If You Can't Find the Source of Your Overheating Issue Watch This Video

In this video I'll go over one of the most overlooked part of your cooling system, with symptoms similar to a bad head gasket, engine running too hot, combustion gas in the cooling system, Coolant leaks, Coolant hose bursting etc to top it off usually this is a very easy fix.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@markcontreras9341]

OMG, THANK YOU!!!!! I've replaced the entire cooling system on my vehicle and the overheating didn't stop until I replaced a $14 radiator cap! The reservoir was filling up and pushing out of the reservoir. Coolant wasn't flowing back in. You're video and knowledge saved my vehicle's life!!! Thank you so much!!! I owe you a beer!

[@ericregan2419]

I’m hoping it’s my cap before I replace the whole system I’m have the same problem as what you had but my coolant is also alittle dirty lol

[@ericregan2419]

It’s was my head gaskets y’all😂😂 there’s a new engine going in it as im typing tho

[@cutelf2006]

Same thing happened to me. Last week I replaced radiator, hose, thermostat, then timing belt and water pump, still no good. This morning I watched this, and cleaned out a piece of small dirt from inside the cap, it's no more boiling.

[@DefiantFreedom7480]

How much did you spend on the cooling system? Before you bought the cap?

[@stephennyangau5959]

Please make sure you buy this guy a beer if he's okay with that. How about a Johnny Walker?

[@dotsebismark1165]

Really interesting. I've spent $200 fixing cooling system problems. The problem was just radiator cap.. 10 stars for this video

[@lewisbeshers1946]

Nice. Been wrenching on my own stuff for some 40 years, and this is the first time I've seen a clearcut explanation. Thanks dude!

[@johnbeckham1483]

Thank you for providing this radiator/cooling system tutorial video as it was both very helpful and informative!

[@Brian-fo8sh]

Great video. I was chasing my overflow reservoir staying in the full hot mark for three days. No leaks, great heat and it had me baffled…until I replaced the radiator cap!! Problem resolved.

[@basics7930]

Very nice explanation...I got the answer to my question that I was searching for a month...Thanks, bro

[@sorel456]

You were So right. Thank You. this video saved me time and money. I fretted I was needing to replace my thermostat. Thank you

[@rbilardo47]

Cool video, a world of knowledge. Most of us never realized how important the radiator cap is, and how it works, very interesting. Thanks for this important information.

[@miltondearmon6718]

This is why I think I'm losing coolant hope this helps

[@alexmorgan3435]

You are a very good presenter/teacher. So many Americans SHOUT at their audience, but you don't. How about the thermostat - another valve that if becomes stuck will cause over heating or the engine won't warm up at all as the valve will be stuck closed/open?

[@KapiteinKrentebol]

Scotty Kilmer is just a little bit deaf.

[@stephennyangau5959]

@@KapiteinKrentebol I also thought about him too...hahaha

[@N.E.W.]

I am a woman and absolutely hate doing anything to my Honda van but this video is very informative and hopefully after buying a new cap today, I'll be good to go.

[@husseinlodhee2357]

Watching from France..I did not know about this cap..I always follow your videos and I have learn many things up to now..I am watching this video.Thanks Sir ...

[@delorescampbell2899]

This makes sense more than anything I've heard. I've tried everyrhing!!! I bought a new cup cut it is just a regular cap. Thank u so much

[@oscarncandi2013]

I enjoy watching your videos. You have a great skill and a lot of knowledge.

[@domjag8439]

Duuude!! You are awesome. I tried everything. Replaced thermostat and radiator, bleeder valve, ect, none of it worked. I should have started here this was the last thing I tried and wow it worked! A 20 dollar fix sheesh! I’m forever subscribed!

[@memosal611]

I'm currently doing extensive research because both my cooling fans are constantly on...not sure if the radiator cap will be something related but I wanted to thank you for teaching me something new! I'm doing this work myself out of curiosity and love to learn how things work and I never knew or thought that the cap is related to anything other than for cover and protection! Thank you!

