Coolant system question

[JeffRoo]

Hi all, I have an 82 dg and need to replace my coolant bottle. Currently it has a ‘standard’ radiator cap on it. When I change it should I replace like for like, or replace with one that has the dalek cap on it? What’s the difference?
Just thought I’d ask….
Reason for replacement is that the bottle has distorted somewhat and doesn’t fit in the bracket properly. All works fine, just held in place with tie wraps…..

[maxstu]

Your vehicle details read 1984? No bother though.
Metal cap for diesel. Plastic dalek cap for petrol. Same expansion bottle. But (disclaimer) not always the case after 40 years.
See Brickwerks...

https://brickwerks.co.uk/product/header ... nd-diesel/

[JeffRoo]

Thanks for answering maxstu. Re details, built in nov 82, registered in May 84.
My engine is 1.9 dg petrol, so should it have always had a dalek cap? Mine is most definitely petrol and definitely metal…..
so back to my original question, ‘could I use a dalek cap on an early cooling system’ ?

[maxstu]

Yes. With the early cooling system expansion tank.

[Oldiebut goodie]

I didn't know that they made a metal cap for diesels - mine always had a normal plastic one. Never heard of a metal one.

[maxstu]

Now you have....

https://brickwerks.co.uk/product/header ... sel-early/

[Oldiebut goodie]

There couldn't have been many that had that cap then, no wonder I hadn't heard of them - my van being an 87 I didn't need to look that far back onto pre-history!

[Stesaw]

Yeah apparently ive been told really early petrol had the rad cap type tanks too. It threw me i thought someone had done a bodge..

The dalek cap just acts as a valve to allow the coolant to move to the reserve tank behind the flap when hot and to also draw from it if need be. The old type just has the connector on the tank.. I'd swap like for like then you don't need to fadf with replacing hoses etc.

[JeffRoo]

Thanks stesaw will do