Help - Radiator Expansion Tank Leak | FerrariChat
Buy

Help - Radiator Expansion Tank Leak

Discussion in '206/246' started by vintageracer27, Mar 3, 2007.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. vintageracer27

    vintageracer27 Karting

    Dec 9, 2004
    217
    Middletown, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian
    #1 vintageracer27, Mar 3, 2007
    It seems that over the winter, my 1972 246 GT (U.S.) developed a pin hole leak along the vertical seam of the radiator expansion tank. I just discovered it while warming up the car the other day. Specifically, it is midway up on the passenger side, right on the seam. My hope is that this can be repaired with a proper weld rather than having to source a replacement tank. Can anyone confirm who might have experienced a similar problem? With Spring approaching, I would like to get this resolved in the next week or so. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
     
  2. pgb67

    pgb67 Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2006
    192
    Long Island,NY
    Full Name:
    PGB
    #2 pgb67, Mar 3, 2007
    Any decent radiator repair shop should be able to solder it up. Good Luck.
     
  3. 4redno

    4redno Formula 3

    Mar 21, 2006
    1,067
    Seattle, WA
    Full Name:
    Keith Mitchell Wintraub
    #3 4redno, Mar 3, 2007
    Agreed. A good shop will also pressure test it for other leaks which may not yet be spurting fluid but are showing signs of weeping.
     
  4. John Corbani

    John Corbani Formula 3
    Honorary Owner

    May 5, 2005
    1,153
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Full Name:
    John Corbani
    #4 John Corbani, Mar 3, 2007
    Tank is brass with soldered joints. Any competent radiator shop should be able to resolder the joint and pressure test the assembly. Should take an hour or so and not be expensive. Just paint black again and you should be fine for years.
    John
     
  5. racerboy9

    racerboy9 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    2,650
    #5 racerboy9, Mar 3, 2007
    I think the early tanks were brass and the later ones steel. They should have made all versions brass. The seam differentiates the two. Try a magnet on it if you are not sure.
     
  6. nerodino

    nerodino Formula 3
    BANNED

    May 19, 2005
    1,161
    Suffolk UK
    Full Name:
    Graham
    #6 nerodino, Mar 4, 2007
    Later are Steel.
    G P
     
  7. Julio Batista

    Julio Batista Formula 3

    Dec 22, 2005
    2,397
    #7 Julio Batista, Mar 4, 2007
    I had the same problem, and after two failed weldings of the expansion tank in six months I just got a new one from Superformance and that was the end of the problem.

    Based on my experience, I would just get a new one. They are not that expensive.

    Cheers,

    Julio
     
  8. rwk360

    rwk360 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2005
    394
    Pebble Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    R W Kenton
    #8 rwk360, Mar 5, 2007
    After resoldering the leaking lower seam on my (original brass tank from my Euro '69), I paniced and bought a new one (PM me and I'll give you the name of the supplier). The quality of the new one was so poor I elected to have "my guy" take the old one completely apart and totally reweld- end of problem (so far). Now I have the other as a spare- hopefully will never have to use it. Agree with others that any competent radiator shop should be able to do the job; they can push out any existing dents while it's apart too.
     
  9. vintageracer27

    vintageracer27 Karting

    Dec 9, 2004
    217
    Middletown, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian
    #9 vintageracer27, Mar 11, 2007
    Removed expansion tank without too much difficulty and confirmed it is the earlier brass type in overall excellent condition. I will take it to a radiator repair facility Monday or Tuesday and should be on the road for next weekend. One question, however: the overflow tube simply routes to the bottom of the car and to open air. Am I correct that there is no catch container? I am more familiar with early 911's where this is not an issue!
     
  10. John Corbani

    John Corbani Formula 3
    Honorary Owner

    May 5, 2005
    1,153
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Full Name:
    John Corbani
    #10 John Corbani, Mar 11, 2007
    You are right, no catch container. It's an Italian car. What is one more spot on the garage floor?
    John
     
  11. vintageracer27

    vintageracer27 Karting

    Dec 9, 2004
    217
    Middletown, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian
    #11 vintageracer27, Mar 13, 2007
    John (or other DIY enthusiast):
    Is there a particular lubricant you would recommend to refit the coolent hose to the expansion tank? It's a tight fit and I would prefer to to be out driving this weekend rather than struggling with it in the garage. Thanks!
     
  12. nerodino

    nerodino Formula 3
    BANNED

    May 19, 2005
    1,161
    Suffolk UK
    Full Name:
    Graham
    #12 nerodino, Mar 13, 2007
    Liquid Soap?
     
  13. John Corbani

    John Corbani Formula 3
    Honorary Owner

    May 5, 2005
    1,153
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Full Name:
    John Corbani
    #13 John Corbani, Mar 13, 2007
    Dawn works but don't use much. Coat inside of rubber tube and outside of fitting. Q-Tip works well as applicator. You don't want bubbles. Silicone grease is perfect if you have access to some. Doesn' hurt anything. Used on O-rings and as a thermal transfer grease in some electronic systems. Pool/Spa supply shops and electronic shops are good sources. Probably shouldn't use the white Silicone grease that is sold as heat sink compound. White filler kills lubricating qualities. Use the clear stuff. Also sold as heat sink compound. Good luck.
    John
     
  14. rwk360

    rwk360 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2005
    394
    Pebble Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    R W Kenton
    #14 rwk360, Mar 13, 2007
    Saliva worked well when I did mine.
     
  15. pgb67

    pgb67 Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2006
    192
    Long Island,NY
    Full Name:
    PGB
    #15 pgb67, Mar 13, 2007
    Vaseline works great for all hoses.
     

Share This Page