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Expansion Tank

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:48 pm
by Bongobus
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..

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:57 pm
by apole
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

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:06 pm
by missfixit70
masons alarm , 10 minute job to fit, just done mine, nice to know it does what it needs to.

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:08 pm
by Leon King
Coke? The fizzy stuff?

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:10 pm
by Bongobus
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=

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:29 pm
by Rhod
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 :shock:

Rhod

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:38 pm
by Bongobus
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 :shock:

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.

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:01 pm
by Rhod
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.

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 12:04 pm
by Steve L
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.

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 2:10 pm
by the-bongo-mongo
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...!

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:49 pm
by Peg leg Pete
If you have rusty coloured water in the coolant system, check all the metal pipes for corrosion :roll:

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:57 am
by Dave Mason
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.

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:15 pm
by Bongobus
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 :)

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:46 pm
by Dave Mason
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.

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:31 pm
by Veg_Ian
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!