Found my coolant leak 😐

[blue62]

Originally Posted by JBauer

I'm going to replace it myself unless it's harder than it looks. Watched a few videos. I think, hope, I can do it..

Not difficult if you approach it right.
I went in from underneath to get most of the hoses loose.
took the aluminum plate off to gain access.
a few of the hoses are easier to get to if you pull them into the trunk with the tank then take them off.
After you do it once and see how you should have done it... I think it can be done in 45 minutes to an hour.

[rexcramer]

Disclaimer; I have never tried/done this myself. I remember a thread from somebody who just cut the leaky tank into pieces to remove it. Instead of trying to take it out in one piece. IIRC it makes it easier to access some of the connections/clamps from the top side.

[Steelepuls]

If you still have the factory clamps, it’s worth the money to buy the special tool that removes them. Makes the removal and replacement Of the clamps much easier than channel locks or pliers. While your in there, check and replace the oil filler tube. Mine cracked while I was replacing the coolant tank. Good luck man.

[dghii]

Originally Posted by rexcramer

Disclaimer; I have never tried/done this myself. I remember a thread from somebody who just cut the leaky tank into pieces to remove it. Instead of trying to take it out in one piece. IIRC it makes it easier to access some of the connections/clamps from the top side.

+1 on this idea...

You can do this. I did mine all from above, except for draining coolant.

take pictures
Taking old tank out doesn't take that long, even less time cutting it up.

Using the remove hose pliers helps helps a lot with install.

[Starter986]

OK. Removing clamps... bring the hoses into the trunk... etc.

Couldn't those hoses on the engine side just be cut. In half. And replaced as part of the install of the new tank?

I'll read about guys replacing their AOS... getting all hung up on removing the bellows... the rubber part at the very bottom of the old AOS. It can be a pain to get the clamp off. Me? I just cut mine in half for it was going to be replaced anyhow.

So... along those lines... couldn't those engine-side hoses just be cut close to the tank... remove the tank... toss the tank... replace tank including new hoses?

No? Incorect? Am I missing something?

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by Starter986

OK. Removing clamps... bring the hoses into the trunk... etc.

Couldn't those hoses on the engine side just be cut. In half. And replaced as part of the install of the new tank?

I'll read about guys replacing their AOS... getting all hung up on removing the bellows... the rubber part at the very bottom of the old AOS. It can be a pain to get the clamp off. Me? I just cut mine in half for it was going to be replaced anyhow.

So... along those lines... couldn't those engine-side hoses just be cut close to the tank... remove the tank... toss the tank... replace tank including new hoses?

No? Incorect? Am I missing something?

I wondered about this approach. Must be a problem because I'm not finding much on it.

Thanks for all the tips. I'll post my progress.

[kk2002s]

Definitely get cable pliers. I found taking old out is not the headache, it's getting all the clamps, oil fill tube on after the new is in place. Those items on the engine side of the trunk wall. Basically laying under the car and using the cable pliers to re-attach and clamp everything. At some point this part can't be avoided. The oil fill tube will be potentially brittle by this time in it's life

[JBauer]

Got me engine uncovered. Thankfully it all fit through will my top in place. After looking at the inside I see what a tight fit this is. Quick question though. What's this bracket? Seems to serve no purpose.