Expansion Tank

Bongobus · Post by **Bongobus** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:48 pm

Firstly Well done Mason alarm !!!! Recently fitted and guess what = alerted me and gauge on absolut MAX. Managed to get home on numerous stops - as no water, torch etc. Discovered another hose above starter motor perished

The fluid level in my tank has allways not been very visable due to severe internal staining so after this other hose perishing I have decided to remove my expansion tank to try and remove the build up of a rusty coloured scaling type marking.

I have successfully removed and pressure washed most of the marking but due to the container having baffled areas not all is becoming clear.

Is there any ideas of something chemical maybe or alternative i can put in that wont damage the plastic but may dissolve this sh..t. or is it worth purchasing another ?

and ideas greatfully received..

apole · Post by **apole** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:57 pm

Hi,
I don't know of anything that would be powerful enough yet not damage the plastic. If a new one is a reasonable price it maybe worth investing in.

If you are brave you coudl try a weak solution of bleach, or what about that pink stuff they advertise on TV for bleaching your white laundry?

Can you access it enough to use something mildly abrasive. Whatever you use if anything make sure it's totally clean before re-using.

I guess neither of those is too likely to attack the plastic but as I've never done it I can't guarantee 100%.

BTW where did you get your mason alarm from out of interest?

Andy

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:06 pm

masons alarm , 10 minute job to fit, just done mine, nice to know it does what it needs to.

Leon King · Post by **Leon King** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:08 pm

Coke? The fizzy stuff?

Bongobus · Post by **Bongobus** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:10 pm

i did think scale remover but its not well i dont think hard water scale ? Its like flakey red orangey ish paint the areas i can get to to remove. spose i could try and see how i get on.

got mason alarm from viewing this thread. Id say it saved me vehicle if i havent caused any other damage - good job i was driving as misses said if shed heard the noice would have ignored and carried on.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... highlight=

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:29 pm

Hi Bongobus.
Out of interest, where is the control box for your Masons alarm located? I've put mine behind the cover below the steering wheel, but am not 100% convinced I'd hear it quickly - in comparision to the coolant loss alarm which makes me jump every time I turn the ignition on

Rhod

Bongobus · Post by **Bongobus** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:38 pm

Rhod wrote:Hi Bongobus.
Out of interest, where is the control box for your Masons alarm located? I've put mine behind the cover below the steering wheel, but am not 100% convinced I'd hear it quickly - in comparision to the coolant loss alarm which makes me jump every time I turn the ignition on

Rhod

hi mate, from memory - stuck mine with the supplied velcro on a piece of the flat black metal - part of the vehicle structure i believe to the left of the instrument panel out of view. hope that helps. btw on setting 5 and worked a treat - despite behind the dash I could hear no problem when it activated.

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:01 pm

Thanks - I think I should hear mine ok then. Maybe not if the stereo is on though. Guess I really need to set it to 2, put the panel back in place & go for a drive though, to satisfy my paranoia.

Steve L · Post by **Steve L** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 12:04 pm

The staining in the expansion tank will most likely be rust stains. Cillit Bang advertise that it gets rid of rust stains so might be worth a try.

the-bongo-mongo · Post by **the-bongo-mongo** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 2:10 pm

i need to replace the rad and the water is a shitty red colour and the local head mechanic said its a combination of rusty stuff and radweld that some plonker put in it....unsightly but i dont think it will make any difference to expansion tank clarity if removed...just a stronger mix of antifreeze so you can see the level...!

Peg leg Pete · Post by **Peg leg Pete** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:49 pm

If you have rusty coloured water in the coolant system, check all the metal pipes for corrosion

Dave Mason · Post by **Dave Mason** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:57 am

Bongobus wrote:i did think scale remover but its not well i dont think hard water scale ? Its like flakey red orangey ish paint the areas i can get to to remove. spose i could try and see how i get on.

got mason alarm from viewing this thread. Id say it saved me vehicle if i havent caused any other damage - good job i was driving as misses said if shed heard the noice would have ignored and carried on.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... highlight=

I only just saw this thread when investigating Bongobus's Mason-alarm story.

I own a Townace and had exactly this "flakey red orangey ish paint" in the expansion tank. My cure was to remove the tank, put in a small handfull of sharp gravel, half fill with water and then shake/rattle/roll for quite a long time. Rinse thoroughly and re-fit.

Bongobus · Post by **Bongobus** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:15 pm

Dave Mason wrote:
Bongobus wrote:i did think scale remover but its not well i dont think hard water scale ? Its like flakey red orangey ish paint the areas i can get to to remove. spose i could try and see how i get on.

got mason alarm from viewing this thread. Id say it saved me vehicle if i havent caused any other damage - good job i was driving as misses said if shed heard the noice would have ignored and carried on.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... highlight=
I only just saw this thread when investigating Bongobus's Mason-alarm story.

I own a Townace and had exactly this "flakey red orangey ish paint" in the expansion tank. My cure was to remove the tank, put in a small handfull of sharp gravel, half fill with water and then shake/rattle/roll for quite a long time. Rinse thoroughly and re-fit.

Buggers! thats a good idea Dave although due to the extra compartments in this tank a smaller grit (from model shop for railway) i expect would have done - anyhow too late now all connected up. I did Try coca cola, cillit bang, patio cleaner, washing up liquid and pressure washer which removed only 20 % but i can see the level looking through the hole so guess thatll do 4 now

Dave Mason · Post by **Dave Mason** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:46 pm

Another thought ... I find it easier to check the level in the tank when it's dark - which it usually is, especially where the tank is in a Townace. I press the small torch that I keep in the car against the top of the tank - the fluid level becomes totally obvious.

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:31 pm

Not so easy with the Bongo Dave as it's under the bonnet and in direct glare of daylight. Neat trick for the Townace though. Wish I had thought of that one!