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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Wycombe83 on 19 October 2009, 21:05

Title: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wycombe83 on 19 October 2009, 21:05

Hi all,
Yesterday whilst checking underneath my bonnet I checked my coolant level & it needed topping up.
However I just could get the top to budge open, even when use a cloth to apply more pressure on, it just got stuck.  :embarassed:

Anyone got any tips on how to undo it without causing damage to anything ?

BTW the engine was stone cold when I did the checks.

Cheers.

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Mikester on 19 October 2009, 21:06

bit of wood and a rubber mallet?

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: justalex81 on 19 October 2009, 21:08

MAN UP WIMP!!!!!

go to bed wake up eat weetabix try again

beat it to death and buy a new one

sorry not feeling too helpful right now!

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wayne on 19 October 2009, 21:09

Quote from: Mikester on 19 October 2009, 21:06

bit of wood and a rubber mallet?

+1 tap it around

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wycombe83 on 19 October 2009, 21:18

I think my Dad still has a rubber mallet in the garage, I shall have a go tommorow before I end up with head gasget failure.

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wayne on 19 October 2009, 21:32

Quote from: Wycombe83 on 19 October 2009, 21:18

I think my Dad still has a rubber mallet in the garage, I shall have a go tommorow before I end up with head gasget failure.

If all else fails, then use a large pair of self grip pliers or mole grips but be very gentle.

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Rob S on 19 October 2009, 21:39

Might be worth trying to tighten it very gently.
There could be some sort of debris in the channels, which you could dislodge by doing this. Obviously don't go mad, it's only got to be a tiny bit just to unstick it.
That's only my 2p worth, I'm no pro mechanic!

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: sharki786 on 19 October 2009, 21:48

no, i have the same prob, i just use mole grips and be gentle and it will open,

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Adam on 19 October 2009, 22:26

Oil strap wrench

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wayne on 19 October 2009, 23:17

Quote from: Adam on 19 October 2009, 22:26

Oil strap wrench

+1 good thinking

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Mikester on 19 October 2009, 23:20

Not sure if you could grip it with that. I reckon wood and hammer. Or a nice new clean tank

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wycombe83 on 20 October 2009, 12:01

You wouldn't believe this.
My Dad had a go at undoing it this morning & guess what..... he undid it!  :laugh: :shocked: :smug:
I must have loosened it for him.  :huh:

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Deano2711 on 20 October 2009, 12:06

Try investing in a can of spinach next time!!!!!!!!lol     Deano

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wayne on 20 October 2009, 12:19

Quote from: Deano2711 on 20 October 2009, 12:06

Try investing in a can of spinach next time!!!!!!!!lol     Deano

 :laugh:  :laugh:  :laugh:

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: adamrob69 on 20 October 2009, 17:15

mine has been stuck in the past. Let the engine run for a bit so it heats up. when its warm it undoes alot easier then when its cold and not been ran for most the day.

When he opened it had you just been using the car? i bet you had!

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Mikester on 20 October 2009, 17:20

Either that or hes just a wimp. lol

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: justalex81 on 20 October 2009, 17:26

told him to man up ages ago  :grin:

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Wycombe83 on 20 October 2009, 21:01

Nope it hadn't been used since yesterday afternoon.  :huh:

Spinach - never tried the stuff, do like my broccoli though  :drool:

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Len on 21 October 2009, 09:46

Always be careful opening any water connection if system hot!

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: adamrob69 on 21 October 2009, 10:56

yes i should of warned about that, warm up but not get to hot, and definatly do not lean over it when removing it. you just want to loosen it when hot, let it cool then take off.

Title: Re: Expansion cap won't undo
Post by: Deano2711 on 21 October 2009, 17:34

Don't worry guys he will have to wait for his Dad to take it off for him!!!!  lol   No offence Mate just joking     Deano