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My factory original radiator had an aftermarket radiator cap. I decided to replace it with an original style cap. The one I got from Fusicks doesn't have a seal at the cap base. Only the sea isl at the end of the spring. When I tried to use it coolant would spit out at the cap base and get all over the wheel well. The aftermarket has a gasket at the base and doesn't do this. Shouldn't there be a gasket there so any overflow would go down the tube rather than around the cap?
I'll note on OPGI that radiator cap RC-15 is listed as fitting a 1972 Oldsmobile. You really have to double and triple check these auto parts stores - they are CLUELESS as to what fits what.
OPGI URL link fitment: $40 for a radiator cap? Go (Run) to an auto parts store and let them get you one...no shipping and many probably have it in stock.
I have one that works that isnt an original style. It has the gasket on the cap. It works but isnt the original style so I was trying to get an original style but cant fond one that has the gasket and is correct to what came on it originally. Maybe no one makes one.
My mistake, I guess I didn't see the "elevator" on the page allowing me to scroll down further. Trying to help you out, you might need to wait for others to chime in. The image below I took from the 1975 Parts Book; however, in some of my readings elsewhere, I believe they "revised" the RC-15 and I note in some catalogs it's listed as a second RC-15 item - second as in a second type build of RC-15. I'll provide you with the Part Number book numbers. Y72 was the H.D. Coolant System. Good Luck. Sometimes you order Egg Foo Young & you get Chop Suey.
Last edited by Vintage Chief; October 7th, 2023 at 07:14 PM.
I have one that works that isnt an original style. It has the gasket on the cap. It works but isnt the original style so I was trying to get an original style but cant fond one that has the gasket and is correct to what came on it originally. Maybe no one makes one.
Well, to your point, I believe the OEM radiator cap was, in fact, rated @ 15psi. Sorry, I'm not of much more help, it's sometimes a coin toss on part numbers especially if they've been superseded then add to the fact some manufacturers do list stuff that just isn't right at all. To be honest though, this is a great area to walk into NAPA or another parts store and let them get you one that works - let them to the leg work and pay for shipping. I do like Stant radiator caps. Good Luck!
So, here's a thread worth a read. I owned a 1967 442 and a 1972 442 back in the day (1969 & 1976). Noteworthy is the one members comment regarding the size of the "ears" on the OEM style radiator caps back in the day. Yes, my radiator caps back in the day had the big "ears".
October 7th, 2023, 05:39 PM
