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Expansion tank (Coolant Reservoir) questions

 
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Patrick  



Joined: 05 Dec 2007
Posts: 278
Location: Manila, PHILIPPINES

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 12:29 am    Post subject: Expansion tank (Coolant Reservoir) questions Reply with quote

Hello All!
I`m just trying to understand something about the Coolant Reservoir of the 924. Can i safely assume that it functions as an extension of the top header tank (since it also has a pressurized cap and overflow tube)?

If it does, then shouldnt the overflow tube be connected to a coolant recovery tank so no coolant is wasted? Or is the expansion tank of a nature that you loose minimum amounts of coolant out the overflow tube as compared to the radiator setup without an expansion tank or even a coolant recovery tank (so coolant just drips out to the ground)?

I sure would prefer to minimize coolant loss (at least till my next coolant change) given our extremely hot tropical temp.. Anyone care to enlighten me on this? Thank You!
patrick
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!tom  



Joined: 28 Aug 2006
Posts: 1941
Location: Victoria, BC Canada

PostPosted: Sun May 19, 2013 1:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The expansion tank is just that; a tank that allows for the expansion of the coolant. There is a maximum fill line so that there is room for air in the tank.

A properly working system won't let coolant go out the overflow tube as the coolant level shouldn't get that high.

The system works differently than the type that uses the external tank. An external tank system is filled so that the coolant level goes up to the cap, whereas the expansion tank system allows for some air between the coolant and the cap.
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Patrick  



Joined: 05 Dec 2007
Posts: 278
Location: Manila, PHILIPPINES

PostPosted: Mon May 20, 2013 12:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the response tom! I understand the part about having a good amount of airspace between the coolant and the overflow tube, thus not allowing any coolant to go out the overflow hose.

But i was thinking more of times when the engine would be running hot enough to open the expansion tank cap`s safety valve and thus allow coolant to exit the overflow tube? Or does this happen only when the engine is close to or is already overheating? thanks again!
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!tom  



Joined: 28 Aug 2006
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Location: Victoria, BC Canada

PostPosted: Mon May 20, 2013 1:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Coolant should only go out the overflow tube if you have over filled the coolant, or some other sort of failure.
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ideola  



Joined: 01 Oct 2004
Posts: 15550
Location: Spring Lake MI

PostPosted: Mon May 20, 2013 6:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

!tom wrote:
Coolant should only go out the overflow tube if you have over filled the coolant, or some other sort of failure.

+1. If your fan relay is disconnected or the resistor is not functioning correctly such that the post-shut-down cycle doesn't work, it is likely that coolant will expand and overflow on shutdown. Otherwise, if coolant is coming out of the overflow tube, there is something wrong elsewhere in the system (like blown headgasket, worn out reservoir cap, or air in the system) that is not allowing the system to stay properly pressurized and causing an overheat condition.
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Patrick  



Joined: 05 Dec 2007
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PostPosted: Mon May 20, 2013 11:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ok my questions are answered, thank you both!
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