Corey Posted November 7, 2015 Share Posted November 7, 2015 I am replacing the thermostat and hoses for the radiator and water pump on my 5th Gen. I purchased the Mityvac MV4510 Motorcycle Cooling System Test Kit. I just pressure tested the original OEM radiator cap. According to the 98-01 Honda VFR FI Service Manual the radiator cap should release at between 16-20psi. I pumped the Mityvac to 20+ PSI (pushing 30) but the radiator cap didn't release any pressure. It did hold the pressure, which is a good thing, but it didn't release the pressure. Is this somehow going to be an issue? Or is it a non-issue. Also, what is the proper method for pressure testing the cooling system? And what exactly am I looking for, just leaks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer gmtech94 Posted November 7, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted November 7, 2015 Cap is junk ,should release at 16psi to allow expanding coolant out of the system. There is also a valve in it to allow fluid to return to the radiator on cool down . To test pump the system to 16 psi and note any leaks pressure should hold at 16 psi for about 30 minutes otherwise there is a leak somewhere in the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jeffyjeff Posted December 30, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted December 30, 2015 A Stant 11233 will fit perfectly, and costs a fraction of the OE price (OE cap is $38.51 at Service Honda. Stant 11233 is $7.99 at Pep Boys). I have used these radiator caps for years on Kawasakis and Hondas. This pressure cap fit the VFR 5th Gen. It is a 16 psi cap. The danger in having a pressure cap that does not release pressure is that the cooling system can build pressure to a point that something else releases the pressure, like a hose or a radiator. Jeff J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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