2001 Honda Civic Blown two radiator caps in 3 weeks

2001 HONDA CIVIC
163,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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SDRAWKCAB
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  • 1 POST
Long story short, after having my cooling system checked and worked on three weeks ago (diagnosis: a few brittle, weepy hoses, no evidence of exhaust gases in the coolant or coolant in the oil, pressure test fine after hose replacement), I've blown my OEM rad cap and an aftermarket cap. The OEM cap failed at high elevation (~4000 ft), the $10 Kragen aftermarket cap actually broke apart in the filler neck after less than three weeks in service. I'm using the OEM cap again now, it seems to be holding for now (I live near sea level).

What's going on here? Did I just get a crappy aftermarket cap?
Jan 13, 2010 at 3:46 PM
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F4I_GUY
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 3,302 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
headgaskets are common on these vehicles. I'd have a leakdown test performed to check this.
Jan 13, 2010 at 4:11 PM
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