Surge tank mod

[work2play]

I have a 2003 34 FDDS with the ISC 350. The surge tank is mounted to the engine directly behind the alternator. I the tank has cracked for the second time between the mounting bracket and the tank. To me this just looks like a very poor design considering it is mounted to the engine which is going to have a considerable amount of vibration. To fix this problem I am considering cutting off the existing mounting bracket and having the tank repaired. Then have a new bracket mounted to it so the tank would be located to the right of the hydraulic filter stack. I would be sure that the tank would be mounted at the existing height and extend all hose to the new location.

Pros: hopefully by mounting to the frame appose to the engine the vibration would be less and avoid any future leaks. Also by moving it to the right their would be more room to work on changing belts, alternator, oil fill, etc..

Cons: because the tank will now be oriented front to back instead of side to side the looking glass will not be easily viewable. The tank would probably be within an inch of the side of the motor compartment so I am not sure how the heat transfer will be to the heat shielding.

Has anyone else had this problem and if so what solutions have already been attempted? Do you think it is ok to just extend the hoses with brass couplers opposed to replacing the full length of hose?

Thanks for all of your comments.

-work2play

[iron mike]

Worktoplay: My surge tank brackets at 15k + miles had to be repaired with thicker aluminum plates and the tank repaired also. No problems since then. The tank was returned to the original location. We have about 32K on the beast so far. Mike E. 2003 38' Alpine.

PS The motor home has been over the Alcan several times since repair.