Can a bad radiator cap make your car run hot?
Yes. When the car is at normal operating temperature, the coolingsystem pressurizes. When the system pressure exceeds the rating onthe cap, the spring in the cap is pushed up slightly allowingcoolant to flow into the overflow reservoir. This acts as anexpansion chamber. When the car is shut off, the pressure fallscreating a vacuum that pulls the fluid in the reservoir back intothe radiator. If there is a clog in the overflow line or if therubber gasket on the cap isn't sealing, this fluid will escapeinstead of flowing into the tank where it can be recovered later.Also, if the cap is not sealing sufficiently, fluid will escapedirectly out of the cap. When these conditions occur, fluid islost, until the car will overheat when being operated. To correct,replace the cap (make sure to use the same pressure rating) andensure there are no splits, holes, or clogs in the overflow line.
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