Radiator surge tank
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,639
Likes: 326
From: Greenville SC
Radiator surge tank
I replaced the cap on my surge tank last year, I had a very difficult time removing, had to attempt several times on different days, and ended up using channel locks with a lot of wiggling and pulling. When I put the new cap on last year, I tried removing and had the same issue, but left it alone. It is very tight, but I can twist it to where it should come off, and there is some movement (see-saw on each side), but some part of it still catches on filler neck.
I tried again recently, and could not remove it, even with channel locks. Somehow the filler neck must have been deformed over the years. I guess my only option is to buy a new surge tank, unless someone has a repair idea?
I tried again recently, and could not remove it, even with channel locks. Somehow the filler neck must have been deformed over the years. I guess my only option is to buy a new surge tank, unless someone has a repair idea?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,639
Likes: 326
From: Greenville SC
Yes, they call that the surge tank
The plastic one in the front is the overflow or expansion tank. I know it is confusing.
I'll try the cap again, but I used to not have issues with it.
I'll try the cap again, but I used to not have issues with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
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On my 96 I have to push down and use a channel lock to remove the cap. The fact that Im old and weak doesn't help but cap is more difficult, for some reason, to remove than other radiator caps I have dealt with.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
I am old and getting weaker also. I have found the more it is taken off the easier it is. I think the rubber seal sticks. I take a very small amount of grease and wipe the rubber. This helps a lot. I do see this is called a "surge" tank but I hope we can all agree nothing really "surges" into and out of this tank. It stays plum full all the time. Dan
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
When I was still working as a mechanic (decades ago) some of my customers complained about trouble getting cap off (and not just older ones). They were not pressing down enough before turning and were not clearing the locking tabs. After explaining about "never open hot" they were told to put a rag over the cap to protect hand, push down hard with both hands then turn. Oh and rightey tightey lefty loosey lol.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
When I was still working as a mechanic (decades ago) some of my customers complained about trouble getting cap off (and not just older ones). They were not pressing down enough before turning and were not clearing the locking tabs. After explaining about "never open hot" they were told to put a rag over the cap to protect hand, push down hard with both hands then turn. Oh and rightey tightey lefty loosey lol.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
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From: Mid-Atlantic
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High fill reservoir is what the FSM calls it. Just totally random opining here...
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,639
Likes: 326
From: Greenville SC
I tried it again, and it was easy, came right off. I feel dumb. I was thinking the tabs, were to stop from turning the cap too far when removing. I've only removed the cap a few times over all the years, and remembered it required you to push down and turn, but had it in the wrong order. I'll remember next time.
Probably confusing because a lot of safety caps on bottles, require you to push down first, then turn.
Thanks for the help!
Probably confusing because a lot of safety caps on bottles, require you to push down first, then turn.
Thanks for the help!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
I tried it again, and it was easy, came right off. I feel dumb. I was thinking the tabs, were to stop from turning the cap too far when removing. I've only removed the cap a few times over all the years, and remembered it required you to push down and turn, but had it in the wrong order. I'll remember next time.
Probably confusing because a lot of safety caps on bottles, require you to push down first, then turn.
Thanks for the help!
Probably confusing because a lot of safety caps on bottles, require you to push down first, then turn.
Thanks for the help!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,639
Likes: 326
From: Greenville SC