[@bluesteel5841]

Thank you for your videos..easy to understand and follow. Thanks for helping us all..god bless

[@ruinunes8251]

Thank you very much for this video. Also for those with overheating temperatures, take the thermostat and put in a pot with boiling water. The valve in the thermostat should open at the temperature engraved in the thermostat. If doesn’t open at that temperature, replace it. I also do this test with a brand new thermostat before fitting it to make sure the valve opens at the temperature marked on the thermostat.

[@paulkomn946]

what you describe does not apply. Simply buy a new thermostat it's very cheep

[@DefiantFreedom7480]

How can I tell if my thermostat is not good when I take it out?

[@ruinunes8251]

@@DefiantFreedom7480 see what I wrote above

[@truthonly7777]

I bought a new thermostat and water pump. Still my thermostat doesn't work. I know its thermostat because i get no heat from my heater inside. What can i do? Thanks

[@dmc200755]

@@truthonly7777 Hi it sounds like a blocked heater matrix. Back flush it. Plenty of videos on yt.

[@komunamu]

Great video! I have to check the status of cap. My technician could not solve the over heating issue. Thank you so much!

[@jesseuribe8993]

Thank you for all your informative videos, as a do it yourselfer, I always learn something new. Keep it up Sir 👍

[@myRatchets]

Thanks for watching and your comment :)

[@mikestout9349]

Really interesting. Never thought about how important that radiator cap is. I’ll definitely remember this.

[@masonloh1411]

Great explanation > I my self would as a cheap preventive maintenance - just change it every 5- 7 years or 60 k - 75 k miles . I do that to Battery / belts etc & knock on wood had not have car trouble on the road for 30 years . might be too soon for most folks but Preventive is the key. You R & W = AAA+++ Thank you

[@pingpong9656]

I never knew that - learned something new today. Great info.

[@iamthefatstig]

Great advice. In the rover/ MG community, it's basic advice for K series engines.

[@Guillermo-yf7vi]

Thank you for teaching us how this works

[@delcorick9967]

Absolutely correct!! I learned this along time ago,, I had an 88 turbo coupe 5spd and i put a lever vent radiator cap on thinking it would be an upgrade but it gave me issues with the upper hose calapsing and ran much warmer,, put the old one back on and problem gone

[@stevensutcliffe533]

Had a ford 5.0 upper hose collapse on me but it wasn’t the cap it was the reservoir clogged at the exit hole to the small hose. Cleaned it out and no more problem.

[@firdausravindar977]

Very well explained. Thanks for uploading this valuable video on youtube. It has added to my knowledge things i had no idea of.😊😊😊

[@ChrisLee-fh4zz]

That is one of the best cooling system tips out of so much your our golden experience and this should be the must-try before taking a path to "Head Gasket "!!!!!!

[@kenc2386]

Good information. If you go to your neighborhood auto parts store, have them test the caps on the shelf before you buy one. Last time I did that, every single 13 lb cap failed at 6 or 7 psi.

[@joshhemingway7717]

Or, don't even take a chance ruining an expensive car/engine on aftermarket junk and get OE. My dad used to tell me, "pay now or pay later." Why risk ruining engine to save a few bucks.

[@frankyteufel11]

Very true. Had this very issue and it caused overheating. It was the cap/valve at the overflow container though. Another odd reason can be the overflow container itself. Same result… Should be mentioned that many modern cars with a closed cooling circuit don’t have a radiator cap anymore.

[@BigDaddyJinx]

Yeah I have a vehicle with no cap per se but just one on the overflow tank.

[@kevinhancock4064]

As in exp tank having a hole in it ?

[@hossafat]

Glad you're back with the videos. Any chance on an update on the avocado trees?

[@myRatchets]

Sure I'll do an update.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

That was some super useful info...thanks for posting. BTW how's the avacado(?) farming going?

[@davidsuresh-no3ur]

Its mysterious to know about the importance of cap....great video.

[@dgarreis]

Well I either forgot or never knew it had two valves thought it was only one valve but dont call me a dummy. Great info as usual.

