Radiator Surge Tank Old and New

[bob109]

Spent several hours replacing my Radiator Surge Tank today. With the help of my briother-in-law, we had the task done in less than two hours. Glad the replacement is done as it adds some "piece of mind" as the old tank had considerable "spider cracking" across the front of the tank. The UV really plays heck with the plastic material. Removed the floor in my bedroom closet which provided plenty of access/working area for the project. Siphoned just over a gallon of anti-freeze, loosened and removed 4 ea. hoses, unhooked the coolent sensor connector and removed the 4 ea. 9/16 mounting bolts and out came the tank.

Here's a few pics of the Old/New Tank

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/...fef0757c_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/...b4c1e7b9_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/...be7cb1e2_z.jpg

Pics of the "spider cracking"

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/...b816815f_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/...fb922e58_z.jpg

Cost of the new tank was $102.25 which included tax. The old tank was the OEM with a manufacture date of 10/00.

[FleetMan]

Different vehicle, same plastic tank cracking problem. I recently replaced the degas tank (plastic coolant expansion tank) on my Ford F250 diesel for the same problem. That vehicle does not allow any sunlight or UV rays to get to the tank. I think the problem is caused more from the heat and the coolant rather than UV rays. On my MH, the coolant expanson tank is changing colors while the hydraulic reservoir, which is closer to the grill opening is as clear looking as the day we brought it home.

[bob109]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FleetMan Different vehicle, same plastic tank cracking problem. I recently replaced the degas tank (plastic coolant expansion tank) on my Ford F250 diesel for the same problem. That vehicle does not allow any sunlight or UV rays to get to the tank. I think the problem is caused more from the heat and the coolant rather than UV rays. On my MH, the coolant expanson tank is changing colors while the hydraulic reservoir, which is closer to the grill opening is as clear looking as the day we brought it home.

Freightline has had a reoccuring problem with their surge tanks developing spider cracking. In the case of my tank, it had completely discolored but the only signs of cracking were on the front face of the tank. That is the area which is constantly exposed to sunlight. If engine/collent heat were the problem, the entire tank would have evidence of cracking. To help remedy the problem of UV induced cracking, I fabed a UV Shielf from rectangular PVC Rain Gutter Piping which covers to front face of the surge tank. It's held in place with a wire tie. Also made a PVC cover for the hydraulic tank which is located directly below the surge tank. That shild is held in place with 2 ea. 1/4-20 nylon bolts.

Her's some pics for clarity

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/...ab17757a_z.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2688/...44318757_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/...55e76e3f_z.jpg

[Fred Cooper]

Bob
Thanks for the idea and pictures. Clever idea that I'm going to use.

Fred