Counterfeit radiator cap!

[tap4154]

My truck's about 7 to 8 years old, so I figured I'd get a new cap. Surfing Amazon I found this one that looks identical to the factory cap. The writing looks the same, the shape is the same, and it even says assembled in Mexico on it.

I almost clicked order, but checked around a bit more. I found basically the same cap listed elsewhere where someone tested it and said it wouldn't even hold 13 pounds, and was made in China. I asked on the site where it was made, because it wasn't listed, even though it says assembled on Mexico on the cap. I finally got a reply and they said China. It actually looks like they used a factory cap to duplicate it, but the guts are substandard. The bait almost hooked me! JFYI

I ended up ordering a Gates cap that has a safety lever on it, but it's not here yet.

 

[mdc1990zr1]

My truck's about 7 to 8 years old, so I figured I'd get a new cap. Surfing Amazon I found this one that looks identical to the factory cap. The writing looks the same, the shape is the same, and it even says assembled in Mexico on it.

I almost clicked order, but checked around a bit more. I found basically the same cap listed elsewhere where someone tested it and said it wouldn't even hold 13 pounds, and was made in China. I asked on the site where it was made, because it wasn't listed, even though it says assembled on Mexico on the cap. I finally got a reply and they said China. It actually looks like they used a factory cap to duplicate it, but the guts are substandard. The bait almost hooked me! JFYI

I ended up ordering a Gates cap that has a safety lever on it, but it's not here yet.

That "S" stamped on there is from Stant manufacturing. They may have used a picture from Stant as they are now defunct after being bought by MotoRad.

 

[tap4154]

That "S" stamped on there is from Stant manufacturing. They may have used a picture from Stant as they are now defunct after being bought by MotoRad.

That S is also on my OEM cap. I was wondering if you order the cap if it looks completely different when you get it, and they just used a picture of an OEM one. In fact in one of the reviews they don't show the top, but they show the bottom and the shape is different. What caught my attention was that it was shaped just like the OEM with all the same writing.

https://a.co/d/0BFe0ws

 

[Magfan2]

Am I missing a turn here? Radiator caps, gas caps functional for most vehicles at any brick and mortar auto parts store, and I live way out in the boonies!

 

[tap4154]

Am I missing a turn here? Radiator caps, gas caps functional for most vehicles at any brick and mortar auto parts store, and I live way out in the boonies!

Very true, but rather than make a trip to the auto parts store for one item, sometimes it's nice just to order it online. Especially when I can use reward points from my Amazon Prime credit card to purchase it. And I don't carry a balance on that credit card, I have it set to auto pay the balance every month. I use it like a debit card, and that way I gain reward points without accumulating interest.

Back to the thread topic, interestingly I found the exact same cap listed as Gates. It was originally $32, but now they're selling it for $7.99. Then I found the Gates that I ordered, that has a red pressure release lever, listed as a Stant. I guess brand names don't mean anything anymore.

 

[tap4154]

This is funny. I discovered that the Gates one I ordered with the red safety lever is actually made by Motorad, and I found it sold as Motorad for about five bucks. I also found it under a few other brand names. I canceled it and bought an OEM Mopar. I don't need no stinkin' red lever... Another funny thing is Amazon says this cap will not fit my 2018 Ram, but I checked the part number and it will. This has happened before with the "Amazon fit".

 

[Magfan2]

Cap italism for sure!

 

[Rlaf75]

I cant imagine there being more than only a couple manufacturer's of radiator caps. I'd be more concerned with the pressure rating than the manufacturer

 

[tap4154]

I cant imagine there being more than only a couple manufacturer's of radiator caps. I'd be more concerned with the pressure rating than the manufacturer

That's true, but you want to make sure that the pressure rating is real. As I mentioned, the first one, that looks like an exact copy of my 16 psi OEM cap, one reviewer tested it and said it couldn't even hold 13 psi. I've seen many less than glowing reviews for motorad caps as well, so that's why I decided to get a Mopar. For all I know it might be made by Motorad, but at least the quality and specs should be up to par, I would hope...

 

[Rlaf75]

That's true, but you want to make sure that the pressure rating is real. As I mentioned, the first one, that looks like an exact copy of my 16 psi OEM cap, one reviewer tested it and said it couldn't even hold 13 psi. I've seen many less than glowing reviews for motorad caps as well, so that's why I decided to get a Mopar. For all I know it might be made by Motorad, but at least the quality and specs should be up to par, I would hope...

I personally would've just gone to my local auto parts store and bought one.

 

[tap4154]

I personally would've just gone to my local auto parts store and bought one.

As I mentioned, I'm purchasing it with CC reward points, and have Amazon gift cards. Also have a virus from a family Christmas gathering last Sunday so I am not shopping in person right now, to avoid spreading it.

 

[Dean2]

As I mentioned, I'm purchasing it with CC reward points, and have Amazon gift cards. Also have a virus from a family Christmas gathering last Sunday so I am not shopping in person right now, to avoid spreading it.

Have to question how valuable those reward points are when 60% of what Amazon now sells is counterfeit and they refuse to do anything about it even when you send proof. I won't order auto parts from Amazon, EVER.

 

[Grams]

Have to question how valuable those reward points are when 60% of what Amazon now sells is counterfeit and they refuse to do anything about it even when you send proof. I won't order auto parts from Amazon, EVER.

From Where / Source do you get the figure of 60%?

I buy many of my parts via Prime and have never had a problem with counterfeiting. Spark plugs, filters, suspension, tires, lubricants, gaskets & seals, ..All have been exactly as described and Genuine.

 

[tap4154]

Have to question how valuable those reward points are when 60% of what Amazon now sells is counterfeit and they refuse to do anything about it even when you send proof. I won't order auto parts from Amazon, EVER.

If you get fake parts from Amazon just send them back. I do returns all the time with no problem. You just have to be very careful.