PSA: Losing your Cool Over an Expensive $5 Part

This is my version of a PSA regarding Radiator Caps

I have done this to myself before, so I guess I must be a slow, REAL slow learner, because I just did it again to myself..

First note to mention is that the OEM Radiator Cap, from GM, is rated at 15PSI.

If you go to your favorite parts store, wherever that might be, all the aftermarket Brand caps listed for our Blazers are 16PSI. This can be a bad thing.

As the cooling system takes a beating over the years and miles, the radiator, hoses, thermostat, heater core, etc all seem to wear out at the same rate that the Radiator Cap spring does.

When that radiator cap spring is wore out, it no longer holds that OEM 15PSI, it maybe releases pressure at 13PSI or possibly lower.

Well, being the second go around, I just innocently traded $5 for an aftermarket 16PSI cap of all things,​ and it didn't long long to discover all of the weak points in this poor Blazers cooling system.

With a clear 3/8" hose going from radiator to the reservoir, there is zero coolant seen being released into the reservoir, but instead, the pressure is being forced out the radiator cores and a few hoses.

That $5 cap, has just now cost me a radiator, and a few hoses.....​​​​​​

Just wanted to share my "Doh!" moment.

 

Oh man. So sorry for this. But thanks for sharing!

 

lol , Thanks Christine!

I thought to myself "I've been here before!!?? Oh yeah, did the same thing to my 88 C1500!"

I must be a slow learner with a bad memory....

Live and learn, TWICE!

 

^^^ This is why I hesitate to use aftermarket parts. The seal on the aftermarket cap(one on left) is way to thick compared to the OEM one. So this would not allow coolant to pass through because it didn't open far enough to clear the ribbed section on the rad neck....