Water/Coolant Header Tank Leak

Post by **foxbase** » 19 May 2008, 21:13

Hi all,

I discovered a wet patch on my drive this evening upon returning home from work. Checked patch and it was water/coolant. Investgated further and the header tank appears to have a leak. As far as I can tell its not coming from the cap but the seam where the top and bottom sections of the tank join.

I've read on here after searching that there is a new type of header tank with a proper presure cap. I also checked my haynes and the tank in my van is distinctly different to the one in the manual. Mine is in two parts (as mentioned) fitted together by screws. Its at the seam that the leak seems to be occurring. Funny thing is that its only started leaking probably yesterday. I've been out and about in it all week and noted nothing at all (only had the van a week).

I ran it again tonight for a couple of minutes whilst moving it on my drive and checked underneath again to see it started dripping again.

Does it sound like I have the old style header tank? Is there in fact a new type of tank? Any input greatly received.

Jason

E D I T: Should of also said that I'm not experiencing any over-heating/warning light etc. The level hasn't moved much in the expansion tank either... sitting pretty just above MIN when cold)

Post by **toomanytoys** » 19 May 2008, 21:27

header tanks are not held together with screws...

the tank is held in its bracket by 2 screws..
Does it have a metal pressure cap or a blue plastic one?

the tank will be 15-24 years old... they dont last forever

Post by **foxbase** » 19 May 2008, 21:42

hey there, thanks for the reply!

Thanks for correcting me! I looked like a seam to me! Does it show that much that I don't really have a clue????

Anyways, it has a plastic cap with a pipe built into the cap going to the expansion tank. Does it sound like the original tank to you then?

I take your point about it being old and possibly needs replacing. Is it a big deal? Are these tanks hard to find?

Post by **toomanytoys** » 19 May 2008, 21:47

one of the breakers on here should have one...
its the "later" type in anycase..

Post by **foxbase** » 19 May 2008, 22:00

okay cool (I think)

its in the garage on tuesday for a petrol tank leak so I'll add this to the list of things to mention!

I knew I was too premature in booking my first adventure today!!!

cheers again.

Post by **tonytech** » 20 May 2008, 07:19

Buy a tank from a breaker or VW (comercial outlet) There have been a few people on here that have had trouble with Just campers ones.

Mine leaked from the seam after about 6months (the tank is made in two halves and welded together)

T

Post by **clartsonly** » 20 May 2008, 07:29

I replaced mine with a GSF one and although it appears good at the moment it looks and feels cheap, £25 for the part + you need to bleed the water system, might be worth using it as an excuse to flush the system through and replace the coolant.

Post by **tonytech** » 20 May 2008, 09:17

Mine about £40 from VW good quality.
I managed to change it without having to bleed the system.

T

Post by **foxbase** » 20 May 2008, 09:45

tonytech wrote:Mine leaked from the seam after about 6months (the tank is made in two halves and welded together)

T

That's reassuring thanks! I thought I was being thick when the other chap (above) said they don't come in two halves. I only said what I believed I saw with my eyes!!!!

So your replacement tank - is that also of the same design? Two halves I mean?

Post by **toomanytoys** » 20 May 2008, 09:55

No, I said they are not held together with screws..

Post by **foxbase** » 20 May 2008, 10:06

ahh my bad sorry ! Must re-read things properly. Yes looking again its the whole tank that is screwed down.

Post by **foxbase** » 20 May 2008, 22:11

I checked it out again tonight and gave everything a proper examination. I firstly checked everything was tight and dry and then set off for a spin in order to get the engine nice and warm.

I returned home to find no sign of any leak! I again checked all the hoses where the leak was spotted and checked the header tank. I looked further back this time and found some fluid in the depression where the header tank level sensor attaches. I think it is the sensor at any rate - I will be happy to be corrected (I'm learning here

)

[img:800:600]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a208/ ... y/tank.jpg[/img]

Now this little depression had a bit of a pool developing, I soaked it up and then took these shots. I'm wondering if this little pool was what overflowed on Sunday night and caused my leak by running down the header tank front and causing me to suspect it was coming from the seam of tank.

[img:800:598]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a208/ ... _close.jpg[/img]

As the above pic shows - there was a little bit of bubbling whilst the engine was running. How can I fix this? Not going to guess anything just asking here first!

Cheers

Post by **toomanytoys** » 20 May 2008, 22:19

The tank looks like it has been replaced already, its too clea and unstained and not quite the same colour plastic..
there is a rubber seal/gasket under the level sensor (correct

) you may and ai say may, be able to tighten it a fraction, this may do 1 of 3 things.... 1 stop the leak, 2 make it worse, 3 crack the tank/sensor...

It may be wise to get a new seal and replace...But 1st, If it were mine, I would get a ring spanner/socket to fit and see if it will move a fraction (if it feels tight dont force it..)

Usuall disclamer applies.. I cant feel how tight it is so if you break it, it isnt my fault

Post by **foxbase** » 20 May 2008, 22:30

Wow man! you're fast!!!

Okay advice headed and disclaimer duly noted. I will have a little twist first light - or maybe when I get in tomorrow night.

Cheers again

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 21 May 2008, 07:07

I put a bit of white plumbers tape, cant remember what its called #. to improve the seal around the threads been allright like that for about a year now. just make sure coolant is cold before removing caps and things!