Radiator - rubber seal

[peterg]

I took the large plastic screw out of the top of the radiator today to check the coolant level and found that the rubber seal on the bottom has perished.

Can the rubber be replaced or do I need to obtain a new screw?

[Geoff Dowdle]

Peterg

I assume you are referring to the 400 - 403 radiator cap ???
Best to state what Type Bristol you are enquiring about .

If it is the 400 - 403 cap I have found the best way is to buy a small sheet of the correct thickness rubber/neoprene and cut one out with a sharp knife .

Some owners have purchased large rubber seals from Plumbing suppliers that are used in toilet cisterns but they need trimming and might not be suitable for hot water.

[Geoff Kingston]

The Bentley R Type , Mk Vi and Rolls Royce Silver Dawn use the same Radiator Cap as the Bristol 400, 401 and 403.
UK Rolls Royce and Bentley parts supplier Flyingspares can supply the rubber seal part number EW1666P for £3.14 inc Vat + p&p.
The cap if you need that as well is £83.94.
To be absolutely certain I have just checked the caps/seals on a 403 and an R Type and they are identical.
Introcar can probably supply them as well but I have not checked on their site to confirm their prices.
Both firms are first class to deal with.

[peterg]

Thank you Geoff,
Introcar are almost just around the corner, so I think they will be the first stop before I go down to the plumber's merchants!
Regards, Peter

[peterg]

Seal obtained and fitted.
My top pipe was also a little worn, so I went to Bristol's for a replacement. They have three pipes, a short pipe for the 401, longer for the 403-5 and a corrugated pipe (not sure which model).
The replacement is very robust. I was concerned that the old pipe was very squashy on arrival, but was assured that the cooling system runs at atmospheric pressure, having grown up with pressurised systems it came as a bit of a surprise.