Coolant Expansion Tank: Leaking

[Orange01z28]

My coolant expansion reservoir was pissing when it got hot, like on a long day of wheeling. I reseated the hose, and it got a little better but there's still witness marks of small seeping and I can smell coolant. The dealer checked it out today, and it's not covered under my extended warranty, nor could they get the part today so I ended up declining the work

It seems dead simple to do myself, my only question is do I just get the stock, plastic replacement or is it worth spending more on one of the aluminum ones?

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[DylanM]

I would stick with the stock plastic replacement myself as it's much easier to check the fluid level.

Are you sure it's the tank that's seeping and not the o-ring seal in the hose connection?

 

[Orange01z28]

I would stick with the stock plastic replacement myself as it's much easier to check the fluid level.

Are you sure it's the tank that's seeping and not the o-ring seal in the hose connection?

That’s a good point. It seems to be leaking from the connection

I’ll check that

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Here ya go. This seems to be a common problem with the stock tanks. I plan on going with this one some day, hopefully before I absolutely need to.

https://www.mishimoto.com/aluminum-expansion-tank-jeep-wrangler-18-gladiator-20.html

 

[DylanM]

Here ya go. This seems to be a common problem with the stock tanks. I plan on going with this one some day, hopefully before I absolutely need to.

https://www.mishimoto.com/aluminum-expansion-tank-jeep-wrangler-18-gladiator-20.html

Only one I've heard of the reservoir being a common problem is with the 2.0 engine in the JL.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Only one I've heard of the reservoir being a common problem is with the 2.0 engine in the JL.

To my recollection, the seams have been found to be weak and fail on some of them. Don’t hold me to that, and I haven’t really researched it in depth. I just look into things that could potentially fail when I don’t want them to and seek solutions. My goal is a vehicle I have no reservations taking 75-100 miles out into the desert, beat on it to a reasonable level, and make it home. Stronger than plastic components give me that peace of mind.

 

[tysongladiator]

My coolant expansion reservoir was pissing when it got hot, like on a long day of wheeling. I reseated the hose, and it got a little better but there's still witness marks of small seeping and I can smell coolant. The dealer checked it out today, and it's not covered under my extended warranty, nor could they get the part today so I ended up declining the work

It seems dead simple to do myself, my only question is do I just get the stock, plastic replacement or is it worth spending more on one of the aluminum ones?

If it leaks from the bottom, it's possible that the connector is broken and an aluminum reservoir won't fix that. It's the hose connection itself. If it leaks from the top, it's most likely the inlet where the hose connects to. An aluminum reservoir would fix that. Determine where the leak is coming from first.

I've replaced mine twice with a factory tank. It's simple and quick. The first time it was the connector. I thought it was the tank, but it wasn't But since I had already bought it, I replace it anyway. The second time, it was the inlet on top. I may change to the aluminum if I have another reservoir issue. I just like being able to see where the coolant level is at all times.

 

[Orange01z28]

If it leaks from the bottom, it's possible that the connector is broken and an aluminum reservoir won't fix that. It's the hose connection itself. If it leaks from the top, it's most likely the inlet where the hose connects to. An aluminum reservoir would fix that. Determine where the leak is coming from first.

I've replaced mine twice with a factory tank. It's simple and quick. The first time it was the connector. I thought it was the tank, but it wasn't But since I had already bought it, I replace it anyway. The second time, it was the inlet on top. I may change to the aluminum if I have another reservoir issue. I just like being able to see where the coolant level is at all times.

Mine's leaking exactly where yours is. I figure I'll just go aluminium since I live in the desert and plastic just doesn't last here

 

[tysongladiator]

Mine's leaking exactly where yours is. I figure I'll just go aluminium since I live in the desert and plastic just doesn't last here

Oh yea. In that type of climate, I would definitely go aluminum. I didn't go aluminum because I was out of town and I had to get what I can. I had to find the closest dealership where I can get one that day. Otherwise, I would have went aluminum. Had one sitting in the cart. Lol

My first one leaked from the bottom. Crazy thing though. The tank on the JT/JL come with a tiny metal sleeve inside the nozzle that is supposed to help with unintentional brakeage. Well... the dealership told me that the ones on the Chargers and Challengers don't even have that metal sleeve and they have issues all the time. I guess that would be my first purchase if I had a new Dodge car.

But yea... go with the aluminum. Make sure it has a sight glass. Lol. I've seen some that doesn't have one.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Here ya go. This seems to be a common problem with the stock tanks. I plan on going with this one some day, hopefully before I absolutely need to.

https://www.mishimoto.com/aluminum-expansion-tank-jeep-wrangler-18-gladiator-20.html

This is outstanding. Thanks! Mine has done this since new. Only when really working it. It’s in my cart. I think I’ll order it tonight.

Edit: Ordered.

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