Coolant tank leaking. Time to replace?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Coolant tank leaking. Time to replace?
My coolant tank is leaking fluid from this thing (circled in red)
(Got this picture from the Internet. My tank is still on the car.)
What is this thing anyways?
I'm assuming I'll probably have to replace my coolant tank.
(Got this picture from the Internet. My tank is still on the car.)
What is this thing anyways?
I'm assuming I'll probably have to replace my coolant tank.
Last edited by SFL_driver; Feb 22, 2013 at 11:24 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
Yes, I replaced mine last year when it leaked from the top inlet, the plastic nipple cracked at the nipple to top black tank cover, it was spraying out like old faithful. It's an easy replace, just be careful you don't put pressure on the new nipple when re-installing, you may crack it again..
Note: There is a brass tube inside the plastic nipple but if the plastic cracks due to pressure bending the hose or leaning down on the nipple, CRACK it goes... I think the plastic gets hard with age and the temp. Good luck
Note: There is a brass tube inside the plastic nipple but if the plastic cracks due to pressure bending the hose or leaning down on the nipple, CRACK it goes... I think the plastic gets hard with age and the temp. Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
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From: Waldorf MD
Yep a new tank is the way to go. Mine leaked, I tried to repair with a waterproof epoxy, but I guess due to the pressure (or the slippery plastic tank), it did not hold.
New tank was $70-80.
New tank was $70-80.
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I would just replace the entire overflow tank - you can get a good price from places like gmpartshouse.com.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
I think something plugs into it a connector (wires not a hose) to indicate low level.. The top nipple gets leaned on when working on the car so be careful, don't put your hands and press down on that nipple. I would like to see an all aluminum tank made but I haven't seen one of those around yet. Plus the stock are custome made to fit that location with that weird shape. Most overflow are just square or tube containes.. Check ebay they have good prices on NEW tanks.. Good luck.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 580
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From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
I think something plugs into it a connector (wires not a hose) to indicate low level.. The top nipple gets leaned on when working on the car so be careful, don't put your hands and press down on that nipple. I would like to see an all aluminum tank made but I haven't seen one of those around yet. Plus the stock are custome made to fit that location with that weird shape. Most overflow are just square or tube containes.. Check ebay they have good prices on NEW tanks.. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 580
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From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Alright from what I've been reading the 2000+ models don't have a sensor that gets plugged in. Which explains why I couldn't find a connector. I'm just going to go ahead and order a new tank.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
Great, was un-aware the 2000 didn't have it.. here's a pic of my 99 C5... As you can see a electrical connection is made at the point... I wonder how the 2000 year models indicated the coolent level and what did they use to sense it... Good luck.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
I believe I read something on here last night that said the sensor is located just in front of the driver side head, behind the alternator. On the C6s I think they don't even have a sensor, they use an algorithm.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,032
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From: Del Boca Vista FL
Order a new tank from GM Partshouse. If you are unaware of the age of your coolant hoses order them also and replace at the same time. While the tank is out everything is right in front of you and in the open for easy access. Do it now, do it once and be done with it for another ten years.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,338
Likes: 1,591
From: Western NY
Order a new tank from GM Partshouse. If you are unaware of the age of your coolant hoses order them also and replace at the same time. While the tank is out everything is right in front of you and in the open for easy access. Do it now, do it once and be done with it for another ten years.
I have an '01, and did the hose replacement/tank replacement 2 years ago. Even though I change my coolant every 3-4 years, there is always a bit of sediment that settles in the bottom of the expansion tank. There are are little "baffles", that allow the crud to settle and stay out of circulation, but once this crud hardens, it wont flush out.
My tank wasn't leaking, but all that crud bothered me, so I just replaced the tank....