Thread: Alloy header tank

they'd wanna be ... for the price

Well after forkig out nearly 10g for a new engine $250 for a new tank is cheap insurance after my last one split.

Well after forkig out nearly 10g for a new engine $250 for a new tank is cheap insurance after my last one split.

I think what you have to establish here is cause and effect.

IMHO, most split header tanks are caused by excess pressure in the cooling system. So it is the fault that blows up the motor that also blows up the reservoir.
I was going to post here that since I changed the head gaskets in my 92RRC 3.9 over three years and 40KK ago, I have used about 50CC of water.

If you have a V8 and you have to top up the water AT ALL and you cannot see any leaks anywhere, then you have a problem somewhere that will eventually cost you big bucks. It is probably better to bite the bullet and have the head gaskets done before it overheats and maybe slips a liner.
I changed mine because I used a header of water, and crawling underneath I could see it coming out between the head and block behind the power steering pump.
So if it uses water AT ALL then fix it. It is NOT normal to use a bit.
Regards Philip A

I would have got one last year when I replaced my black tank,
But I din't know you could get them in Austraila a that time.
(with out importing them)

Philip I agree what you are saying however plastics do deteriate after time so would prefer a metal one. My case is have just rebuilt my engine (Have not picked it up from the engineers yet) and need to replace the header tank as old one is stuffed and about $100 to replace it with another plastic one since have spent the coin for a new engine might as well not skimp on the other little things that down the track could turn into big things. Just wondering if anyone has fitted one and if they have had any problems with fit etc.

Cheers

Go to a Volvo wrecker and get one from a 144. Get the mounting bracket as well. These are translucent plastic, tough as a slum landlady, last forever, fit almost any vehicle, and should not cost more than $10. I have put them on Valiants, Ford Escorts, Red Holdens, and my County. Volvo have a 4lb cap on them but I have run them with 15lb caps for twenty+ years with no problems.

Brian, don't you remember the last time this topic raised its ugly head. The guy put in a Volvo header and it split the next day. LOL

I dunno, maybe its better to find a dud sleeve or head gasket with a plastic tank than split a radiator with a stronger alloy tank.

On balance I think I would go plastic , if mine ever dies. But then its only lasted 17 years so they are a bit sus.
Regards Philip A

I'd rather have the tank split and give me some notice than fit an overpriced alloy tank that causes a hose to split instead and stuff the donk.Mine lasted 10 years so yeh I don't have a problem fitting another plastic one. Pat