Vectra radiator expansion tank lid stuck and breaking!

[Jow20]

As above, the yellow top has come off and left the bung in the neck of tank! I have tried warming with a kettle to soften inner rubber then vice grips screwdrivers prising etc but it wont budge! Any suggestions? Shall i warm car up and get abit of pressure then try? Or could that cause an airlock etc..cheers

[puppet]

To be honest I think I would take the expansion bottle off and then try and remove the remains of the cap. Otherwise I'd be concerned about small bits of plastic etc possibly finding their way into the cooling system.

[Caveman_nige]

Mine did this...

Get a replacement cap ready to install.... remove the header tank (its very easy to do) then invert it and get a long thin screwdriver or similar type inplement that will not bend. insert the screwdriver through the hole in the bottom of the tank and line it up on the underside of the remainder of the bung/cap plug, then whack it.. job done..

[taffy bhoy]

got a bottle and cap here from a 2005 2.2 if any use?

[GCusdin]

Mine did this (mechanic broke it, said sorry).
I thought it was threaded on but they are not.
Bottle nose pliers and lots of wriggling. I had to remove it once a day due to leaks to put more in.
It should seal enough not to drop plastic into coolant but you need to find some sort of corner to grip.
I kept hitting the bonnet when it slipped but there are edges that sit inside the yellow piece.
Use 2 hands with grips and push down on the header with palm so if it does slip you don't hit anything.

[Jow20]

Thanks taffy bhoy, but already bought one yesterday. £6. Dealer wanted £14!