Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Radiator Cap

WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to the cooling system or engine and/or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, use extreme care when removing the pressure relief cap from a hot degas bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly one turn (counterclockwise). Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, remove pressure relief cap (still with a cloth).

1. Remove the pressure relief cap from the degas bottle.
2. Immerse the pressure relief cap in water and install it on the shallow filler neck of Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester and Radiator Cap Adapter, part of Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester.
3. Immerse the filler neck seal in water and install it in the filler neck adapter.
4. Install the filler neck adapter with the filler neck seal to the Radiator Cap Adapter.
5. Connect the female quick-connect fitting of the pressure test pump to the male quick-connect fitting of the filler neck adapter.

6. NOTE: If the plunger of the pump is depressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading will result.

Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
7. Release the pressure by turning the relief screw counterclockwise. Then tighten the pressure relief screw and repeat Step 6 (at least twice) to make sure the reading is repeatable within the specifications of the pressure relief cap.
8. If the pressure test gauge readings are not within specifications, install a new pressure relief cap. If the pressure test gauge readings are within specifications, carry out the cooling system Pressure Test. Pressure Test