Coolant expansion tank replacement

[JC-986]

Funny you should post this thread, since I'm holding my new tank in my hand and are thinking exactly the same thing. At first glance my new tank does not have a hole for the dip-stick on it (even though it´s marked), so for me getting that hole done it’s the first step. Then comes the hose clamps on the hoses that attach to the old tank, after releasing them I’m pretty sure they’ll be useless, so I already got myself some metal screw clamps to replace the old ones. Then there is the electrical plug that needs to be reused, once the tank is removed. But I’m even thinking that clamping the hoses before they’re released should be enough, meaning probably we won’t even need to drain the coolant from the car at all. Anyway….. I think more than 1 person out there must have done this already..... can you help us both here?

[Viper5]

What a nightmare. I couldn't figure out (and still can't) how to get to those hoses. Luckily, I was able to go a different route. Placed some JB Waterweld over the hole and good as new. Finding the hole underneath was a bit of a problem too, since I had to feel for it.

[deliriousga]

It is a real pain, but it was worth it to me in the end. It took me about 5 hours, but I learned a lot about the car while I was in there that gave me the courage to do every repair on her since then. I wish I could remember how I got the three little hoses connected, but it's been awhile. I remember disconnecting the oil filler hose and being able to reach one or more of them.

I replaced the clamps on the small hoses with stainless screw down clamps which made it easier to put the new hoses back on.

Good luck!