Do I need an expansion tank with a 186?

[86mud]

HI all

My recently purchased S3 ute is running a holden 186 and has an aftermarket radiator (which needs a recore) but no expansion tank.

Do I need an expansion tank?

Thanks

[JDNSW]

It does not matter which engine is fitted.

Series Landrovers did not have an expansion tank until some time in the late sixties, and even then the tank is not pressurised, as it is on most newer vehicles. The radiator cap provides the pressurisation whether or not there is an expansion tank.

All the tank does is retains coolant which overflows when hot, and allows it to be returned to the radiator as the engine cools. If there is no expansion tank, expect to have to top up the radiator regularly, perhaps weekly, depending on how much driving you do.

John

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Hi Andrew

An expansion tank/overflow bottle are a good idea as it keeps the radiator as full as possible when the temp rises and the coolant expands out of the radiator overflow. When the engine cools down and everything contracts the coolant is drawn back into the radiator.

The ones on the Series are on the atmospheric pressure side so are an overflow bottle which require a special radiator cap designed for an overflow bottle.

When you get the radiator re-cored, make sure they use a 4 core replacement instead of the UK petrol engine spec 3 core as Australian conditions and particularly Holden engines require as much cooling as possible.

Diana

[86mud]

Appreciate the advice everyone.

I will get an expansion tank once I get the radiator recored (4 core)

Thanks once again

[Homestar]

An old juice bottle with a hole drilled in the top works just fine...

Ask me how I know this...

Just depends an how classy you want it to look.

[Sitec]

An old juice bottle with a hole drilled in the top works just fine...

Ask me how I know this...

Just depends an how classy you want it to look.

X2...

[86mud]

hah...I might go a tougher looker - like a gatorade bottle!

[Homestar]

hah...I might go a tougher looker - like a gatorade bottle!

I'm feeling a bit old now - Gatorade wasn't even thought of when I did this 'upgrade' to my old IIa...