Hi. I've been looking around your website for some time now, finding various bits of info on Fiats...

In the article on the cooling system on spiders, it says to email you to identify the correct radiator cap to use. I own a 1984 Pininfarina / Fiat spider 2000 F.I. (Azzurra)... I am going to flush the cooling system and replace all the radiator hoses (some of them are VERY soft and worn), so I will replace the cap too, seeing as how it's probably just as old.

Is there a certain pressure cap I should buy?

Thanks,

Brian Corsiglia
San Luis Obispo, CA

Fiat uses a very specific depth radiator neck for their cars that no other car in North America, except other Fiat products (Like Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Yugo, and others) use. Use of a commonly available aftermarket radiator cap from the local auto parts store, if used on your post-1973 car, will force the cap to release at a higher pressure than rated. Plus, Fiat specifies 0.8 atmosphere, and most aftermarket caps are rated at 14 pounds! Too much pressure, the next weakest link in your cooling system will fail. If that is the head gasket, that is no fun!

I would recommend using ONLY the correct cap made by Fiat. For your application, use a 4256228.

And when you flush, I suggest that you do not use a caustic solution as it will possibly eat other items. Use clear water, and consider after you are done flushing pulling the radiator and having it professionally cleaned, as it (and the heater core) will be the receptacle for all the stuff you knock loose!