Radiator caps, what are you using?

[Gary R.]

Curious to see what you guys are using for caps, I don't think the local stores have 15lb caps anymore. I can probably use a 16lb Stant cap on my base 350 72 if needed. My original is still fine, more curious then anything else.

Thanks
gary

[Leif A.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

Ac rc-26 15#

[Patrick H.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

Leif shows a repro. In my experience, there is a moderate chance they won't work.

You can pick up a current issue RC-26 which will work with no issues. The RC-26 is backward compatible to the RC-15, but I believe not the other way around. They work fine as "driver" caps.

[Leif A.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

Leif shows a repro. In my experience, there is a moderate chance they won't work.

You can pick up a current issue RC-26 which will work with no issues. The RC-26 is backward compatible to the RC-15, but I believe not the other way around. They work fine as "driver" caps.

Patrick,
I know the one I pictured is a repro but Gary was simply asking "what are you using". I've been using the pictured repro for 3 years with zero issues. You comment that "you can pick up a current issue RC-26..." Where is this available and what is the difference?
Thanks in advance.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

The current one has real OEM specifications, not "this should be close" specifications of the reproduction.
I've had several repros fail on me and friends if the cars are driven any amount, and have lost faith in them. They're not even that accurate looking, so I don't waste my money.

$18 for a new OEM part on eBay that functions well and lasts for years. Easy decision.

[Gary R.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

Thanks guys, I was wondering how the basic parts store Stant brand were and if they had a 15 lb cap. They used to be good but it's been a long time since I needed to buy one. I doubt any of the local stores around here will have the ac caps in stock if I wanted to quickly swap one out.

[Mark E.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

RockAuto shows nine caps available for a '70 454. Eight (including two AC Delco caps) are less than $4. The RC-26 "Professional" is 16#, hex-shaped and $9.23.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

RockAuto shows nine caps available for a '70 454. Eight (including two AC Delco caps) are less than $4. The RC-26 "Professional" is 16#, hex-shaped and $9.23.

Yes, but you have to watch out for the shipping cost.
In addition, based on photos (which from them are usually accurate) none of them are an RC-26. They are the same items you'd buy at AutoZone; they just rebrand them ACDelco.

[Mark E.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

...they just rebrand them ACDelco.

What? RockAuto takes brand X and rebrands them ACDelco?

Or are you saying ACDelco just makes junk from China like most suppliers?

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

Delco new stainless service replacement caps

[Michael M.]

[Patrick H.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

What? RockAuto takes brand X and rebrands them ACDelco?

Or are you saying ACDelco just makes junk from China like most suppliers?

ACDelco buys the aftermarket stuff, throws it in ACDelco boxes, and charges you more.
Actually, I suspect that the suppliers put their stuff in ACDelco boxes, and ACD never handles most of it.

[Mark E.]

Re: Radiator caps, what are you using?

The cap design changed in '73 with the introduction of closed cooling systems. An upper seal was added (shown in your photo) to create vacuum during cool down, and the vacuum valve is calibrated differently. These caps will physically fit your '67 but aren't designed for an open system.