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Colorado Yeti
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2013
Posts: 356
Location: Ft. Collins, Colorado
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 Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:26 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| Aha! Thanks from today's village idiot. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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alaskadan
Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013
Posts: 1858
Location: anchor pt. alaska
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| Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:48 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| Well that's good to know about Napa, I actually stopped in at the Homer Napa this morning. Said they didn't have one available nearby. I called fellow dub nut here and said he's got a good used oem one I can have so I'm going to go that route. Thanks for the replies. |
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Paulbeard
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015
Posts: 2604
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 6:26 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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You can test the blue cap at the counter (the countermen may laugh) but if it's not good (not OEM VW or similar) don't buy it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT8Ew43mNg4
I see someone found caps for $4…I would be very skeptical those work properly and if they do, for how long. My recently replaced cap was OG — said W GERMANY on it — so it's no great surprise it crapped out after 30+ years of service.
_________________
Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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cmayna
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2014
Posts: 1148
Location: SF Bay area, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 8:16 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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If the bottom cap is the faulty one from FLAPS, it's the same one that I just got from GoWesty. Hmmmm. I also tried the blow/suck test and when blowing into the neck, it is very hard to get air into it. Cannot create a trumpet sound. Another Hmmmm.
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Craig |
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Colorado Yeti
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2013
Posts: 356
Location: Ft. Collins, Colorado
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:38 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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Yeah, about that NAPA thing.....POS. Leaked like a submarine with a screen door when it got hot. When I tightened it down carefully a bit more to seat the seal, it stripped.
I guess I am ponying up the $$ for the RMW coolant tank. But at least I will be reassured that I am getting something of high quality and I will not have to worry about cooling system reliability. |
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Paulbeard
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015
Posts: 2604
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:23 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| cmayna wrote: |
| If the bottom cap is the faulty one from FLAPS, it's the same one that I just got from GoWesty. Hmmmm. I also tried the blow/suck test and when blowing into the neck, it is very hard to get air into it. Cannot create a trumpet sound. Another Hmmmm. |
I wasn't aware they could fail in the other direction (never relieving/venting pressure). Might be worth testing on something that can be measured more scientifically. Mine made a very musical tone…if I could upload videos here I would share it.
_________________
Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6556
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:48 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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The quality of that video is so astonishing, it's as if I shot it. 
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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cmayna
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2014
Posts: 1148
Location: SF Bay area, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 6:40 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Now isn't THAT Special...... |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Until better plans can be implemented I got a proper "Blau" coolant cap from Van-Cafe (and an oatmeal cookie!! Finally, back to good cookies ) . Threw away the crappy FLAPS cap that is leaking.
I probably should pull out my pressure tester and verify good before I run it though.....
Dave |
So I went online to VanCafe's site and they show the top "Blau" cap. I ordered two. I ended up receiving two of the bottom junk cap. They failed the blow/suck test. They're going back. Also, VanCafe's cookies don't taste as good as they use to....Tsk Tsk
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Craig |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3800
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 6:43 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Now isn't THAT Special...... |
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| cmayna wrote: |
| Also, VanCafe's cookies don't taste as good as they use to....Tsk Tsk |
Savage! I agree tho
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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alaskadan
Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013
Posts: 1858
Location: anchor pt. alaska
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 8:03 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| Well the used one from a friend was shot. Now I'm awaiting one I ordered through O'Reillys. Fingers crossed, but it sounds like I should get another one on the way. But from where? I will post results re the one I ordered. I was in anchorage yesterday and the vw dealership there said they were nla. |
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cmayna
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2014
Posts: 1148
Location: SF Bay area, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 9:14 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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Dan,
If it's that black Dorman one on O-Reilly's site that has "do not open, 15psi" on top, it sure looks like it might work, though I don't know if 15psi is the correct pressure for our rigs.
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Craig |
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alaskadan
Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013
Posts: 1858
Location: anchor pt. alaska
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 9:36 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| I hope so. I thought I'd read somewhere what psi a vanagon system runs. Sure wouldn't want to blow out my tank by running it at a higher pressure than its used to. When ordering that cap at oriellys there were no options of varying psi caps to choose from. |
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Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50348
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| alaskadan wrote: |
| I hope so. I thought I'd read somewhere what psi a vanagon system runs. Sure wouldn't want to blow out my tank by running it at a higher pressure than its used to. When ordering that cap at oriellys there were no options of varying psi caps to choose from. |
The pressure rating in in the Bentley IIRC. It is something like 16 psi. |
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Paulbeard
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015
Posts: 2604
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| alaskadan wrote: |
| Well the used one from a friend was shot. Now I'm awaiting one I ordered through O'Reillys. Fingers crossed, but it sounds like I should get another one on the way. But from where? I will post results re the one I ordered. I was in anchorage yesterday and the vw dealership there said they were nla. |
My local VW dealer (Seattle) says they have lots in their west coast warehouses. About $55, with tax.
I also bought one at Oreilly and had it replaced then returned. You're probably best going with OEM VW, unless this Dorman one tests OK. But then for how long?
_________________
Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
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cmayna
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2014
Posts: 1148
Location: SF Bay area, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 7:33 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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OMG!!
I found online a parts place in Arizona who claimed they had the one I wanted. Here's a link:
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/025121321B
What I got was the cheapy one (lower one in the above pic). When I opened the package and saw a "made in China" sticker on the product's bag, my heart sank.
And get this! This is after I first called them to confirm that what I see pictured on their website is what I'll get. They replied with a "Sir, we only use pics of items we sell". LOL
Yeah, maybe I'll call a VW dealer.
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Craig |
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alaskadan
Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013
Posts: 1858
Location: anchor pt. alaska
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:13 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| Paulbeard wrote: |
| alaskadan wrote: |
| Well the used one from a friend was shot. Now I'm awaiting one I ordered through O'Reillys. Fingers crossed, but it sounds like I should get another one on the way. But from where? I will post results re the one I ordered. I was in anchorage yesterday and the vw dealership there said they were nla. |
My local VW dealer (Seattle) says they have lots in their west coast warehouses. About $55, with tax.
I also bought one at Oreilly and had it replaced then returned. You're probably best going with OEM VW, unless this Dorman one tests OK. But then for how long? |
Well dang. The oriellys one should be here tomorrow. 55 bucks huh, ouch. Is that a tank and cap? Probably oughta get one coming from them. |
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Paulbeard
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015
Posts: 2604
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:24 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| alaskadan wrote: |
Well dang. The oriellys one should be here tomorrow. 55 bucks huh, ouch. Is that a tank and cap? Probably oughta get one coming from them. |
Sorry, just the cap… 
I think an adapter that screws on the tank and accepts a standard FLAPS radiator cap would be a good idea. Best of both…keep the old tank for visual inspection and use a widely available cap for peace of mind.
_________________
Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7922
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:58 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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| cmayna wrote: |
OMG!!
I found online a parts place in Arizona who claimed they had the one I wanted. Here's a link:
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/025121321B
What I got was the cheapy one (lower one in the above pic). When I opened the package and saw a "made in China" sticker on the product's bag, my heart sank. |
It states quite clearly at that link & via a Vanagon parts search:
URO Parts Radiator Cap/Expansion Tank Cap; With Nipple; Female Thread
P/N: 025121321B URO Parts
Cross References: RC0003 025121321A 025121321D
Regardless of the photo, what they're selling is a URO brand cap. 
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22665
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 9:02 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak! ... Solved..... Bad FLAPS pressure cap. |
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