Replacing leaking expansion tank

[flora]

The expansion tank on my 1987 1900 petrol Transporter has developed a hairline crack just below the threaded portion, and weeps coolant when under pressure. I have a replacement tank coming from Just Kampers. Will I be able to decouple the hoses from the old tank, couple them up to the new tank, and refill the tank with coolant, or is it more complicated than that?? I don't want to accidentally trap air in the cooling system. Any advice to help avoid a disaster in switch-over will be most welcome!

[jamesakers]

I did it last year, if you angle the tank as you undo the hoses you won't lose much coolant. The "quacking" dalek cap will draw the coolant in to remove any air.

[tonytech]

I did it a few years ago, used a "Turkey baster" to remove as much coolant as I could (so I could reuse it))
Used a few bits of string to hold the top hose out of the way.
I bought my tank from JK and It leaked from day one. Replaced it with a tank from VW. Much better quality.

[Mr Bean]

Yes that's what I did - no problem.
By the way I live on a slope with the front wheels six to eight inches above the rear. So I used cramps and bungs to limit coolant loss and topped up with ready prepared mix. As I am on this slope I find that whenever I do a coolant change or a job involving a partial drain/repair I only have to let it warm up with the radiator bleed open until the escaping air/water is bubble free and all is well.
Mine was split just like yours and in fairness my JK replacement is working well. I used JK as the image exactly matched the one I was replacing.

CS
PS I do most of my work on the slope as I like a bit of space around me but this more or less outlaws Axle stands for fear of getting squished. In any case it frightens me to death seeing the way some people tug at spanners while on axle stands without any other form of protection. Do the sums!

[shrig1969]

Am I the only one whose Dalek cap spout, when tightened, faces away from the header tank? Bit annoying but suppose I am governed by the expansion tank thread

[kevtherev]

I also had to buy a tank from VW
After buying from a Kamper supplier.

[MGP]

One thing I will add is, the cap that comes with tank is only fit for the bin, either use your old one or buy a new quality item, you can get one from your local vw dealer if you can't wait for mail order.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[lodgey62]

Brickwerks my lad.BRICKWERKS

[flora]

Many thanks for the advice and support!

The new tank came today from JK and was swapped over with no problems (Phew!). I siphoned the coolant out of the old reservoir and refilled the new one with it. My only problem was that the old spring clamp on the upper hose didn't produce an adequate seal, and I had to replace it with a jubilee clip, which sorted the leak. Is this a common problem - the bottom spring clip seems fine?

[R0B]

The common problem is buying T3 parts from JK..

Is this a common problem