix some up and put it in the hole then put the cap on and wait 10 minutes. When the plastic welder starts to cure it will get hot. then remove the cap. Check with your local NAPA for Stant 10111 or Balkamp 703-1713 oil filler cap. About $8.50 w/tax

Last edited by cpttuna; May 21, 2014 at 08:35 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old May 21, 2014 | 08:36 PM
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Go to O'Reilly's and get a Murray cap. They don't ratchet and are similar to the earlier OEM cap.

Get the remnants off with Channel Lock pliers.

Next time you're in Walmart, get some 2.5-3.0X readers for your failing eyesight.
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Old May 22, 2014 | 08:20 AM
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Great info and suggestions all around, thanks!
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