Coolant Tank - overflow soldered up... | FerrariChat
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Coolant Tank - overflow soldered up...

Discussion in '308/328' started by Andy 308GTB, Dec 31, 2013.

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  1. Andy 308GTB

    Andy 308GTB F1 Rookie
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    #1 Andy 308GTB, Dec 31, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I pulled my coolant tank to repair a small leak.

    Whilst cleaning it up prior to the repair and a fresh coat of paint, I noticed that the overflow pipe was blocked. On closer inspection it isn't simply blocked up with muck but it appears to have been soldered up.

    I'm guessing that it's been bodged because it kept overflowing in a previous life because the wrong pressure cap was used?

    I will be drilling it out unless someone tells me differently...
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  2. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #2 Crowndog, Dec 31, 2013
    Good job but it may just be a stop gap. I have come to understand that the tank is a very vulnerable spot for galvanic corrosion. As such the material is eroding away. I replaced mine and unfortunately now consider these as consumables like spark plugs but last a little longer.


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  3. Andy 308GTB

    Andy 308GTB F1 Rookie
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    #3 Andy 308GTB, Dec 31, 2013
    Mine is 30 years old. I'm planning on soldering up the leak and then putting some tank sealant in for good measure. If I can get another 3 years out of it, I'll be happy - but I actually think it will last longer than that.
     
  4. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #4 Crowndog, Dec 31, 2013
    I admire your optimism truly.


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  5. jon s

    jon s Formula Junior

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    #5 jon s, Dec 31, 2013
    soldered mine with acid core solder 5 years ago and it still works fine. you've got nothing to loose and it's an easy job. good luck, jon s
     
  6. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #6 Crowndog, Dec 31, 2013
    Sounds like its time for another poll; repair or replace?


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  7. klatu

    klatu Formula Junior

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    #7 klatu, Dec 31, 2013
    Soldered mine up last summer, then a month later I saw some liquid coming up thru some pin holes by the cap, so I used JB on them. All was fine until a month ago, now the radiator is leaking badly. I'm considering putting a zinc plate to stop the electrolysis. Oh yeah, check the coolant with hot tub litmus strips.

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  8. shmark

    shmark F1 Rookie

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    #8 shmark, Dec 31, 2013
    Mine was stripped and restored earlier this year, and everything looked just fine. I'm not sure why some have such problems and others turn out fine, maybe something to do with the type of coolant and area of the country?
     
  9. Andy 308GTB

    Andy 308GTB F1 Rookie
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    #9 Andy 308GTB, Jan 12, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    If anyone is interested...
    I stripped back my tank to identify where the leak was.
    Although there was some signs of internal rust, there were no holes.
    I even pressure tested the tank but it was sound.

    The external rust was superficial and I can only guess that it was caused by fluid vented from the pressure cap (because the overflow had been soldered up).

    I unblocked the overflow, sanded the tank back to metal and painted it.
    I'm quite proud of the result (and yes, that's why I've made this post :D)
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  10. greg 19425

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    #10 greg 19425, Jan 12, 2014
    Andy, looks like you did a great job. How long did it take from start to finish?
     
  11. Andy 308GTB

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    #11 Andy 308GTB, Jan 13, 2014
    Not long to be honest.
    I didn't drain the whole system, just the tank.
    I did this by removing the 3 bolts and lifting the tank above the level of the engine, before pouring the fluid out of the coolant tank. I then removed the 2 hoses from the tank, keeping the hose ends above the level of the engine by tying them up with a bit of string. I did splash a bit of coolant but not much.

    I then used sand paper and wire wool to get the paint off, this probably took a couple of hours all in.

    Etch primer was applied then primer then Satin Black, all with 'rattle' cans that were left over from previous jobs. Total cost = Zero :)
     
  12. vaccarella

    vaccarella Formula 3

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    #12 vaccarella, Jan 13, 2014
    Nice job, Andy. I haven't noticed max & min lines on my header (I just use the finger judgement, anyhow). When mine failed at one of the ribs along the top, I just replaced the whole thing.
     
  13. nerodino

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    #13 nerodino, Jan 13, 2014
    Nice job Andy!
    I have'nt noticed the Max/Min lines on mine either. But if i top it up, after a drive it blows the water out until it reaches about where the Min mark is on your tank and then stays at that level........so i am hoping nothing is wrong!
    Graham
     
  14. vaccarella

    vaccarella Formula 3

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    #14 vaccarella, Jan 13, 2014
    You & me both, Graham. I guess people nervous / annoyed about this ended up soldering the overflow with worse potential consequences.
     
  15. Andy 308GTB

    Andy 308GTB F1 Rookie
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    #15 Andy 308GTB, Jan 13, 2014
    Agreed. I read that coolant overflows can point to a blown head gasket.
    My car has also dumped coolant on a number of occasions but it seems to find it's own level and then it's fine after that.

    Thanks for your kind words on my handicraft - the cold weather forced me to do the work indoors to stop the paint running. So it was a nice job.
     

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