Bad Radiator Cap?

[KW]

When my bike warms up, steams starts escaping from under cap/ Bad Cap maybe? Dumb question, but I never heard of the radiator cap going bad..... (Plenty of fluid, fan works)

[Jess from VA]

It could be a bad cap, but what I have read of is the rather thin lips of the radiator neck getting tweaked.

On a cold bike, pull the cap and eyeball the neck, and gently-carefully tweak-bend anything crooked back to straight (I would think needle-nose would be a good tool) .  Eyeball the cap gasket too.  There may be a bit more corrosion at the leak point (or not).

[Chrisj CMA]

have you recently removed the radiator cap?  If so did you remove the set screw before yanking on the cap.  Many have messed up the neck in this way.....well, maybe not "many", but it has happened before

[KW]

Thanks guys..... No, the cap hasn't been off (until today.) This is the 1st day out. I did do my normal aggressive cleaning before putting her up. Maybe something got bent during the polishing? I already checked the tab under the cap, but didn't think to check the tab on the radiator itself which holds it in place. Thanks again. (No local shop has a cap in stock.... so I hope this is it!)

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Thanks guys..... No, the cap hasn't been off (until today.) This is the 1st day out. I did do my normal aggressive cleaning before putting her up. Maybe something got bent during the polishing? I already checked the tab under the cap, but didn't think to check the tab on the radiator itself which holds it in place. Thanks again. (No local shop has a cap in stock.... so I hope this is it!)

I have a spare if you should need it. Could have it to you in a couple days by priority mail. 

[pocobubba]

I haven't heard of any bad caps on Valk radiators but I sure spent a lot of money on a 6 cyl ford ranger pick up because of a bad cap .

[Jess from VA]

I also seem to remember a number of guys caps were fine until covered with the Show Chrome cap cover, at which point it leaked.  But if this was it, it should have happened long ago.



My Cobra's never caused a leak.

[KW]

Well....... the tabs did seem a little bent out. Corrected. Still something going on. The spring inside the cap is VERY tight. I don't remember it being so tight. I'm pretty sure she needs a new cap. I've been searching on line and can't find one..... I found two used caps on e-bay. but nothing new. Crazy! There's got to be someone selling them, yes? The hose is still good. I blew air through it to make sure there wasn't a kink. . Oh, yes, it does have a chrome cover.... don't recall the name-brand, but it's been on since..... 2001. Man, I'm gong to upgrade my search efforts for a parts bike this summer to "buy as soon as you can!"  Wow!  

[KW]

KY Dave, thanks for the offer...... I may take you up on it! 

[sandy]

Go to the generic parts page in Shop Talk. I seem to recall a Honda Civic (?year) uses the same cap. I've repaired mine. Bend the cap tabs so it fits a bit tighter. Use High Vacuum silicone grease on the gasket. I also sanded the radiator opening smooth. Put a cloth in the radiator. Use a FLAT block with 1000 grit paper wrapped around it. Lightly sand the radiator sealing surface till it shines all the way around. Carefully pull out the cloth taking care to bring the dust up with it.

[Bighead]

I would think a shadow or magna cap would be the same. Not sure but just guessin.

[pancho]

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1998/GL1500C+AC/RADIATOR/parts.html

[The emperor has no clothes]

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1998/GL1500C+AC/RADIATOR/parts.html

Damn  $24 for a radiator cap ?

[Jess from VA]

Couple bucks cheaper.  ('99)
http://www.procaliber.com/oemparts/a/hon/506cb632f870023420a41795/radiator

CAP, RADIATOR ('98) (all same)
19045-MY3-671 19045-MY3-621  $21.70

Found thermostat alternatives, but not radiator caps.  http://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

I don't know, but think the problem with the chrome covers was the set screw pushing the cap (or neck) out of round.  If reusing, move set screw to a new location.

I like Sandy's repair, but if you need a new cap, get one.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

KY Dave, thanks for the offer...... I may take you up on it! 

Have 1 that looks good and came in a box of spare parts bought. PM me your address and it's on its way 

[KW]

KY Dave, sent you a PM....... Check your mail 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

KY Dave, sent you a PM....... Check your mail 

Tracking number in your messages. Should have it Sat. Hope it works for you 

[KW]

Thanks again Dave