bubbles in coolant reservoir???
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 739
How a Weak Radiator Cap Causes Overheating
A radiator cap's job is to seal the cooling system and maintain pressure, which significantly raises the boiling point of the coolant. A weak or damaged cap can't hold this pressure.
What to Do
A radiator cap's job is to seal the cooling system and maintain pressure, which significantly raises the boiling point of the coolant. A weak or damaged cap can't hold this pressure.
- Coolant Boils Prematurely:
- Without the proper pressure, the coolant in the engine can reach its boiling point sooner than it should, even at normal operating temperatures.
- Coolant Loss:
- As the coolant boils, it expands and can be forced out of the system through the overflow tank.
- Reduced Heat Transfer:
- When the coolant boils, it becomes less effective at absorbing and transferring heat from the engine.
- Overheating:
- The loss of coolant and the reduced efficiency of the remaining coolant lead to rising engine temperatures, causing overheating.
Symptoms of a Failing Radiator Cap- Overheating Engine: The most obvious sign, with the temperature gauge frequently reading high.
- Coolant Leaks: Puddles under the vehicle or a low coolant level can indicate a leaky cap.
- Overflowing Coolant Reservoir: Coolant spilling into the overflow tank due to a failing cap.
- Collapsed Hoses: A faulty cap might create a vacuum, causing radiator hoses to collapse or flatten.
- Steam from the Engine: Escaping steam or a sweet smell often signals coolant escaping the system due to a bad cap.
What to Do
- Inspect the Cap: Check the cap's seal for wear, damage, or corrosion.
- Replace the Cap: If it's old, worn, or shows signs of failure, replace it with a new cap that matches your vehicle's specifications. Replacing a radiator cap is a relatively inexpensive and often effective fix for overheating issues.
Last edited by NFS; Sep 18, 2025 at 06:32 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 300
I had the same problem with my CHEVY TAHOE-
* I saw tiny bubbles coming up in the radiator reservoir-It was a bad Head Gasket
I purchased= ACDELCO Cooling System Seal Tablets part # 10-108 on AMAZON
I crushed the tablets and put them in my radiator 4 years ago
-Problem solved-No more overheating problems, it's been 4 years
* I saw tiny bubbles coming up in the radiator reservoir-It was a bad Head Gasket
I purchased= ACDELCO Cooling System Seal Tablets part # 10-108 on AMAZON
I crushed the tablets and put them in my radiator 4 years ago
-Problem solved-No more overheating problems, it's been 4 years
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 739
I had the same problem with my CHEVY TAHOE-
* I saw tiny bubbles coming up in the radiator reservoir-It was a bad Head Gasket
I purchased= ACDELCO Cooling System Seal Tablets part # 10-108 on AMAZON
I crushed the tablets and put them in my radiator 4 years ago
-Problem solved-No more overheating problems, it's been 4 years
* I saw tiny bubbles coming up in the radiator reservoir-It was a bad Head Gasket
I purchased= ACDELCO Cooling System Seal Tablets part # 10-108 on AMAZON
I crushed the tablets and put them in my radiator 4 years ago
-Problem solved-No more overheating problems, it's been 4 years
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,090
From: Boat Town USA MI
A pin hole leak almost never/rarely hits the ground. It will not drip until the hole gets enlarged. Before that, it oozes very small amounts of coolant every time the system gets pressurized which blows back on hot engine/exhaust parts and burns off. Usually smells and attracts dirt and grime. If it is on the front side behind the Condenser, it would be hard to see.
However, you say no smell so likely not your issue.
Good luck.
However, you say no smell so likely not your issue.
Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 300
[QUOTE that’s awesome I’ll give it a try![ /QUOTE]
Make sure you crush the tablets up into a powder.
Drop the powder in the radiator.
Drive it for 30-45 minutes.
Let it cool down and set in overnight.
Drive it again the next day for 30 more minutes.
No more problems since.
*Read the reviews of these tablets on AMAZON
Hopefully it will work for you also.
Make sure you crush the tablets up into a powder.
Drop the powder in the radiator.
Drive it for 30-45 minutes.
Let it cool down and set in overnight.
Drive it again the next day for 30 more minutes.
No more problems since.
*Read the reviews of these tablets on AMAZON
Hopefully it will work for you also.
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 739
[QUOTE [b]that’s awesome I’ll give it a try![ /QUOTE]
Make sure you crush the tablets up into a powder.
Drop the powder in the radiator.
Drive it for 30-45 minutes.
Let it cool down and set in overnight.
Drive it again the next day for 30 more minutes.
No more problems since.
*Read the reviews of these tablets on AMAZON
Hopefully it will work for you also.
Make sure you crush the tablets up into a powder.
Drop the powder in the radiator.
Drive it for 30-45 minutes.
Let it cool down and set in overnight.
Drive it again the next day for 30 more minutes.
No more problems since.
*Read the reviews of these tablets on AMAZON
Hopefully it will work for you also.
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 739
A pin hole leak almost never/rarely hits the ground. It will not drip until the hole gets enlarged. Before that, it oozes very small amounts of coolant every time the system gets pressurized which blows back on hot engine/exhaust parts and burns off. Usually smells and attracts dirt and grime. If it is on the front side behind the Condenser, it would be hard to see.
However, you say no smell so likely not your issue.
Good luck.
However, you say no smell so likely not your issue.
Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 300
Read the reviews on these tablets, from people that have used them.