Header Tank.

mikelamb · Post by **mikelamb** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:47 am

Just wondering how available a new header tank would be. Mine has gone to the stage where you can't see through it. I have just had the coolant replaced and it would be nice to be able to see the level without having to open the lid. I don't think I would be able to clean it enough to get a decent result.
Cheers,
Mike.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:49 am

Mike...I have sent you a PM

BonGoRANT · Post by **BonGoRANT** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:19 pm

Hi Lads
Mine is in the kitchen sink, filled with bleach hoping to remove the staining.
Any proven method would be MUCH APPRECIATED.
Regards
Bongorant

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:34 pm

I have tried most things including plastic kettle descaler. Nothing has worked. The staining IMHO is caused by a previous overheating event which boils all the sediment gunge out into the system.
I have a solution and I expect I will be accused of self interest.
I have bought a few 2nd hand tanks and they cost around £25/30 plus around £5 post and packing. 4 out of 5 of these tanks were just as bad and stained. Not possible to see the level.
You can either make yourself a Dip Stick.
or
Fit a coolant alarm which will constantly monitor the level in the tank for you and at the same time warn you if this level drops for any reason which could lead to overheating.
This advice is offered with your best intrests in mind.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:36 pm

BongoRANT.. Try not to introduce any air into your system when refitting tank.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:46 pm

Or fit a backlight- I thik it was either madmile or Doone who said shining a torch in the dark worked, but I'll bet a bright light behind it will work even in daylight. But Haydn is right (shameless self publicist though he is, with some justification). Once a coolant level alarm is fitted, two birds lie stone dead, felled by the one stone.

mikelamb · Post by **mikelamb** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:30 pm

Hi All,
I decided to give up on the cleaning or replacement tank and go for the coolant alarm instead. Although it was my intention to fit a coolant alarm I thought it would still be nice to see the coolant level for topping up ect. Anyway the alarm is now fitted and working fine so thanks to haydn for all your help with this small issue.
Mike.

daveblueozzie · Post by **daveblueozzie** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:39 pm

when you take the top off the tank , if you look inside you will see that the coolant level is the same as a plastic edge running on the inside, so all you have to do is fill up to this level, if you cannot see the level from the outside.