coolant reservoir cap/plug

[kcpingman]

When I remove the cap from the coolant reservoir (2001 3400), I still have a double o-ring plug in the neck of the reservoir. The plug is a pita to get out especially while trying to not damage the reservoir and threads.

#1. Is this normal or is the cap and plug supposed to be in one-piece?

#2. Any suggestions on how to remove the plug easily? I've been able to gently pry up the edge of the plug and then use channel-lock pliers to twist it out.

Thanks!

[Rayz]

It's broken replace it.

[kyboman]

The cap is a one piece unit. Yours is broken. It is a common problem and your dealsrship has lots of them.

[kcpingman]

Thanks for the info guys. I thought it was probably broke. Does anyone lubricate the o-rings with anything before installation to aid in removing the cap in the future?

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by kcpingman
Thanks for the info guys. I thought it was probably broke. Does anyone lubricate the o-rings with anything before installation to aid in removing the cap in the future? The ONLY acceptable lubricants would be silicone grease (kinda rare and $$), soap (like Dial or Zest), or KY Jelly.
You don't want anything petroleum-based, since it will scum-up and just float on the surface of teh coolant.

Best bet would be to dip your finger in the coolant, and just rub it around the rubber.
The same polyethylene that lubes the waterpump seal is adequate for the cap's washer/o-ring.

The important thing is to not OVERTIGHTEN!!
Only tighten as much as an average woman can twist one-handed.
Any tighter, and you stuff the sealing rings into the crevices, or cut or distort the rings.

Hope this helps,
-Rick