Autozone radiator cap doesn't quite fit

[10thAnnivCB7]

i bought the at autozone and i noticed that it was a lot smaller than the stock one and i heard that they fit kind of hard but i could not get it on.

Honda wants $15 plus tax ,, should i keep pushing it till it fits or take it back and buy the honda one ?

[Leung]

take it back and try a different one.

[dhill_cb7]

How much was the rad cap at autozone?
How far away is honda/autozone?

I always go oem and it will only run you only 15 and some change. Def go oem.

I would have told you that from the get go because now you probably have a head ache from all of this running around.

[10thAnnivCB7]

ok ill return it in right now and go to Honda ,, thanks

[cvc7chris]

go with the Honda one, its not that much more, plus it was MADE for that specific vehicle. plus most aftermarket rad. caps were designed using aftermarket radiators and its a +\- situation sometimes they work sometimes they dont lol.

[redlined302]

If I may suggest to try the junk yard for a radiator cap. It will still be the oem cap you need, but for a much more reasonable price

[C91BLX7]

If I may suggest to try the junk yard for a radiator cap. It will still be the oem cap you need, but for a much more reasonable price

Radiator caps go bad, I wouldn't take the risk. Just buy a new one for peace of mind.

[ferenza]

advance auto parts fit better .go there.i had the same problem

[10thAnnivCB7]

jajaja i just paid $15.92 at Honda man ,, i never think of advanced auto parts

[cvc7chris]

advance is probably like $8-$10 bucks. OEM IS THE WAY To go on parts like that specially having to do with cooling. u wouldn't want it going bad on the way to a road trip in the middle of no where u know what i mean

[10thAnnivCB7]

Yea ,, thanks for the info anyways. Im starting to notice that anything that important should be from Honda. I will soon buy another thermostat. No problems with the one from NAPA yet but just to make sure.

[oyajicool]

My first choice for parts is always aftermarket parts, let it be Advance, Auto Zone or Napa. I guess I've been lucky after all these years. If they don't have parts I need, then I go to the dealers for OEM parts.

[deevergote]

Yea ,, thanks for the info anyways. Im starting to notice that anything that important should be from Honda. I will soon buy another thermostat. No problems with the one from NAPA yet but just to make sure.

Smart.

NAPA is usually one of the better options when you can't go OEM. They seem to offer better quality than most other chains for most things.
Still, NEVER trust cheap parts when it comes to things that can do expensive damage if they fail. Brakes, suspension, cooling, oiling, moving engine parts... The few dollars you save now could end up costing you a fortune later.
Also, don't push a car when there's something failing that could cause damage. If you drove on a failing radiator, it could cause the engine to overheat... blowing your head gasket and warping your head. Suddenly a $100 part turns into a $1000 repair job. A rental car is only about $35 for the day if you absolutely need transportation.

[esskater892]

where would you go for an oil pump?

[deevergote]

Whenever you buy a part, ask yourself these questions:

1) if it fails, will I crash?
2) if it fails, will it cause serious damage to my car?

If the answer to either question is yes, spend the money on a high quality part. OEM or a known-reliable aftermarket brand.

If the answer is no, then feel free to take your chances. The worst that will happen is that you end up replacing that part with a quality part in a short time, and you're only out a few bucks and a bit of your time.