cooling

Radiator Cap

for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

6 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of the radiator pressure cap on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The cooling system operates under pressure and removing the cap can cause boiling coolant to spray out, causing severe burns.

⚠Allow the engine to cool completely before beginning this procedure, typically 2-3 hours after engine shutdown.

Tools required

Clean shop towel or ragEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Radiator pressure cap × 1 — AC Delco RC127 or equivalent rated 15 PSI

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Ensure the engine is completely cold to the touch
Park the vehicle on level ground and apply the parking brake
Open the hood and secure it in the open position

Procedure

1
Locate the radiator cap
The radiator cap is located on top of the radiator at the front of the engine compartment, slightly offset to the driver's side. It is a black or chrome cap with warning text on top.
2
Check engine temperature
Touch the radiator cap and upper radiator hose to verify they are cool to the touch. If there is any warmth, wait longer for the system to cool completely.
3
Remove the old radiator cap
Place a clean shop towel over the radiator cap. Press down firmly on the cap while turning it counterclockwise to the first stop. Wait a few seconds to allow any residual pressure to escape. Continue pressing down and turn counterclockwise to fully remove the cap.
4
Inspect the radiator filler neck
Examine the radiator filler neck for cracks, corrosion, or damage to the sealing surfaces. Wipe clean any debris or dried coolant from the neck sealing surface using a clean shop towel.
5
Install the new radiator cap
Align the new radiator cap with the filler neck, ensuring any alignment tabs are properly positioned. Press down firmly and rotate clockwise until the cap seats completely and locks into place. You should feel it click or lock at the final position.

Reassembly

No reassembly required for this procedure

Verification

Verify the new cap is fully seated and locked into position by attempting to turn it further clockwise
Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature while monitoring for coolant leaks around the cap
After the engine reaches operating temperature, shut it off and allow it to cool completely, then recheck that the cap is still properly seated
Check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and top off if necessary with ACDelco DEX-COOL (Orange) coolant

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