[@SFORDS]

+ one

[@estlhm805]

Good information can go a long way.

[@JW52654]

That explains why my reservar boils over, thanks, I'm glad I came across your video.

[@paulocancio5870]

Thank you, never knew this before and this was very helpful. Thank you

[@tonyespinoza9680]

Hey thanks for the put me up in a game for the radio system never knew that that radiator cap was so important I just thought it was a cap to cap it off didn't know that that radiator cap with a pressure relief valve to thank you for the info definitely keep watching your

[@user-ld8ln1zu8o]

nailed it, I just ordered anew radiator valve, cheers

[@richlikeg3722]

Love the old preludes.

[@oneShota1]

Love it man simplify it a lot and broke down it down awesome you seem like a honest dude that knows what he's talking about. You got yourself a new sub and thank you for the knowledge!🔥🫡

[@javieracosta858]

You just save my life . I replaced water pump I replaced all fluid on my cooling system I replaced thermostat I was about to replace radiator I was going crazy I never thought it was the reservoir Cap only $8 dollar on o Reilly 🙏 mine is a F10 4.6 97’ and it was only overheating while Driving it wouldn’t last 15 min driving and now is ready to work again 🙏

[@billarroo1]

Great explanation, Thanks

[@edwardnimoth5744]

Very informative, thankyou ..you got it nailed.

[@alaautotonics4403]

Glad to see you again well done bro

[@myRatchets]

Much appreciated

[@johnsee7269]

Wow! Who knew? Older guy here; can't believe I never knew about this. Really good topic! Weight Watchers or Meals in the Mail? I watch my weight get a little more every meal; ole'.

[@djkramit]

Great info. Summer is here. 😤

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You Everybody for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.. Peace Shalom Salam Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤ 🕊

[@myplanet61112]

It's really helpful video 📹 to me. Very informative video

[@user-mx3po8df1d]

Dude mind blown, thank you for the video

[@dr.mohamedaboomar3031]

Thanks Very helpful video.

[@bookerforte]

You sir have a new subscriber. This is happening to my 2004 audi TT. I thought it was the thermostat or engine coolant temperature sensor

[@stpaulimdog]

This was a good video. A new cap can sure save you a lot of money.

[@hvacr24]

approaching 1m subs buddy!! congratulations

[@myRatchets]

Thanks! 😃

[@jamesquinnie7573]

Great Information!!👌👍

[@kevintucker8803]

I'm not a mechanic by any means but I've tinkered around for the last 35 years and I've never heard of this. Three years ago I replaced the thermostat and a few months ago I replaced the thermostat manifold and hoses connecting to it and each time that fixed the problem. Yesterday my Ford Explorer overheated and AC stopped working, I'm hoping this information you provided will solve this latest overheating issue. Thank you. I will update asap if this fixed the issue.

[@randyherringshaw6325]

Just about 2 weeks ago I had an issue with a different valve in the cooling system in my SUV (the thermostat). However, rather than the excessive pressure putting a hole in one of my radiator hoses, blowing a gasket or something else to aggravate the hell out of me, it just ruptured one of the plastic ends of my radiator!!!😑🤦🏼‍♂️ Being that I'm not willing to pay almost $500 for a new radiator and I didn't feel like wasting time attempting to find the right type of adhesive, I purchased a plastic welder and fixed the tank that day in less than an hour! So far I have not had any issues with my first attempt at plastic welding, which I am so far quite pleased with, however I have been welding metal for over 20 years and it seems to be somewhat similar to T.I.G. welding and Oxy-Acetylene welding/brasing (using filler rod).... I am certain it's not the prettiest plastic welding job that's ever been done by human hands, but so far it's definitely holding up really well!!!👍

[@ruinunes8251]

If it works for you, that is good enough.

[@myRatchets]

Nice, as long as it works it doesn't have to look the best :)

[@DGH12]

Great video ,thanks buddy

[@WilliamAtkins-sr9cj]

Great video!!!! Fixed my issue!!!

