What to do about coolant crud on overflow cap?

[IdahoDoug]

For many years, I've gotten a constant minor accumulation of dried crusty coolant coming out of the edges of my coolant overflow cap and accumulating atop the overflow tank. With the switch back to Toyota Red this spring, there seems to be a much larger accumulation I'll attribute to the coolant's properties when dried as opposed to there being more coolant coming out. In other words, it's bugging me more because of the color (bright pink) versus a problem increasing.

Thinking I had the key, I replaced the radiator cap with a new one from Cdan as I assumed the original was just letting a bit past its seal/spring at 140k. No dice. Still getting it. Is this something you guys are also getting? Perhaps the overflow cap has hardened with age and isn't sealing? It never gets pressurized or full, so I am thinking it just somehow flows across the underside of the cap?

DougM

 

[turbocruiser]

Hi Doug, I had the same thing. Purchased a replacement overflow tank cap from CDAN and all is well now. HTH. P.S. When you purchase the cap, you also get all the factory hoses and factory clamps! Pretty cool. At the same time I also purchased a replacement cap for the windshield washer fluid as it was doing the same thing. HTH

 

[IdahoDoug]

Thanks. sounds like a winner.

 

[scottm]

No crud on mine, could your vent line be blocked? I don't see how fluid could come out around the edges of the cap unless it's pressurizing getting shaken a lot. My overflow bottle is currently modified with a gradually worsening leak where it fell against a pulley and was patched. Gotta get that replaced soon.

 

[Beowulf]

Doug,
Both washer and rad overflow do the same thing on mine with 140k miles. Scott may have something on the vent line. My cap seems OK and seals nice and tight.

-B-