What part is under the radiator cap?
Asked by Michelle Oct 24, 2018 at 08:21 PM about the 2000 Dodge Caravan SE FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
So my car is "overheating" The fans come on a few times. After they stop
coming on eventually steam comes from under my cap and coolant sprays
from right under whatever that is. I can't figure the part or how to change it.
Do I need to replace the whole radiator? I do know whatever is under that
there's a small gap and I'm pretty sure there should not be. Posted a picture.
Where the light is on it sprays from the side.
3 Answers
Hornet_2497 answered 5 years ago
Any coolant passing the radiator cap should be directed into the overflow bottle through a black rubber hose. If it's spraying all over the place, it might just be the rubber flap on the cap is torn. Check it out and caps are only like $5. Also, a cap that is not maintaining proper pressure (18 psi ?) will allow coolant to boil at to low a temperature making it look like it's overheating when it is really isn't. Make sure you have 50/50 mix which will test for a freezing point of -40 degree F. Beyond that, suspect the thermostat being bad if fans come on okay.
I can't make anything out in the photo, but typically under the radiator cap should be a tube that runs over to the overflow bottle, then the radiator itself. Make sure that tube is connected and not leaking. If it's cracked radiator won't be able to pull in coolant from the overflow bottle and can allow engine to overheat. If you don't think this is the overflow tube then try posting another pic.
Pretty sure it was the thermostat. Took it off and fiddled with it and the fans have come on 4 times now and it hasn't "overheated" Was told that they can go bad pretty easily.
