Any recommendations for new Rad cap? I see a lot of price variation...get what you pay for I'm sure.
Rad Cap Replacement
- Thread starter coopns
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People recommend OEM. I didn't listen and bough a Stant. After a few months was losing coolant. No leak. Was afraid it was a head gasket. Borrowed a pressure tester from AZ. No leak confirmed. Bought a no-name cap at my local independent auto parts store and problem solved. I probably didn't even need to change the cap.
Get an OEM cap, and don't buy it from eBay or Amazon unless you know the seller to be a real dealer.
I know right?
Aftermarket rad caps used to be as good/better than OE. Now there are so many after market parts that are just plain unreliable and almost not worth buying.
Aftermarket rad caps used to be as good/better than OE. Now there are so many after market parts that are just plain unreliable and almost not worth buying.
Yes, I have too...on older vehicles!
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
OEM and Stant are the ones I’ve used with no issues.
Stant quality has gone way down over the years, go with OE ditto thermostats.
I will assume that you are referring to their move to Mexico.
I use and recommend Stant or OE, depending on the price and vehicle.
I once used a cheap no-name one that came with a new radiator.... It's been working fine for years. I would not go out of my way to get one like that though. Only actually used it because the OE Toyota one was visibly bad and around 17 years old at the time.
I cant say when exactly but it has been at least 10 years. When you see how some of these engines thermostat is located and the big job it is to change them it is a part you don't save a couple of bucks on.
I have tested Stant caps right out of the box that failed a pressure test, one was a 21lb cap that didn't let go to over 25lb, that could blow a radiator or heater out in time. OE relieved at 20.5lb.
I agree, when it comes to things like radiator caps, thermostats, sensors, PCV valves, and a few other parts I go with OE. Lets say I learned the hard way a couple of times years ago, it's not worth the hassle to say a few $$.
OE all the way. The price difference isnt much anyway, and alot cheaper than a tow or being stranded on the side of the road with your radiator puking coolant all over the place. Its happened to me with a Stant, and the Duralast cap didnt even fit properly, but again a GTO is an australian car so YMMV. Shortly after the OE radiator plastic fantastic side tanks cracked, so I bit the bullet and got a 4 row all aluminum radiator that came with a new cap anyway.
HAHA. Wonder how many post police will come by and say the comments were inappropriate.OP
If you need help buying a radiator cap
Bless
Who dresses you everyday ??
Goodness
That’s as elementary as tying your shoes !!
I try to use OEM if possible.
OEM, unless you find the supplier. I use Stant if I have to or where it’s better(like older American cars).
You are talking a five dollar part. I just get a Stant and have never had a problem. I am sure other brands are fine too without having to go the OEM route just for a radiator cap.
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