Expansion tank cleaning

[Sparky6911]

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips for cleaning the inside of my expansion tank as mine is so orange I can only check the coolant level by taking the cap off.

Also what is the recommended coolant / antifreeze?

Thanks

David

[helen&tony]

Hi
Why not get a nice new one????....If you're not feeling flush, then the best thing is to shake it for hours, with some polishing medium from a gem polisher, and whatever sharp media they have to use with it.
Alternatively you can use home-brew cleaning solutions, citric acid, and all sorts
When you do the cleaning, put some hose clamps on before removing the tank, and tie the hoses up nice and high out of the way. When you replace the tank, you shouldn't need to bleed.
Many of the tanks will have been in service for ages, and some have become slightly brittle, and have started to crack...usually where you can't see the cracks!....I replaced mine!
Cheers
Helen

[Sparky6911]

Hi Helen

Where did you get yours from as I have googled extensively and can't find one?

Thanks

David

[helen&tony]

Hi David
Allan's of Plymouth:
http://www.allansvehicleservices.co.uk/
He orders them and posts when he gets it...may take awhile, depending whether it's in the UK or not!...Top notch advice, servicing, parts...you name it!
Oh....and it smartens up under the bonnet
Cheers
Helen

[Northern Bongolow]

or if you dont wanna do that, check your coolant at night with one of the modern led torches,shine through from the back and you should see it ok.

[Simon Jones]

Low coolant alarm is an invaluable piece of kit which you should have regardless of the condition of the tank.

[rita]

You can sometimes pick up a decent second hand tank.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151251390960? ... 1423.l2649


And an affordable low coolant alarm.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170927068334? ... 1423.l2649


Worth a read.

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38102

[haydn callow]

As a rule the tanks when they get to the stage yours seems to be at, the staining is deep into the plastic and cleaning does little to improve the situation...there could well be undetected cracks underneath the tank ( quite common)
You can get a inexpensive low coolant alarm or go for the tried and tested system which was developed with the help of this forum many years ago and has proved its reliability many times......there will be no need to try and check the coolant level in the murky tank.....the alarm will do this for you every time you switch on the ignition and also self test to let you know all is well. Yes they do cost more, but as many on here will tell you, they do work, and the failure rate is virtually zero.

[Sparky6911]

Hi Haydn, the coolant alarm is a given and will be ordered shortly, as well as testing on start up do they also continuously monitor while driving? I should hope so but wanted to ask.

Cheers

David

PS what antifreeze / coolant is recomended as I know from working on MX5's different types have different properties

[haydn callow]

Hi, yes, the alarms monitor at all times.
Just normal blue 2 year coolant is fine.......but suggest you drain what is already in there if you are unsure what it is.....this would mean bleeding the system which is VERY IMPORTANT.

[Sparky6911]

Thanks so much, can the coolant alarm be fitted without dropping the complete coolant system?

[haydn callow]

You will not lose any coolant fitting the alarm

[haydn callow]

Did you say if it's diesel or petrol and which engine......I live in Somerton which is about 50 mins from wsm.......I will be back there from the 24 th for a couple of weeks if you want me to look it over and supervise a coolant change.......fit a alarm if you want.

[Sparky6911]

Its a Diesel, if you could that would be great. I'll grab a coolant alarm off you then as well.

Thanks

David

[haydn callow]

Go to the website and give Jo a ring on the 24th.....tell her dad said.....she will put us in touch