michel88 Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 I had a radiator shop recore my 40 Roadmaster radiator with a 4 row core to help cooling. They also put on a new filler neck. After installing the radiator I found that the new neck is too deep for the cap to make contact. It will shoot out water after a drive now because it is not sealed or under pressure. The neck is 1-1/8" deep instead of the standard 3/4" deep neck. I haven't had any luck finding a radiator cap that extends deep enough to seal. I would like to avoid removing the radiator to put on a standard neck. Does anyone know of a radiator cap that would work with the deeper neck? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critterpainter Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Are you sure its 1 1/8"? I know that Buicks from 1940 through 1947 uses a deeper neck than later years but I thought it was 1". These caps are available from Bobs Automobilia 805-434-2963 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 It does measure 1 1/8" but I think it was an oddball neck that they installed. I wish they had left it alone. I did get the cap from Bobs but it's not making contact with the surface. Thanks for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 How about making a 1/8" thick fibre or rubber washer to take up the slack? Mcmaster-Carr has a number of suitable materials at small cost. Just a thought......Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 That is a great idea that should work. The spacer would partially obstruct the hole for the overflow, but about 2/3 of the hole would be clear. I am going to look at McMaster and see what I can find. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 They have several silicone rubber compounds good for 500 deg. F. for as little as around $7. Check the beginning of the section for an explanation of Shore hardness if you're not familiar.......Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUKE Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I had the same problem you have with my radiator shop when he recorded my 1940 radiator he changed the neck and had the same problem you did. When I brought it back to him he replaced it without taking the radiator out it talking about a half-hour. Later I found the right cap On eBay I might have another one in my garage if you can't find one let me know and i will ship it to you if I can find it. Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 I went to several auto supplies and NAPA was very helpful but could not get a cap that would work. I would be very interested if you can find the cap in your garage and it would work with a 1 1/8 deep neck. Thanks for your help Frank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUKE Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 ok i will get a chance to look very soon and get back to you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUKE Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Well that was fast sometimes I think I know what I'm doing. Well I found it and it's yours for the address to send it to if it fits it and works for you keep it it cost me $24 on eBay I tried it once a long trip and it worked well. It's still in the original 1940 bucks I believe but if it doesn't work please send it back I will ship as soon as I have your address. Please send no money to your sure it works. Have a greatBUICK day Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted May 29, 2009 Author Share Posted May 29, 2009 Frank thanks so much for taking the trouble to find the radiator cap. One thing you could check to see if it will work is to measure from the surface that seals the cap to the top of the neck to rubber gasket that seals it on the bottom of the neck. It has to be about 1 1/4" approximately. If it is less than 1 1/8" it won't contact the bottom of the neck. The radiator shop put this deeper than stock neck on by mistake. I will be glad to give you what it cost you and the shipping to me. My address is: Woody Michel, 9816 Lyons Mill Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUKE Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Hi Woody well I think we have a match I will ship tomorrow been Saturday and like I say try it before you buy it. I am in no hurry to get it back. I will be glad to see if it works. Have a great Buick day Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted May 29, 2009 Author Share Posted May 29, 2009 Frank, Thanks and have a great Buick weekend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 Frank, I got the radiator cap Monday and it will work fine. I sent you a personal message asking for your address so I can mail you a check for the cap plus shipping. If you don't mind you can post your address or reply to PM. It should be blinking icon at the top when you go on the Buick forum or click on my Michel88 and you will see an option for sending me a PM. Thanks so much for your trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUKE Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Hi Woody. Well I am glad it's gone a work for you. It was no trouble the people to really thank or the people on this forum and especially the ones that run it. That's what keeps us runing. My address is Frank Batty senior. 5 jolicoeur rd. Spencer, MA 01562. Have a great Buick day Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Thadd McNamara Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 Woody, I am sure that you paid a premium price...TAKE IT BACK !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick_S Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Take it back and have him put the correct neck back on. A core upgrade doesn not require a filler replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 I was able to make it work. I got another radiator cap from a forum member that was very close to sealing the radiator neck. I made a spacer out of neoprene that went under the cap and it now holds pressure fine. The radiator shop was willing to replace the neck and even remove and replace the radiator to do so. This radiator is very hard to take out involving removing the hoods and the sheet metal piece between them. You even have to loosen and spread the fenders slightly. I didn't want them to try doing this. The radiator works well now and the car runs nice and cool even on the hottest days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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