really stupid question, sorry..... (1 Viewer)

[calion]

The water/coolant level looks like it needs topping up a bit in my new to me van. Its a vw T4 and the plastic header tank thing is globular with a black cap or bung. I cant shift this cap either by twisting or pulling upwards. Is it supposed to be topped up from somewhere else? Is the cap meant to come off, can't see any other way to top up. Sorry, said it was a stupid question, but any tips greatly appreciated!

 

[pappajohn]

Dont know your van but if its like in the pic it does turn.
roughty toughty mechanic has probably overtighteed it.

 

[scotjimland]

The header tank may be low when cold.. check again when the engine is at full working temperature..

if still low , when systems cold again top up with coolant, then keep an eye on it over a few days..

.. it shouldn't lose water unless there is a hose leak or head gasket gone

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[calion]

Thank you both. Yes the cap does look like that one Papajohn, but won't budge grrr. The level appears to be below minimum, so I think it needs a little. Will note what you say about shouldn't lose water and will monitor after top up IF I can ever remove cap!!

 

[grumps147]

We have a vW estate, not van, and our header tank is round with markings about half way up at its widest point, so it may not need topping up right to the top. You will find when you do remove the cap that pressure release will affect the level. Due to arthritis I now find myself using devices to help loosen things, sometimes something as simple as a cloth gives me a better grip, others it has to be a tool like those slackening off oil filters use where you tie a band on a handle around the lid and use the handle as extra leverage. It will be a twist fasten.

 

[Barclaybasher]

...stupid answer....you are trying to turn it the right way....aren't you

lefty loosey, righty tighty........looking from the top

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[pappajohn]

When you get the cap off only fill to the COLD mark(with a cold engine)....filling higher will only expel the excess water when it gets up to running temp.

 

[Cal54]

Have had problems with similar cap in the past. I used a rubber mallet to help it on its way - but do it gently!!!!

 

[pappajohn]

I think the problem with the cap is its plastic.
it will contract and expand with the heat and will self tighten.
my plastic oil filter housing cap was the same...i had to buy the proper removal tool or risk destroying the cap and possibly the housing.

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[wingman]

How about a hair drier just on the cap itself? May expand it a 'nats'? Enough to make it budge when you give it a few extra 'Isaccs' with some tool or clothed grip.

 

[thehutchies]

Our T4 is just the same.
I put the cap on just finger tight and the next time I need to remove it, it takes a hammer and chisel.

Don't be gentle with it!

 

[cruiser]

some one beat me to it a hairdryer.

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[pappajohn]

Heating the cap will expand it even further and make it tighter.
the cap needs cooling to contract it....but it still wont contract enough, it needs brute force.

 

[scotjimland]

Maybe a drop of Vaseline or Silicone grease on the male thread before replacing ?

good idea - bad ?

 

[pappajohn]

No harm in trying Jim.

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[Eddystone]

I agree with pappajohn regarding heating the cap. It is an internal thread and will expand.

What ever you do --- Do NOT try to remove it when hot. The pressure release may allow the coolant to boil and spray you.

 

[Puddleduck]

I'm trying to work out why this was a stupid question.

We've all had things that we think should come off but don't, well at least not easily, and been frightened of breaking something.

I thought it a great question

 

[MJG1959]

It's a question of leverage I would of thought.

Can you get some mole grips on it? To exert some?

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[calion]

...stupid answer....you are trying to turn it the right way....aren't you

lefty loosey, righty tighty........looking from the top

Yes, I was turning the right way, or trying to anyway

 

[Puddleduck]

Sounds daft but sometimes if you turn the wrong way just a smidge you can then turn the correct way. I've been known to use two hands on jammed caps, and also a percussion adjustment device in extreme circumstances.

 

[calion]

Thanks everybody, no luck with it this afternoon, will try again tomorrow. Might have to resort to brute force in the end.

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[Puddleduck]

Perhaps a little heat would be worth a try - I know it is an internal thread and will expand etc etc BUT a bit of heat might just budge something that was sticking. Either heat or a bag of frozen peas over it

 

[pappajohn]

As a last resort this MAY help if you can use a saw and there is access around the cap.

Take a short (1ft) length of 2 x 2 timber.
cut a half inch slot ACROSS one face (2 cuts and chisel out between) a couple of inches from the end and deep enough to fit over the handle of the cap...maybe half an inch deep.

That should give you the extra leverage needed.
if that breaks you're going to need pipe pliers or similar.

 

[calion]

I see where you're coming from but don't know if I would trust myself with a saw!!!!

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[mjltigger]

I've used this method on metal caps in the past.. beware I nearly always burn myself..

If you run the engine up to temperature you can't open the cap but you can usually losen it very carefully being sure only to move it far enough to ensure it moves on the thread. When you let the engine cool it may well then just come straight off.

Repeat. I've only tried this on metal caps and I have burnt myself.

 

[calion]

I just cant believe its on so bloomin' tight!

 

[cruiser]

if you really cant get it off. I will send couple of our foster kids. they seem to be able to get into anything

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[TheBig1]

simples.....get a man that can to do it for you

if youre in the AA or RAC phone them and one of their mechanics will drop by and help you. they are not just there for flat batteries and punctures etc

if not pop into an accessory shop like halfords and buy a strap wrench. or look in the kitchen drawer for a lightweight version sold for jars. be prepared to give it some force if need be

the idea of a hairdryer may help if you could only heat then cool the cap and not the bottle. however its unlikely to work

 

[Barclaybasher]

Go for it......if you break anything................

Broken Link Removed

 

[MJG1959]

simples.....get a man that can to do it for you

if youre in the AA or RAC phone them and one of their mechanics will drop by and help you. they are not just there for flat batteries and punctures etc

if not pop into an accessory shop like halfords and buy a strap wrench. or look in the kitchen drawer for a lightweight version sold for jars. be prepared to give it some force if need be

the idea of a hairdryer may help if you could only heat then cool the cap and not the bottle. however its unlikely to work

I don't believe they will if the vehicle isn't actually broken down. My wife once rang the AA asking for help when our car number plates were stolen and they refused to help on the basis that the care was still movable and working fully, even though of course it was illegal for her to drive without any plates on the car.

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