Radiator cap. Universal or car specific?

[jtvang125]

Car overheated this morning cause all the coolant leaked out. I'm suspecting the radiator cap cause when I popped it off a small ring came loose. The rubber seals look a little worn out too. So are radiator caps pretty much universal or are they car specific. I'm going to pick one up during lunch.

 

[Vette73]

They are car specific. They have to fit for one, many are diff., and even if it fit it needs to be the right pressure.

If that does not fix it then you need to start checking like leaks, bad Thermostat, intake/head gasket, etc...

 

[Throckmorton]

Just go to the parts store and ask them to find the cap you need. They'll have the cap size and pressure in their database.

Don't remove the cap unless the coolant is completely cool or you will end up with a face full of coolant!!

 

[franksta]

Both?
I think the one on my wife's car would fit on my truck but the pressure ratings are different. You shouldn't have too much trouble getting one at AutoZone or similar store near you.

 

[LTC8K6]

Radiator caps can be tricky. My brother lost the cap on his Ranger 2.3L pickup while we were on vacation. He went to check under the hood, and the cap was just gone. Went to a few different auto parts stores to buy a new one. They kept giving us this big old cap that obviously wouldn't fit. Finally went back to the very first store we tried, and told them it was a Mazda B2300. Bingo! Small cap that fit perfectly.

 

[StageLeft]

Diagnosing if cap or not seems easy; is it leaking from that area? Once you've popped the cap and dripped a bit it's too late to say but otherwise it should tell you...

Remember not to open 'er up when engine is hot unless you want a steaming gusher in your face!