slowd16z6

My radiator in my 95 civic recently developed a hairline fracture in the top portion of the radiator, so I put in a new one. I have one question though... I have taken the cap off the radiator while its supposedly still "Hot" and the pressure spits fluid out everywhere, but the fluid never seems to be warmer then 70 degrees f. Shouldn't the fluid be much warmer then this when the car reads its running at normal running temp? Also how do you know if you need a new radiator cap? Is there a cheap website to get a decent one from?

1 point 6

Yeah if your running at normal temp, and you take the cap off it should be pretty damn hot.

If you need a new cap you can look on the inside of the cap, there is a rubber seal and a spring, if the rubber seal is gone, chipped, rotted, get a new one.
As far as caps go, I always recomend you look and see what kind of radiator you have. OEM honda ones only use 2 brands, when you go to the dealer they will ask you what kind you have. For a cheap-o one just roll down to pep-boys.

slowd16z6

Any ideas why the coolant isn't that warm?

1 point 6

Well if you are running at normal temp for a long period of time it couldnt be that your thermo isnt opening up. Maybe you got a REALLY good radiator.