I finally found the source of my random coolant leak: radiator cap. Found it by doing a vacuum check on the neck to cap seal. Tried a new cap, that didn't work. There must be something wrong with my all aluminum silla radiator. Anyone have any idea on how to fix the cap so that I don't have to install a new radiator? My radiator is under warranty still.

Dave

 

If the leak is on the radiator and it's under warranty, then get a new radiator. Why would you want to keep something that leaks? Also, are you sure you got the correct fit for the cap? Meaning size and pressure rating?

 

X2

 

You're right. Better fix it right. Cap is correct. I checked both of them twice. I also consulted with 1800radiator about the cap: they said to use the OEM spec cap with this radiator. Now the only trouble is I have to pay for the new radiator because it's going to take them a week to test the "bad" one after I get it to them (they are local). I hope they don't find a cap that works.

 

Ok, ummm what? What kind of place are you dealing with here? Pay again for a warranty part?
I noticed you said you checked it with a vacuum but radiators are checked with pressure testers AND can be done while still in the vehicle. So there is no need to pay again when you can get instant results on the leak. Sorry man, but sounds like you're getting scammed to me. If you did infact get the right cap, and it's not defective, then there is now way they are going to find one that will. And if they do, then it's not what they told you to use in the 1st place. If you know a mechanic close to you, see if he can call the place you bought the radiator from and have him explain what is going on to your supplier. There is NO reason you should have to pay again. Goodluck to you.

 

^x2
Should be able to tell what is going on with a radiator in under 10 minutes!

Any mechanic should have a radiator pressure tester and will be able to check
the radiator and the radiator cap to see if it will hold pressure.

If your radiator is now under warranty they should replace it or repair it!

 

I should be a little more specific. I installed and bought the original radiator myself. They are sending me a new one. After I return the "bad" one and they verify it is faulty they will refund me the cost of the replacement radiator. It still sucks. The only alternative is to take the radiator out, give it to the seller for a week while they test it in a water submersion pressure test. I'm not waiting a week. The first thing I'm going to do with the new one is do a vacuum test on the cap seal.

 

Thats why I wont buy from 1-800-radiator.

 

you dont test with vacuum you test with pressure ....