Coolant Header Tank leaking (With built in level sensor)

[Graham1961]

Hi All.

I was wondering if anybody ever fitted a coolant header tank with the built in level sensor ?

The reason is I got mine fitted earlier this year and it works fine (light flashes green when level is fine) however mine's has developed a wee leak from where the black plug screws into the moulded block at the bottom which I noticed at Scone...and the coolant has been running down the wiring.

I e-mailed the manufacterer and he said it might be repairable with Loctite.

I would like to keep this tank as the level sensor is very reassuring to have (with no leaks that is)

What I would like to ask is...Has anyone else had a coolant loss from these header tanks ?

[chipsceola]

Yes, opinion was that OAT coolant eats into the sealer causing a slight weeping, eventually corrodes the wires and you get false negatives/positives, EG. the red flashes dimly even when level is correct. Tried several recommended fixes and eventually gave up and removed it all replacing with a standard header tank.

While the system looked good when new, the later digital temperature gauge proved to a better bet with live readings via the K-Bus (OBD) and visible / audible warnings of any rise of temp into danger area.

[Graham1961]

Originally Posted by chipsceola

Yes, opinion was that OAT coolant eats into the sealer causing a slight weeping, eventually corrodes the wires and you get false negatives/positives, EG. the red flashes dimly even when level is correct. Tried several recommended fixes and eventually gave up and removed it all replacing with a standard header tank.

While the system looked good when new, the later digital temperature gauge proved to a better bet with live readings via the K-Bus (OBD) and visible / audible warnings of any rise of temp into danger area.

Thanks very much....funnily enough the warning light would on occations glow red intermittently, but I stopped a couple of times to check coolant on way back from Scone Palace and level was alright, the car did'nt overheat as I ran my trip meter in temp gauge mode and it was fine, going to have to remove tank and put old one back in, shame as I liked the reassurance of the level sensor.

Anti freeze has been changed to blue.

[Yella Fella]

Graham, PM sent with possible solution to your wee leak.

[stevestrat]

I could understand the leaking seals if your car still had OAT but you changed it before the tank was fitted. Did you speak to Jim (Vindaloo) about it? His was fitted long before yours, I believe Sid (Godfer) now has the car.

If you want to switch back to the original tank, at least til we investigate the leak, give me a shout.

[chipsceola]

Originally Posted by GRAHAM1961

Thanks very much....funnily enough the warning light would on occations glow red intermittently, but I stopped a couple of times to check coolant on way back from Scone Palace and level was alright, the car did'nt overheat as I ran my trip meter in temp gauge mode and it was fine, going to have to remove tank and put old one back in, shame as I liked the reassurance of the level sensor.

Anti freeze has been changed to blue.

Apparently due to earthing caused by the weeping coolant, I discussed at the time and subsequently with both Vindaloo and Jack (the mnfr) and mine was not the only one with this problem. The E-Zee digital temp gauge takes its data from the OBD and is displayed all the time without requiring all that F&F about. ( See Jim, Vindaloo for current info)

[Yella Fella]

I know it does a fab job but the E-Zee gauge needs re designing. Its too big, bulky and it looks like it feel off a 1970's time meachine.



Surely there is a modern slimeline alternative?

YF

[Graham1961]

Originally Posted by stevestrat

I could understand the leaking seals if your car still had OAT but you changed it before the tank was fitted. Did you speak to Jim (Vindaloo) about it? His was fitted long before yours, I believe Sid (Godfer) now has the car.

If you want to switch back to the original tank, at least til we investigate the leak, give me a shout.

Yes Steve I did pm Jim (Vindaloo) and the guy who actually made them, had an e-mail the now from the maker who has said heat and vibration could slacken the black plug also advised trying Loctite superglue and some PTFE tape, as much as I like the level sensor, I would rather have a tank that does'nt leak.

I can bring my car out anytime, except Wed morning as I am getting my Yaris serviced at Macmerry, but available any other time.

[stevestrat]

How about Friday or the weekend, weather permitting.

[Graham1961]

Originally Posted by stevestrat

How about Friday or the weekend, weather permitting.

Are you available on Thursday Steve ?