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Author Topic: Expansion cap won't undo  (Read 2850 times)

Offline Wycombe83

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Expansion cap won't undo
« 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.
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Offline Mikester

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #1 on: 19 October 2009, 21:06 »
bit of wood and a rubber mallet?
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Offline justalex81

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #2 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!
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Offline Wayne

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #3 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
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Offline Wycombe83

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #4 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.
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Offline Wayne

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #5 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.
« Last Edit: 19 October 2009, 21:44 by Wayne »
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Offline Rob S

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #6 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!
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Offline sharki786

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #7 on: 19 October 2009, 21:48 »
no, i have the same prob, i just use mole grips and be gentle and it will open,
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Offline Adam

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #8 on: 19 October 2009, 22:26 »
Oil strap wrench
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Offline Wayne

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Re: Expansion cap won't undo
« Reply #9 on: 19 October 2009, 23:17 »
Quote from: Adam on 19 October 2009, 22:26
Oil strap wrench

+1 good thinking
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