Expansion tank

[Weeduggy]

Sorry if this seems like a daft question but I can't actually see through my expansion tank to check the level of coolant. I can see the level guide on the outside but you just can't see the level. With the cap off I can tell there is some fluid in there but not if it's at the right level. Is this normal or do I have to look at it upside down through squinted eyes or something!!!

Cheers

[Driver+Passengers]

Mine has so badly discoloured that I can't see the level, either. When I had it out, I used a bit of Comma Hyperclean and shook vigorously to remove some flaky sediment from within. But I still can't see a level through it, normally.

I have on occasion put a worklight in the cavity behind the tank to pass light through the tank which shows the level very well, and may end up wiring a bulb or bright LED in there.

[jaylee]

Dip a lolly stick straight down through the filler cap hole. The max line will be 20cm from the tip of the stick...!

[rita]

hi,

I use a simple visi-gauge,no need for bulbs or wires its very simple and accurate.

Cheers.

[Weeduggy]

hi,

I use a simple visi-gauge,no need for bulbs or wires its very simple and accurate.

Cheers.

What's this visi-gauge you speak off. Is it something you install to the tank?

[daveblueozzie]

Use the lolly stick as Jaylee said, or shine a small torch through the top of the tank to see the level, the coolant should be on the full line when engine and coolant is cold.

[winchman]

I have a MacDonalds Glue spreader ( Coffee stirrer) with a line 19mm from the end works fine, I got the 19mm from a post by Haydn, but to be honest about 20mm should be fine, thats 3/4" for the older people LOL

[haydn callow]

A low cooant alarm checks the level is o k every time you switch on the ignition, it lets you know if the level is low and sould you lose coolant whilst driving it will "alarm" and give early warning.

[winchman]

A low cooant alarm checks the level is o k every time you switch on the ignition, it lets you know if the level is low and sould you lose coolant whilst driving it will "alarm" and give early warning.

I know its really good, but my dipstick helps my paranoia LOL
Checked it every day after my recent new radiator and Wales trip, I just did it for piece of mind.
One big thing I found very helpful is the additional temperature gauge I bought from you, its excellent and proves to me alls working well

[jaylee]

Damn... I meant 20mm's in my first post...

[Darkstar]

Looks like everyone was asleep to notice that blooper JayLee

[teenmal]

Damn... I meant 20mm's in my first post...

Whats a couple of inches between friends

[Diplomat]

My tank has stayed clear (as that sort of plasic will ever be) and the level can easily be seen.

What have I, or the previous owner been doing right since 1977?

Top tip for checking the level, whether you can see through the tank or not: Forget lolly sticks, let a Haydn alarm do it for you!


Frank

[briwy]

My tank has stayed clear (as that sort of plasic will ever be) and the level can easily be seen.

What have I, or the previous owner been doing right since 1977?

Top tip for checking the level, whether you can see through the tank or not: Forget lolly sticks, let a Haydn alarm do it for you!


Frank

Oldest Bongo in the world???

[Diplomat]

1997, of course! If they'd been around in '77 I would undoubtedly have wanted one but would not have afforded it!

Frank