Car coolant expansion tank

Expansion tank is a part of cooling system. For modern cars is used a system of cooling that works with antifreeze. This antifreeze expands when temperature rises. As cooling liquid circulation is a closed process, expansion tank is made as an additional tank. When cooling liquid gets cold it flows into the system of cooling liquid circulation. The expansion tank usually is situated at the top of the under hood space, so it is easy to find it.

Because of nonhermetic closing of the tank, antifreeze can flow out. If it happens so, you need to find the hole. Sometimes it is difficult to find the hole if it is very small. When the engine is cold pressure is not high enough, but when it warms, antifreeze flows out. The small hole may be packed. When it is big, it is necessary to change the whole expansion tank. It isn’t difficult to change it, but before you start, you need to pour off some of cooling liquid.

After you nest a new expansion tank fill it up with new antifreeze. You need to pay attention to the car manufacturer service instruction. Before you install the new tank follow it step-by-step. First, make sure if the expansion tank is the reason of breakdown. In the cooling liquid circulation system a hole can appear in many places. You also have possibility to order other parts for your car. If you need the following parts to repair the car: independent suspension joint, turbo-charger, wiper, gear, absorber or nozzle for washer, you can easily find them in our online shop.

How to detect a fault of the coolant expansion tank

The cap and valves of the component are to be tested every 4 months. Start with checking correctness of the component location, then proceed to valve diagnostics. The component should be checked for defects and rust. To check that the valve is functioning correctly, apply pressure to it. The symptom of good order will be the distinctive whistling when the valve is pressed in, and the sucking sound when the valve is released. Next, inspect the plug of the component. Make sure it has no deposits and rust. Check pressure. The pressure value can vary between 80 and 120 kPa. Inspect the housing of the component. It should not have traces of leakage. They are the symptoms of cracked surface.

You may notice that the Coolant tank needs diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• the engine gets overheated;
• coolant is pushed out of the expansion tank;
• air locks;
• intensive vapor formation;
• significantly increased coolant consumption;
• swelling of the expansion tank walls;
• decreased coolant boiling point;
• the expansion tank overflows when the vehicle is driven;
• weakened clamps of the connection pipe;
• leaking radiator.

Reasons of coolant expansion tank faults

The most typical fault of the component is loss of tightness of the housing. As a rule, it is caused by constant exposure to high temperature and pressure. Defects of the housing may also be caused by poor quality of the plastic used for manufacturing the expansion tank, factory defect, improper installation, or impacts in road accidents. Poor quality antifreeze greatly accelerates wear of the plug.

Repairing theWater tank radiator

Repair can only remove minor damages. First, clean clogged valves and the cap. If the cap gasket is worn out, a new one may be installed on top of it. However, this will not solve the problem for long: the cap will have to be replaced soon. If the valves are damaged, or rust is present, the plug is to be replaced. Small cracks on the housing may be removed with a soldering iron, or a special device for soldering plastic. In order to avoid repeated defects, the surface is reinforced.

Replacing the Coolant recovery reservoir

On average, the service life of the component is up to three years. If tightness is lost, the component is considerably damaged, the tank is leaking in some places, the component is to be replaced. To do that, you will need a kit of wrenches, hoses, a screwdriver, pliers, and a file. First, using a file, smooth out the locations where the hose is attached. Next, remove the canister and drain antifreeze. Next, the faulty tank is removed, and the evaporation hose is installed on the new component. After that, connection pipes are connected, clamps are tightened, and the system is filled with new coolant.