[@mrturner69]

the cap is the keystone of the coolant system, i always replace mine every 5 years and keep the old one as a spare

[@user-dc6in6cf4w]

Excellent information !

[@tasanijanus7092]

Quality content and. I love your hair. Thank. You.

[@elink786]

Very good information thank you ❤❤❤

[@JonnyDIY]

"Cool" 😄 you're right about the wrong cap, I see it all the time too 🤣🤦‍♂️

[@chamblen4]

after watching this video, i realize that in the past i've had two different vehicles that i couldn't figure out the problem with, but now realize it was probably just the cap. wish i woulda seen this 25 years ago, and then again 12 years later

[@shoaibkarim7966]

I also faced the radiator cap issue, better replace it on time or gasket may suffer. direct radiator fan may help in hot summer days.

[@sadboycali]

Yup I can co firm that. My pt cruiser was overheating and that was the issue 🫡

[@kevinhancock4064]

What was ? He's mentioned a few things lol

[@TheWanderingFinnegan]

Would be nice if the cooling system pressure testing video was linked in the description. 😢

[@willmcgregor7184]

Thanks Learned several things.

[@Master-yh6im]

Great video, do a video on different brand or rad cap and how effective they are, is Stant 10242 rad cap 16 psi one the best? How good are those cap that shows pressure needle dial indicator? Motorad T-37 rad cap? Race car driver rad cap, is it Mugden? I purchased a Honda dealer cap for my 2005 Civic, it turned out to be bad, not enough heat output and losing coolant. I had cupboard liner material so I cut it out and made a gasket to put it inside the Honda rad cap. Works good, not best yet? What are other great material to use as gasket?

[@nealbaker2132]

Thanks again O'l buddy

[@dennishassler605]

The cap, also, can get clogged, especially if you use a K-Seal or other stop leak product; you'll need to clean the cap or replace the clogged cap.

[@LovemoreNlitch-ws5ps]

Thank you so much for this

[@derrickj.2287]

I love your channel. I am having a over heating problem and I changed the thermostat and coolant sensor switch and it acts right for 5 minutes then go hot.

[@the_return024]

Check sensor for ohms

[@Muttaqi757]

I ran out of coolant the other day sorry filled it and then a few days later I ran out of cooling again. My car started overheating so I had to pull over and walk to the local auto supply shop. I grab some coolant and filled up the radiator and the coolant reservoir. The car is still overheated and I couldn't figure out why and that didn't seem to be a leak or a noticeable leak. I then watch this video and went back to the auto supply store and got the radiator cap. It worked! The cap I had on my car was the original cap from 2005 so it was long overdue to be replaced. I would say if you run out of coolant make sure you fill up the radiator and the coolant reservoir and then replace your radiator cap because that'll be the cheapest option before you start throwing money away. Peace ✌🏾

[@alexsquared1460]

It'll be good to know how the VW Group are solving this as their coolant reservoir cap looks different and does not have a pressure release mechanisms like the one you showed. For example your Audi in the background there - can you explain how this works on that platform?

[@harveysmith100]

Excellent video

[@jhonatanalvarez05]

Thank You Always!

[@R33GT-R]

Awesome video

[@bartoszkorbien5889]

Thank you for your video you saved me doing the head gasket . The lower valve in radiator cap was completely blocked 🙏

[@refurbansuburban]

Outstanding! Thanks a bunch

[@myRatchets]

Glad you liked it!

[@pjackson65]

Excellent video, thanks :)

[@myRatchets]

Glad it helped!

[@mb1636]

Nice vid..glad for it. When do you recommend to replace radiator cap whether it is good or not just for preventive ?

[@myRatchets]

You can replace it if it fails visual inspection or whenever you replace the water pump as a rule of thumb. Or you can pressure test it as I'll show in a future video.

[@cevansroxy]

Also check to make sure there's no leaks in your expansion tank hose that leads to your radiator. This will also cause overheating.

