Radiator Cap - Is This Normal?

[jamesbeat]

I've been having a hell of a time with my 2003 Liberty 3.7l lately.

In the last two weeks, I've replaced the belt tensioner, power steering pump, spark plugs, and I need a new fan.

Today I got a CEL for a misfire. I've replaced all the coil packs hoping that it will cure the problem.

While I was replacing the coil packs, I noticed that my coolant bottle was almost empty
I got the coolant from the dealership, and I'm just about to top it up, when I noticed that the cap looks odd.

Now, I know that there are various pressure release valves involved bu I'm not sure how they work. For all I know this could be quite normal.

Is the rubber gasket supposed to look like thiis, or do I have a big chunk of rubber missing?

 

[Yoboloko]

I've been having a hell of a time with my 2003 Liberty 3.7l lately.

In the last two weeks, I've replaced the belt tensioner, power steering pump, spark plugs, and I need a new fan.

Today I got a CEL for a misfire. I've replaced all the coil packs hoping that it will cure the problem.

While I was replacing the coil packs, I noticed that my coolant bottle was almost empty
I got the coolant from the dealership, and I'm just about to top it up, when I noticed that the cap looks odd.

Now, I know that there are various pressure release valves involved bu I'm not sure how they work. For all I know this could be quite normal.

Is the rubber gasket supposed to look like thiis, or do I have a big chunk of rubber missing?

Same here on my 03' Liberty. In the past 24 months I had to change a number of things. Serpentine belt, Radiator, fan, Alternator, battery, drive shaft, etc. My radiotator kept leaking anti-freeze, was always empty after 2-3 days.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I think that's fawked up. I'll double check mine once it's cooled down but I think I would remember if it looked like that.

 

[ltd02]

You are missing a chunk.

 

[ltd02]

Same here on my 03' Liberty. In the past 24 months I had to change a number of things. Serpentine belt, Radiator, fan, Alternator, battery, drive shaft, etc. My radiotator kept leaking anti-freeze, was always empty after 2-3 days.

Gotta find where it's going ASAP. You don't want to overheat these things or bad things will happen. Any puddles or milky appearance to the oil?

Sometimes it can take a while to get all the air out of these systems. How many times was it "empty after 2-3 days"?

 

[jamesbeat]

Thanks, new cap on order.

Would that explain my coolant loss, or do I have a blown head gasket?
I wouldn't be surprised considering the luck I've been having lately.

 

[Yoboloko]

Gotta find where it's going ASAP. You don't want to overheat these things or bad things will happen. Any puddles or milky appearance to the oil?

Sometimes it can take a while to get all the air out of these systems. How many times was it "empty after 2-3 days"?

Maybe a week or two, but it's ok now, since I changed the radiator. Nothing overheated thankfully. There were minor puddles on the driveway.

 

[ltd02]

Thanks, new cap on order.

Would that explain my coolant loss, or do I have a blown head gasket?
I wouldn't be surprised considering the luck I've been having lately.

Yes whenever the pressure tries to build it will boil off or may run into the overflow chamber. I'd just keep an eye on it after you replace the cap to ensure coolant loss doesn't continue.

 

[ltd02]

Maybe a week or two, but it's ok now, since I changed the radiator. Nothing overheated thankfully. There were minor puddles on the driveway.

I'd just keep it topped up and try to find the source of the minor puddles. It may lose a bunch while you are driving and you only see "minor puddles" when you park. How's the water pump??

 

[uss2defiant]

get a loaner tool from your LAPS and pressure test the system at 15psi.
leaks will present themselves if any.

 

[LibertyTC]

Sorry I'm late to the party..Sounds like you already got good help!
For reference, Here is a pic of my cap.
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You must be registered for see images attach

Your new one wont have a chunk Missing! :gr_grin:

 

[Yoboloko]

I'd just keep it topped up and try to find the source of the minor puddles. It may lose a bunch while you are driving and you only see "minor puddles" when you park. How's the water pump??

I haven't checked the pump, should I ask my mechanic?

Right now, with the new radiator, the reservoir has been topped up for 2 weeks. I check the reservoir every 2-3 days, and it's still topped up. There's still puddles, but the mechanic says it because of the overflow, does this make sense?

 

[jamesbeat]

Sorry I'm late to the party..Sounds like you already got good help!
For reference, Here is a pic of my cap.
58659[/ATTACH]"]

You must be registered for see images attach

Your new one wont have a chunk Missing! :gr_grin:

Yup, mine is definitely bad. There are a few cracks around the other seal too, so definitely time for a new one.
I'll be watching my coolant level like a hawk until Wednesday, which is when the replacement comes.

 

[ltd02]

I haven't checked the pump, should I ask my mechanic?

Right now, with the new radiator, the reservoir has been topped up for 2 weeks. I check the reservoir every 2-3 days, and it's still topped up. There's still puddles, but the mechanic says it because of the overflow, does this make sense?

Sounds like overflow or spillage is possible but shouldn't have puddles for long. Are the puddles near the reservoir area (back passenger side) or front? I'd somehow check to make sure the water pump isn't leaking at the weep hole near the pulley shaft. When the seals start to go around the shaft the first thing that usually happens is that the coolant starts to work it's way out along the shaft and will drip out of a weep hole on the housing at the bottom where the pulley shaft comes out. Once this coolant gets to the bearings in the shaft the pump will fail. Tough to see from the front or top due to the pulley. Sort of need to look from beneath.

I actually had one weep for almost a year before the bearings started howling and chattering.

 

[dude1116]

Yeah you won't get any pressure in the tank with a bad cap. You'll notice a difference if you try to pull the cap off when the coolant is hot. You'll actually release a vacuum. Did you get the correct pressure for your new cap? The number escapes me right now, unfortunately.

 

[jamesbeat]

Correct pressure?
Uh oh, I didn't know there were different ones - I just ordered a cap for a 2003 Liberty with a 3.7l engine.
How do I know if I got the right one?

 

[dude1116]

Correct pressure?
Uh oh, I didn't know there were different ones - I just ordered a cap for a 2003 Liberty with a 3.7l engine.
How do I know if I got the right one?

Usually a cap is rated for pressure.

Looks like ours is 16 PSI. Higher pressure could blow lines.

 

[tjkj2002]

Correct pressure?
Uh oh, I didn't know there were different ones - I just ordered a cap for a 2003 Liberty with a 3.7l engine.
How do I know if I got the right one?

16-18psi.


Why not just get one at a local autoparts store? No shipping,get it the same day, and no worry of overheating due to a bad cap.They are cheap enough and so common(can get the correct one at wallmart for christ sake) I carry a spare in both my vehicles.

 

[tommudd]

16-18psi.


Why not just get one at a local autoparts store? No shipping,get it the same day, and no worry of overheating due to a bad cap.They are cheap enough and so common(can get the correct one at wallmart for christ sake) I carry a spare in both my vehicles.

LOL I though I was the only one who carried spare radiator caps. Should of known you did as well . When cleaning out my underseat storage area on the 04 , came across 2 new ones !

 

[Dave]

Correct pressure?
Uh oh, I didn't know there were different ones - I just ordered a cap for a 2003 Liberty with a 3.7l engine.
How do I know if I got the right one?

That should say on the cap what the pressure is. I would have gone to NAPA or the dealer and got one immediately and put it on. I won't wait for stuff like that to come in the mail. I want it replaced immediately with missing chunks of gasket. Just me being impatient.


Dave