Freightliner rear radiator surge tank.

jgore · 10-18-2008, 03:43 PM

Has anyone replaced the surge tank on a rear radiator Freightliner. Did you do it yourself or a service center? If you did it yourself, how difficult and where did you get the tank. I am about to be off on a 20 month trip and was thinking on having one in "stock" in case it was needed.

jgore · 10-18-2008, 03:43 PM

Has anyone replaced the surge tank on a rear radiator Freightliner. Did you do it yourself or a service center? If you did it yourself, how difficult and where did you get the tank. I am about to be off on a 20 month trip and was thinking on having one in "stock" in case it was needed.

W8RLM · 10-18-2008, 03:48 PM

Friend of mine just replaced his. I don't know where he got it, but he said that it was no fun. Had to remove it from the inside - under the bed. He thinks that his failed from exposure to the sun - ultraviolet made it brittle. Suggest that you put some foil in front of the tank to extend the life.

Good Luck

W8RLM - Bob

jgore · 10-18-2008, 03:57 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by W8RLM - Bob:
Friend of mine just replaced his. I don't know where he got it, but he said that it was no fun. Had to remove it from the inside - under the bed. He thinks that his failed from exposure to the sun - ultraviolet made it brittle. Suggest that you put some foil in front of the tank to extend the life.

Thanks Bob, That sounds like a good idea. Maybe should had done that when bought. But then, I did not know of the problem with the tank.

Good Luck

W8RLM - Bob </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

MrTransistor · 10-18-2008, 04:07 PM

Hi jgore,

Yes, ours started leaking in January of 2007 and we had to replace it. Got the tank at Freightliner and installed it myself. Quite hard to do by yourself but manageable and from the rear. Took two gallons of red antifreeze plus the tank. I also replaced the hose clamps to the radiator with a much better type to stop them from weeping.

The SURGE TANK I purchased was Freightliner part number 020F/A05-17076-000 at $167.25. The COOLANT-ELC was Freightliner part number 202K/2388648 at $10.70 per gallon.

LK23 · 10-18-2008, 08:04 PM

I replaced my tank this past Summer and I could not be more pleased. To see photos of my installation go to this web site:

Surge Tank Install

RedT · 10-19-2008, 04:10 AM

Replaced mine last month while in the area replacing fan belts. The exposed area of the tank (visible from the back of the coach) failed to withstand the Arizona sun exposure. Replacement is not a big job - just four bolts, three hoses and a quick-disconnect electrical connector.

Access to the tank is quite awkward, however. One cannot remove it from the back (outside) however I had to remove the flashing on top of the radiator in order to gain access to the two rear tank bolts and nuts. If you have someone to assist, the job is much easier.

I purchased the tank from Freightliner ($93)and, after installation, fabricated a "sun-guard" to protect from sun exposure. Freightliner quoted me $93 plus 3.5 hours labor, so I figure I saved a few bucks doing it myself.

rotts4u · 10-20-2008, 05:17 AM

After reading all of this about UV damage, I got some HVAC foil high strength tape and worked on mine.

First I cleaned it with a degreaser and then taped it up completely with the foil tape. I covered everything that faces the sun through the rear grill. I am hoping the tape holds up to the heat as it is made to be used in Attics etc. Hopefully the rear where the tank is will not be too hot since it is behind the radiator.

Jestme13 · 10-20-2008, 06:37 PM

I would think that just adding a rubber flap, ( old inner tube, etc ) should save the tank from those dreaded UV rays. That's what I'm doing.

smlranger · 10-21-2008, 06:32 AM

Those dreaded UV rays will also weaken the plastic power steering fluid reservoir as I just discovered. The plastic L connector on mine snapped off and dumped all the fluid. A short (approx 1") stub remained so I was able to repair by adding a short piece of hose.

My coolant recovery tank has many small cracks so I plan to have the nice folks at Gaffney replace that early next year. Probably a good time for new coolant hoses and a complete flush and fill anyway $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

RedT · 10-21-2008, 09:24 AM

On delivery of my Meridian in '04, I didn't like the 'looks' of the power steering reservoir and fuel filter showing from the rear of the coach, so I fabricated a cover just to improve the asthetics......they have proven to be adequate sun shields as well. Since then I fabricated a sun shield to protect the surge tank from the Arizona sun. Shoulda, coulda done that back in '04 and saved a few $$$!

Johnrc · 10-22-2008, 06:40 AM

I bought one at Delta Truck French Camp,CA (Freightliner Dealer) $85.00
Mine desenagrated too only 3 years old. Going to attempt to replace it myself.

909dude · 10-23-2008, 04:00 PM

I just paid my local Freightliner Oasis shop to replace my surge tank. It was not a fun job. Mine is much flatter and more difficult to R&R. Sounds like a common problem.