Radiator cap?

Some radiators don't have a radiator cap this is one of them here is diagrams that show the system and the radiator cap which is on the coolant reservoir. If the stop leak need to be added to the radiator you will need to remove the upper hose pour it in that reinstall the hose and refill the system.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Cheers

Where is it? Do you have to remove the cover panels over the radiator to access?

Sorry for the late reply.

You may not have a radiator cap, in that case, if coolant is low add coolant to the radiator surge tank. Check coolant level with everything cold. Don't remove the surge tank cap on a hot engine. The surge tank is under the hood on the passenger side of engine compartment.

I realize this is an old post, in the future, hope you don't have any vehicle issues, but, if you do, keep the site in mind, they are always working to improve the site and it's free to ask a question.

Have a good day.

My car overheated, we replaced the coolant censor because the fans werent coming on, that lastest a week and it started to overheat again, so we replaced the thermostat. still overheated. My husband seems to think there is a clog because the coolant comes out of the resovior tank.. ad when he checks the coolant there is absolutely no coolant in it. I want to replace the water pump next, but he apparently ruled the water pump out I do not know why though. I also want to do the radiator flush, but i can not find the radiator cap. I looked online and was told there is none, and when you fill the radiator to do it thru the coolant tank. Can i flush it through that also?

what motor is it? several gm motors have intake gasket problems and loose coolant that way. any overheating happening or no heat from heater?

its a v6 3.1 L

Does the coolant surge tank look like it has sluge inside? if so you probally have intake gaskets going out. Also look at your hoses and see if they look like they are sweating. That would mean you have oil in cooling system.

How would I know if I need a new radiator cap?

They can be tested for the proper release pressure.

i have a haynes manual that tells me about a radiator plug wich i cannot find this has no radiator cap only a reservoir tank i wanna flush the coolant to replace the dexcool before it eats a few things !the hoses are both mid way of the radiator no upper as the older models do i need to remove the hoses and radiator to flush this puppy good ? thanks denis

I think you are correct and the car doesnt have a drain cock/plug. You will have to remove one of the radiator hoses to do a thorough flush. I would recommend getting a chemical that you add to the coolant prior to flushing. You add the chemical then drive it and the chemical is cleaning while you are driving. Then you drain out the cleaner while flushing.

[quote:181ac20854="garcon98"]Engine Cooling problem
2004 Chevy Malibu 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 42,000 miles
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i have a haynes manual that tells me about a radiator plug wich i cannot find this has no radiator cap only a reservoir tank i wanna flush the coolant to replace the dexcool before it eats a few things !the hoses are both mid way of the radiator no upper as the older models do i need to remove the hoses and radiator to flush this puppy good ? thanks denis[/quote:181ac20854]

Hi Denis,

What is the reason for the Flush? You only have 42k on it and the life of dexcool is 100k....

Also before use a chemical flush check a and see if you have Aluminum Heads if you do, I wouldn't use a chemical flush. The flow of the coolant between the aluminum head and a cast block will create and eletrical current and cause engine problems.

One other thing if you do use a chemical flush make sure you read the container, If I am not mistaken you do not drive the vehicle while doing the chemical flush.

I'm sorry I totally missed the mileage of the car. Having said that, 100K anitfreeze has a bad habit of getting gunky. If its the original antifreeze in the car, it is now working on 5 years old, so yes I would say a flush is in order due to time, not miles. Heater cores have very small tubes that plug up with the gunk.

There are cleaners that wont harm engines regardless of what they are made of. We constantly use BG products on all engines that come in the shop and have never yet (knock on wood), to my knowlege, had an engine repair due to any of the chemicals involved with a power flush. I'm not plugging BG products, but that is one that I am aware of that is safe.

EDIT: The previous poster is correct in that the instructions say to not drive the vehicle with the cleaner in it. In my personal car, I drive with the cleaner in for a couple hours to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Hey Jetsa,

You've got a point on the dexcool, even though I haven't seen any that has gunked.

Also haven't heard of the product you mentioned would you email or pm me more info or website to check it out.

Thanks

Mark