Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2023 22:41:57 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Overflow reservoir
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6=vcgL8sWL54GTif4r809v2U2H8szBMdgN3wcs9vh0rHQ@mail.gmail.com>
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From everything I've read, "modern" plastic expansion tanks with the blue cap are not nearly the quality of the originals. Either the plastic tank cracks, or the blue cap doesn't provide a pressure tight fit. I've had issues with the original one finally not holding pressure (290K miles). Thus, I bit the bullet and bought the expensive but really solid and well made aluminum expansion tank from Van Cafe. And actually, it was a pretty easy and satisfying job for a non-mechanic like me.
On Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 02:34:14 PM PST, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
thanks Dennis,
The tank behind the license plate is defective. I will check the expansion
tank frequently till I find a shop to replace it.
On Sun, Feb 26, 2023 at 2:26 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> Let's be sure to have the parts description correct. The tank with the
> pressure cap should be referred to as the pressure or expansion tank. The
> tank behind the license plate door is the expansion or recovery tank. Nany
> cars to do not have this tank or feature. For the Vanagon this was likely
> added to accommodate the extra expansion of the 'large" cooling system and
> to also add some visibility of the coolant level during normal operation.
>
> So yes the recovery tank is not needed for operation if all else is
> correct. With out this tank the pressure tank will not remain full. As the
> engine and cooling system heats up the coolant will expand and some will
> exit the pressure cap. As the coolant cools it will contract and the level
> will drop. As it contracts without the recovery tank some air will get
> drawn in. At start up that air will then compress as the coolant expands.
> Depending on the temp extremes some equilibrium will develop. If the volume
> change is excessive you may get a low coolant level on cold start
> indicating a top off may be needed. Operating like this will leave little
> tolerance for a bad pressure cap or other fault in the cooling system.
>
> If the main pressure tank is failed that requires immediate repair.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Dan N
> Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2023 4:28 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Overflow reservoir
>
> hi all,
>
> I understand how the coolant system works on a vanagon... but I have a
> question.
>
> If during a trip the overflow reservoir cracks and leaks out coolant. Is
> it safe to drive with a defective overflow reservoir? (the expansion
> reservoir is full)... If not safe, what are the consequences?
>
> thank you,
>
> dan
>
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