Radiator Leak at Cap (posting for a friend)

[DarkMeister]

See, I have this really, really stupid friend. He forced the cap off the rad. Either he didn't see the little screw, or it wouldn't turn. I even tried swapping caps, still have a leak. I think I screwd up he screwed up the lip on the rad. Anyone else have doh!-type imaginary friends and had this happen? Surely I'm not he's not the first?
Can this be bent back, or am I out a rad?

[Gator]

You Your friend should be able to repair that. The lip may have got twisted and bent when the cap was forced off. File the top (sealing) surface with a metal file to make it flat again. Also, you said that you he tried a second cap, but after you he file the top surface of the rad lip flat, try bending in the hold-down tabs on the cap a little to make the fit tighter. One or the other of these ideas should get a leak proof seal for you him.   

Reminds me of the mechanic who told the penguin "looks like you've blown a seal". The penguin immediately responded with "No, no, I was just eating ice cream" 

[Pete]

Before filing gently reshape the filler mouth using pressure with smooth jaw pliers and /or gentle taps with a small hammer. Get it as close to original shape as possible before filing.

I have had limited success doing this, so good luck, hope it works out.

[fordmano]

Before filing gently reshape the filler mouth using pressure with smooth jaw pliers and /or gentle taps with a small hammer. Get it as close to original shape as possible before filing.

I have had limited success doing this, so good luck, hope it works out.

Yep follow this method, I know first hand this will work if your VERY VERY careful.
In early 2006 a couple months after getting my FatLady I took her to the closest dealership because they were close and I still had a warranty from the original owner.
Anyway I had them swap all the fluids (they only did motor oil and filter change and also the coolant) keep in mind this was a 1999 with only 232 miles on it but almost 7 years of sitting. They cleaned the CARBS but apperently the "mechanic" did not know about the screw either so when I rode her home I was blowing coolant and when I called the dealer about it they said "I" would have to buy a new radiator since it was my fault because I did not find it wrong until I had left after a huge fight and no proof I gave up and just tapped it flat then filled it the rest of the way and now 20,000 miles later I still have NO leak.

Well that's my story, your experience may be different.