This weekend I wanted to check radiator coolant levels. When we replaced the thermostat last Fall we noticed that the coolant levels were low. I was curious to find out what the levels were and noticed that the overflow container was empty. When I tried to remove the radiator cap the entire neck assembly came off!
The radiator cap flange is pretty mashed up, too. I clearly need to replace both the radiator cap and the filler neck.
Does anyone know the material the U225 radiators were made from? Brass? Aluminum? Steel?
Is the filler cap (which goes into the top of the radiator) then soldered in, welded in, brazed in?
What pressure radiator cap would be appropriate?
Thanks, y'all!
Craig
Might be a good time to replace your antifreeze. The cap assembly coming off could be a sign that the antifreeze has turned acidic and ate away the solder.
Craig, I had the neck replaced on my 93, U225 because someone, I think at the OKC Cummins dealer, had dented the flange beyond repair. I had it replaced at a local radiator shop for about $75 back in 2008. I don't remember whether it was brass or not but I think it was simply brazed back on to the radiator tank.
As I recall that was when they had removed the radiator to see if there was any blockage. The core and tanks were clean as a whistle. I think brazing it when the radiator is in place might create a fire hazard.
Mine came off in my hand. I just used plumbing solder with a torch and soldered it back on after cleaning all surfaces until there was nothing but brass there. I used a file to make it fit perfectly before soldering.
Pierce
Now that I think about it, I think Pierce is correct. I think the new one was soldered on, not brazed.
Okay... thanks. I thought that would be the right method. Certainly easy enough. Now.... any idea what pressure rating for the cap. I can't read mine.
Craig
Sounds like a wise precaution. Thanks. :)
Craig
As I recall the cap has a 15# pressure rating.
Sounds reasonable. Going to O'Reilly with the filler neck and cap to see if they have something that will do the job. Lots of them on the Internet but I'm not exactly sure what to buy.
Thanks. :)
Craig
I took my old cap to O'Reilly and the matched it.