Coolant expansion tank quick fix??

[winber55]

Have just taken van out for a run and noticed smoke coming out of back. Turns out its a leak in the expansion tank and coolant is dripping onto the exhaust causing the smoke. My question is, is there a quick way of sealing the leak for the short term? we need the van tomorrow to pick up some furniture. Thanks in adnce

[R0B]

there is no quick fix.the tank is under a lot of pressure.and anything your likely to block the leak with will fail..imo

[tonytech]

If the leak is from the join between the two halves of the tank, then you could try removing the tank and running a flame along the lip,
I've got a crappy JK tank that I've fixed like this. (although I've got a VW one in the van at the moment)

T

[Mocki]

hot soldering iron if its on the seam, if its not, forget it!

dont be tempted to use radweld or any "pooh" like it, or you'll be looking for a new rad before winter too!

[clartsonly]

just take some water with you to top it up

I drove mine unknowningly with a split in for about 8 months, topping it up replacing caps, rebleading it. until I saw a tiny split near the neck.

[winber55]

Managed fine by making sure we had plenty of water with us and topping up on arrival. Didn't lose much at all in the end but still needs mending. Have got a new tank from GSF and am hoping to fit it tonight. Is there anything i should be aware of in advance? Is it an easy job?
Thanks for your replies

[tonytech]

Fairly easy, just keep the hoses pointing upwards, you wont loose much coolant or need to bleed the system.

Some of the spring clips can be a bugger to get off, I ended up using a small G clamp to compress the lugs.
T

[winber55]

Thanks for that tip! Worked a treat! Job done so now we have peace of mind going to swanage for the weekend.