Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!

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Bazzajay
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Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!

Post by Bazzajay » Sun Nov 12, 2017 10:05 pm

I hadn't used my F for a few days and when I went to start it the 'Lolarm' went-off. When I went to add water I found that the washer from the cap had stuck to the top of the filler the last time I had filled it; it had then adhered itself to the funnel I use, a plastic bottle with a hole cut into the bottom. I replaced it in the cap and had no trouble on a 20 mile run, with the water level fine when I returned.

I find I have to top-up the water regularly, usually checking when it is cold. The last time I had topped-up I had had to do it hot as the 'Lolarm had gone off, for the first time, while I was driving. This must have been when the washer became displaced. I shall pay extra attention to this when topping-up in future!
Last edited by Bazzajay on Thu Feb 01, 2018 11:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Barrie

2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
2002 Peugeot Partner Quiksilver

Geoff.F
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by Geoff.F » Mon Nov 13, 2017 11:09 am

Bazzajay wrote:I hadn't used my F for a few days and when I went to start it the 'Lolarm' went-off. When I went to add water I found that the washer from the cap had stuck to the top of the filler the last time I had filled it; it had then adhered itself to the funnel I use, a plastic bottle with a hole cut into the bottom. I replaced it in the cap and had no trouble on a 20 mile run, with the water level fine when I returned.

I find I have to top-up the water regularly, usually checking when it is cold. The last time I had topped-up I had had to do it hot as the 'Lolarm had gone off, for the first time, while I was driving. This must have been when the washer became displaced. I shall pay extra attention to this when topping-up in future!
Glue the washer to the cap with a thin smear of silicone rubber or even cheaper, bin the cap and fit a new one.
Buy 2 then you always have the essential spare. Keep the spare together with a rad bleed plug. Caution. An aftermarket rad may have a different thread size.

Geoff.F

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Bazzajay
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by Bazzajay » Tue Nov 14, 2017 12:19 am

[quote="Geoff.F")Glue the washer to the cap with a thin smear of silicone rubber or even cheaper, bin the cap and fit a new one.
Buy 2 then you always have the essential spare. Keep the spare together with a rad bleed plug. Caution. An aftermarket rad may have a different thread size.Geoff.F[/quote]

Thanks Geoff, I must admit I've been thinking it might be a good idea to replace the cap, even though it's only a couple of years old.
Barrie

2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by talkingcars » Tue Nov 14, 2017 10:31 pm

The cap is regarded as a service item.
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by c13amb » Tue Nov 14, 2017 10:38 pm

talkingcars wrote:The cap is regarded as a service item.
Yep agree mine gets changed every 12 months whether its needed or not!
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Bazzajay
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by Bazzajay » Tue Nov 14, 2017 11:18 pm

talkingcars wrote:The cap is regarded as a service item.
Thanks for the info., how often should it be replaced?
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by Tipper » Wed Nov 15, 2017 10:52 am

Hi Barrie,
I had a whole string of cap failures during the 10 years I ran my TF, presumably down to some poor manufacture or quality control issues. I could never see any defect in them but failure was a regular occurrence. I always ordered 2 when I needed one and I ended up carrying a bag of 4 spares so I always had one if needed! They were numbered using a waterproof chalk pen so I knew one from another. :thumbsu: I also found that the yellow Land Rover (?) type were longer lasting than the usual cheap black MGRover or Honda caps.

As I now have a ZR 160 as a runabout and for track day fun I still have those caps and carry them in that car along with the essential 'K-series' tool kit! :lol:

Martin

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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by talkingcars » Wed Nov 15, 2017 10:29 pm

Bazzajay wrote:
talkingcars wrote:The cap is regarded as a service item.
Thanks for the info., how often should it be replaced?
At around £5 a time annual is affordable.
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Bazzajay
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by Bazzajay » Wed Nov 15, 2017 11:45 pm

Many Thanks to everyone for the input, a couple of caps now ordered, should arrive in a couple of days.
Barrie

2000 MGF Wedgwood SE 1800i
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Bazzajay
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!

Post by Bazzajay » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:01 pm

Cap duly replaced, but the water loss got worse. Then the windows started misting, driver's side footwell more of a lake under the mat. Using kitchen roll to mop it up I noticed it was pink. Yes, you've guessed? It was the heater control valve. So I thought I'd replace the heater fan resistor while I was about it. All back together again, but still only speeds three and four on the fan, and yes, the original resistor was shot. Any ideas as to what I should look for now?
Barrie

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Countax
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!

Post by Countax » Fri Feb 02, 2018 3:55 pm

Can you please advise where you purchased your good quality header tank cap from as i also need to buy a couple.
Nigel

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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!

Post by Bazzajay » Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:44 pm

Countax wrote:Can you please advise where you purchased your good quality header tank cap from as i also need to buy a couple.
Nigel
£4.80 inc. VAT from Rimmers - MG Rover original part.
Barrie

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hammond
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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer - Really Heater Valve!!

Post by hammond » Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:11 am

and just the £7.95 postage :roll:

(edit - sorry £3.25 postage as I've just ordered 3 !)

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Re: Header Tank Cap Washer

Post by mgtfnut » Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:16 pm

Tipper wrote:Hi Barrie,
I had a whole string of cap failures during the 10 years I ran my TF, presumably down to some poor manufacture or quality control issues. I could never see any defect in them but failure was a regular occurrence. I always ordered 2 when I needed one and I ended up carrying a bag of 4 spares so I always had one if needed! They were numbered using a waterproof chalk pen so I knew one from another. :thumbsu: I also found that the yellow Land Rover (?) type were longer lasting than the usual cheap black MGRover or Honda caps.

Martin
Funny that. I've had a Land Rover yellow type for 12 years now. I have a test rig and check the pressure and vacuum valves in the cap every year, and also carry a normal black one as spare.
So far, never had a sign of trouble :roll:
Jerry
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k

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