Radiator Cap restoration 1933

[FrankWest]

I didn't think I would ever get the radiator Cap Apart...But.....
Eureka!!! After applying blow torch for a long time but the screw did not become red, and then freezing radiator cap overnight was able to get the screw out! It was wonderful! At my age it is the most fun I can have! well almost! I grabbed onto the large screw with locking pliers and held the radiator cap in left hand and hit the pliers to unscrew the large screw.
Fantastic. I wanted to post this to help someone else that may have the same problem..

Now, I just have to find someone that sells the paper gasket. That heavy plastic gasket is NO GOOD.

I wanted to post this to help someone else that may have the same problem..

[deuce lover]

I believe It should have a fiber gasket with a brass(or maybe originals were steel) backing that provides the pressure to make the seal on the radiator neck.

[Terry,OH]

Nice of Deuce lover to offer! There is also a rebuilding kit with all the necessary pieces.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by Terry,OH

Nice of Deuce lover to offer! There is also a rebuilding kit with all the necessary pieces.

Thanks but those kits do not have the proper paper washer as original. Instead they have a very thick fiber washer that does not allow the cap to fit and seal properly.

[Terry,OH]

The top of the filler neck is sometimes bent out of shape preventing a seal by any gasket. suggest you place a flat piece of steel over the top of the neck and look for distortion.

[FrankWest]

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Thanks Terry for taking the time to help me.
Before I was able to get my original Radiator cap apart, I bought a Bob Drake cap...Very nicely made..Is almost identical to original..The Drake cap has this paper gasket that seals beautifully on my radiator filler neck. Nice and firm but not so tight that you feel something is straining. I just wanted to get my original cap restored. The paper gasket looks almost like old fashion construction paper that I used in Kindergarten, except seems to be semi gloss, not flat like old fashioned construction paper.

[DavidG]

In the past, the paper gasket in the Drake kit worked fine when used in concert with the rest of the parts in his kit on an original cap.

The gasket will last a lot longer and the cap will go on easier if you load the gasket up with spray-on liquid silicone before assembling the parts to the cap casting.

[bluardun]

I found a valuable information here on the Barn. Put a thin coat of light grease on the radiator outlet before installing the cap. This makes it slide on easy and helps seal. Really works!

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by bluardun

I found a valuable information here on the Barn. Put a thin coat of light grease on the radiator outlet before installing the cap. This makes it slide on easy and helps seal. Really works!

sounds like a good tip. Does your radiator cap have a paper gasket inside?

[DavidG]

Don't use any grease anywhere near the opening for the cap. Unless the grease has a low melting point, you run the risk that it will clog the tubes in the radiator. Use silicone, not grease.

[bluardun]

I mentioned "light" grease, and a thin coat on the outlet. David is correct, grease will clog the radiator. However the small amount applied to just the surface of the outlet where the cap seals can't get into the water tank. Silicone, as David suggest would probably have the same or better results. Before using the grease to help the gasket seal, water would always leak onto the hood, and soil the paint. I don't have that problem any more. I have only had to put one thin coat on the outlet about 6 months ago, so far so good. But, I will keep an eye on it ;don't want to damage the radiator.
Yes I have a red stiff paper gasket. The kind Drake and Vintique sell.
By the way, this cap is on my '33 Standard Four Door Sedan. All original. Fun and interesting hobby.