I want to remove the main radiator cap on my late model Suzuki Swift. Plastic radiator of course.
I have removed plenty of radiator caps back in the day but not recently.
Is the procedure now with the relatively fragile plastic radiators.
Simply turn cap counter clockwise then remove.
Press down then turn cap counter clockwise then remove?
Thanks!
I think city life's made him a bit slow ma….
Protip, Make sure engine is cool before trying to remove it.
Other wise lefty-loosey, righty-tigthy.
If the situation overloads the brain with respect to 'lefty-loosey, righty-tighty', ie. You're turning something from an obscure angle or from behind where the direction is reversed, the following technique also works.
With your right hand, not left, stick your thumb out and then curl your fingers. Point your thumb to the direction you want the cap/bolt to go, and the direction of your fingers is the rotation you apply.
Grade 11 physics class called, and they want their hack back :P
My usual way I remember is just counter-clockwise
That would be absolutely where I got it from!
Unless it is an LPG connection, in which case use your left hand.
Or a bicycle pedal on the left… right… le…. one of them.
Depending on the year it should be just a usual press down gently and rotate.
Is it the actual radiator cap or the expansion tank cap? A photo would help.
If its a metal cap, push down slightly and turn. If It's a plastic looking cap, just turn. If it's a rubber/plastic looking cap with hoses, just peel up.
And what are you trying to achieve? Checking the coolant level? You would be better suited looking up your owners manual on how to do this, as most modern cars it is done via the expansion/recovery tank. And you cant just go and add tap water or any coolant you can buy.
Metal cap, plastic radiator.
https://www.sterlingparts.com.au/products/radiator-for-suzuk…
I just had the radiator flushed and coolant changed by a mechanic and he suggested I check the level in the main tank when cold after a few days in case it dipped a bit.
Just being cautious, the radiator looks a bit flimsy.
So press down and turn counter clockwise. Which is what you did with the old school metal tanks.
Not familiar with the swift but can you not check the coolant levels on the overflow / reservoir high low markings?
in case it dipped a bit.
In case he didn't do his job properly and locked air in the system
FTFY
Don't "press down" with any force. It should not take much downward pressure to get it to turn. Just a "slight" downward pressure and turn counter-clockwise. Only do this when the engine is cold.
"IF" you need to fill it, you should use the same coolant as whatever the mechanic used or demineralised/distilled water.
You then also need to check your overflow/expansion tank and top that level up as required. That is the bottle where the overflow hose just below the radiator cap goes to. It will have two lines on it saying something "LOW" and "FULL". Fill it to the FULL line and no more. Do NOT over fill this bottle to the top.
When reinstalling the radiator cap, you put it on and just turn it clockwise until it stops (do not push down). It should have the ears of the cap lined up at about 90 degrees to where you put it back on.
Thanks! 👍
You shouldn't need to open the radiator to check coolant levels…
You check the recovery tank only.
If that's suitably filled then the radiator will be full.
If you remove it the system won't pressurise and the coolant will escape causing your engine to overheat. Best to leave it in place.
OP is probably going to put it back on after checking levels.
I'm eagerly awaiting the upcoming thread on how to do that.
How to Remove Radiator Cap?
Use your hands? but don't try opening it when it is still hot…
hammer
Should be press down and rotate counter-clockwise then lift up.
Ensure your engine is well and truly cold before removing the radiator cap.
Do i need to wait for winter and a cold morning for it to be well and truly cold or is summer evening after not driving for a week ok?
So many so close…so many so far. Good grief!
Under the bonnet, son!