[@proxitocin]

hi. I wanna ask. My car’s radiator cap was busted and when I took a look at it, the thermostat was gone. I don’t know where it went and I’m afraid it might have detached to the cap and went inside the radiator hoses. Is that even possible? I replaced the radiator cap and my car still overheats. When I’m idling, it overheats and when I’m running, it goes back to normal. I came to see the fan and it runs so Idk what’s wrong with my car.

[@ambersmith8171]

​@@proxitocinyour thermostat would not be attached to your radiator cap however your thermostat will be very close to wherever that cap is. Usually a thermostat is inside of a housing that is connected to the hose so it's probably unlikely that it dislodged and is in your hose. Now we check your radiator fluid, your engine oil level, check to make sure that your car heater is blowing out hot air when your idling if it will not blow out hot air then you are likely suffering a thermostat issue that is stuck. You would need to replace your thermostat then. I don't have much get advice cuz I'm going through the same thing I have replaced my temperature control sensor my thermostat my fans are working, I've also replace the fan relay completed a coolant flush with all brand new coolant, I recently replaced the radiator cap probably about 1 years ago. After I replace a thermostat the car stopped overheating and then two days later started overheating again. I think next I'm going to change the cap again and check the water pump. My issue happened out of the blue I was idling finishing my conversation before I continue to drive, my car then shut off my temperature gauge wasn't registering so I turned it off and turned it back on and then it went straight to the the H; it was really hot so I looked up and noticed that there was smoke coming out of my hood. And now the cycle of hell will begin. 😢

[@JW52654]

​@@ambersmith8171 Bummer!

[@WaynesAdventure]

Awesome 👍

[@achillesiq491]

Great info, thank you.

[@myRatchets]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mauroaparicio1855]

great information

[@TheMAC0876]

If you have a honda or Acura, Also check you IAT(Intake Air Charge Temperature Sensor) switch! Especially if you have checked all those other things and your fan does not come on on time unless the engine is going past half on the temperature gauge! It is located on the intake manifold. I have a 94 Acura vigor

[@AVelev-yv8le]

Missed your content

[@betavirus11]

yeah make sure when you pick up a radiator cap for a toyota or honda make sure you get the one with two gaskets not the single looking one. part number will be - 7737 and not 7037

[@TheSubwayHobo]

Ok so on the cap issue, if my radiator cap has one of the seals no longer fixed to the cap and falls off, im assuming this would cause the boiling issue you mentioned? Thank you for your video! I never even thought of a cap like a regulator but it makes total sense now!

[@efrensaclolo7021]

My Honda upper radiator hose is always collapsing in the morning but that is not making my car overheat so I just ignored it,but you gave me an idea to replace my rad cap which is $10 fix,I will let you know if that is the cure, Thank you.

[@kasualskeptik2584]

I never knew that.... Thanks...

[@hassanalzubi5880]

do you know what to do if achmet added sugar to the oil and engine started glow and jam ?

[@darrellroeters4951]

The solenoid for the fan was my issue.

[@antoniojenkins3177]

Great info

[@MindsDozer]

hope we'll be seeing you more often again.

[@myRatchets]

For sure :)

[@andyrey65]

Quick question Bro. When I start my [1998 Honda Accord 2.3 4 Cyl ] when cold, without radiator cap it blows water out like a quick throw up ,.Note: car over heats...What could be the issue. ?

[@JusticeAlways]

I bought a Dodge car...4cyl engine..from a lady who meticulously kept it maintained...car looked showroom new. She had the timing belt change done at recommend interval...the car started to run hot...the shop replaced waterpump..still run hot...they changed radiator...still run hot. After many attempts to resolve the issue she decided to sell car. I let my wife use the car...at one point it overheated so badly the cylinder head warped. I went to get new cylinder head at a Dodge dealership. While there...a mechanic told me the timing belt might been improperly installed. Sure enough...I found the belt timing was off by one notch! Corrected it...with new head installed...the car ran great! 👍

[@MohamedSaad-nd6wg]

Thank you

[@playstation2bigs]

VHS quality loved it