GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Pressure Cap Description 3800 V6 L36

Caution: With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

The crossflow radiator uses a pressure vent fill cap to allow buildup of 83 kPa (12 psi) in the cooling system. The radiator cap allows the system to operate at a higher than atmospheric pressure. This pressure raises the boiling point of the engine coolant to about 125°C (262°F) at sea level, which increases the cooling efficiency of the radiator.

The pressure-type cap contains a blowoff (pressure) valve (2) and a vacuum (atmospheric) valve (1). A spring of a pre-determined strength holds the pressure valve against the valve's seat. This spring protects the radiator by relieving any pressure that exceeds design limits.

Do the following In order to safely remove the radiator cap from a cool system:

    Caution: If there is evidence of steam, do not open the hood until the steam is dispersed as bodily injury could occur.

  1. Slowly rotate the radiator cap counterclockwise ¼ turn and then stop, do not press down.
  2. Allow any residual pressure, indicated by a hissing sound, to be relieved.
  3. After the hissing stops, continue to rotate the radiator cap counterclockwise until the radiator cap is removed.
  4. Retighten the cap, by rotating the radiator cap clockwise using hand tight pressure.

Pressure Cap Description 3.5L V6 LX5

Pressure Cap Description (3.5L Twin Cam V6 LX5)

Caution: With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

The surge tank uses a plastic pressure-vent cap to allow a build up of pressure in the cooling system. The cap allows the cooling system to operate at a higher than atmospheric pressure. This pressure raises the boiling point of the engine coolant.

The pressure-type cap contains a blow off (pressure) valve and a vacuum (atmospheric) valve. The cap protects the radiator by relieving any pressure that exceeds design limits.

In order to prevent radiator collapse, caused by vacuum as the engine cools, the vacuum valve prevents excessive pressure differences from occurring between the cooling system and the atmosphere.

The surge cap has a threaded design to allow for easy and safe removal. Do the following in order to safely remove the cap from a cool system:

    Caution: If there is evidence of steam, do not open the hood until the steam is dispersed as bodily injury could occur.

  1. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise 1/4 turn and then stop, do not press down.
  2. Allow any residual pressure, indicated by a hissing sound, to be relieved.
  3. After the hissing stops, continue to rotate the cap counterclockwise until the cap is removed.
  4. Retighten the cap using hand tight pressure.