Radiator cap venting fluid? (1 Viewer)

[scottm]

44k on a 2021, starting to do my own oil changes and noticed crusty white residue that looks like radiator fluid venting. Doesn't seem normal, overflow should go out through the reservoir. This is in Michigan, mostly run on the highway, no high temps.

The reservoir is full. It is possible fluid was added at the dealership and they spilled a bit, but who would add at the radiator cap instead of the reservoir?

 

[TimCFJ40]

Looks like either someone splashed some on there filling, or someone cracked the cap lose hot and a bit sprayed out. Personally, I'd clean it up and keep an eye on it every so often. If it re-appears replace the cap with a new one, clean it up, and keep an eye on it. There shouldn't be much going on in that area other than a leaky cap or spillage...

 

[bloc]

Cap is easy to inspect. Check to see whether the gasket is still flat or has a significant groove in it from the raised lip on the mating surface of the radiator. Check for cracks in the gasket, broken spring, etc.

I agree it is most likely spilled fluid. As for who would fill it there.. we should have a talk about the skill level of the average dealer tech. This is why we have to lock our glove boxes to avoid costly AC system repairs.

Edit: on mobile, didn’t see sig with 2021 MY. Your cap is fine, dealer definitely spilled.

 

[OregonLC]

but who would add at the radiator cap instead of the reservoir?

I routinely pull the radiator cap to check. The reservoir is only a secondary reference that implies a functioning system. Now with your 2021 that's a reasonable assumption but as vehicles age I'd rather take a look-see to determine that there truly is pink all the way up to the neck. If the line to the tank isn't sealed there wouldn't be vacuum to siphon. But then, I have trust issues.

If it were warm, it's entirely possible that fluid burped out. That a tech wouldn't take the time to clean this is de rigueur with dealers these days. I've been using the dealer for oil changes on the Ram and I have to ask the service writer every time to make sure they wipe off the cross member otherwise I get drips on my driveway. Should I have to ask for that on a $100 oil change for an $80k vehicle? No, but we live in a world where everyone got participation trophies...

 

[scottm]

Thanks. It does make sense a tech would get a burp of fluid if he opened that cap during an oil change. The fluid would still be warm and slightly pressurized. I'll give it a wash and keep an eye on it. New-ish truck to me, just making sure this wasn't a common issue. Plastic radiator, if I run this truck to 350k I'll likely be looking for a new one at some point, hopefully we'll all still be here discussing it.

 

[thammer62]

2001 w 44k mi =

 

[OregonLC]

FWIW, that's the same cap that I just received on a new Japan radiator for the 100. Didn't realize that the new rad came with a cap so I had ordered one from Kurt. The version he sent feels more substantial and has a different decal. Have not heard of any failures of the style in the pic.

 

[scottm]

2001 w 44k mi =

Ooops, I meant 2021 with 44k, corrected. I do have a 2003 sitting in Idaho that needs love, 260k on it.