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[GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164074] Sat, 24 March 2012 18:38 Go to next message
Sean is currently offline  Sean   United States
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Hi all,

My coolant reservoir was in pieces, so I ordered a replacement from Gateway.

The one I received is quite different from the original:

- The new one is larger than the old one: http://goo.gl/7FQkh

- The new one connects through the cap, whereas the old one connected
on the bottom: http://goo.gl/iabi4

The old one also has a tab used to mount the tank with a screw.

The nice woman at Gateway said that the difference was probably
because my coach is an early 1973 model (#2389) - seems reasonable to
me.

I'm reasonably confident that I can rig a basket-style mount for the
tank with some metal straps, but before I do, I'd like some advice:

1. Is there any danger using a larger tank? Obviously the hot/cold
marks will need to be re-calibrated with a Sharpie ;) - my big concern
is the difference in how it connects to the radiator. Does siphoning
the coolant from the top as it cools make any real difference compared
pulling it from the bottom? Bottom line - will I damage my engine?

2. Surely many of you have replaced these reservoirs - any suggestions
for mounting a newer one into an older coach? Like I said, I can rig
something up, but if this particular wheel has already been
re-invented, then there's no sense in me re-re-inventing it.

Thanks,

--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164077 is a reply to message #164074] Sat, 24 March 2012 19:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Sean,

For my 73, I bought a generic coolant recovery tank at Autozone -- it came with a wire basket. Carefully bending the wire basket mounting arms allowed me to use existing screws on the HVAC panel to mount the tank.
The advantage to out-the-bottom of the tank model is that you can add coolant to the tank and let it flow directly into the radiator.

It was about $12-14 as I recall.

Dennis

Sean wrote on Sat, 24 March 2012 18:38

Hi all,

My coolant reservoir was in pieces, so I ordered a replacement from Gateway.

The one I received is quite different from the original:

- The new one is larger than the old one: http://goo.gl/7FQkh

- The new one connects through the cap, whereas the old one connected
on the bottom: http://goo.gl/iabi4

The old one also has a tab used to mount the tank with a screw.

The nice woman at Gateway said that the difference was probably
because my coach is an early 1973 model (#2389) - seems reasonable to
me.

I'm reasonably confident that I can rig a basket-style mount for the
tank with some metal straps, but before I do, I'd like some advice:

1. Is there any danger using a larger tank? Obviously the hot/cold
marks will need to be re-calibrated with a Sharpie Wink - my big concern
is the difference in how it connects to the radiator. Does siphoning
the coolant from the top as it cools make any real difference compared
pulling it from the bottom? Bottom line - will I damage my engine?

2. Surely many of you have replaced these reservoirs - any suggestions
for mounting a newer one into an older coach? Like I said, I can rig
something up, but if this particular wheel has already been
re-invented, then there's no sense in me re-re-inventing it.

Thanks,

--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164078 is a reply to message #164074] Sat, 24 March 2012 19:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Sean wrote on Sat, 24 March 2012 17:38

Hi all,

My coolant reservoir was in pieces, so I ordered a replacement from Gateway.

The one I received is quite different from the original:

- The new one is larger than the old one: http://goo.gl/7FQkh

- The new one connects through the cap, whereas the old one connected
on the bottom: http://goo.gl/iabi4

The old one also has a tab used to mount the tank with a screw.

The nice woman at Gateway said that the difference was probably
because my coach is an early 1973 model (#2389) - seems reasonable to
me.

I'm reasonably confident that I can rig a basket-style mount for the
tank with some metal straps, but before I do, I'd like some advice:

1. Is there any danger using a larger tank? Obviously the hot/cold
marks will need to be re-calibrated with a Sharpie Wink - my big concern
is the difference in how it connects to the radiator. Does siphoning
the coolant from the top as it cools make any real difference compared
pulling it from the bottom? Bottom line - will I damage my engine?

2. Surely many of you have replaced these reservoirs - any suggestions
for mounting a newer one into an older coach? Like I said, I can rig
something up, but if this particular wheel has already been
re-invented, then there's no sense in me re-re-inventing it.

Thanks,

--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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If it fits, go for it. The overflow tanks are not a very scientific thing and really don't need any calibration. As long as there is fluid in there when cold and it doesn't puke out when hot, any where in between is just fine.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164081 is a reply to message #164074] Sat, 24 March 2012 19:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
roy1 is currently offline  roy1   United States
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Sean wrote on Sat, 24 March 2012 16:38

Hi all,

My coolant reservoir was in pieces, so I ordered a replacement from Gateway.

The one I received is quite different from the original:

- The new one is larger than the old one: http://goo.gl/7FQkh

- The new one connects through the cap, whereas the old one connected
on the bottom: http://goo.gl/iabi4

The old one also has a tab used to mount the tank with a screw.

The nice woman at Gateway said that the difference was probably
because my coach is an early 1973 model (#2389) - seems reasonable to
me.

I'm reasonably confident that I can rig a basket-style mount for the
tank with some metal straps, but before I do, I'd like some advice:

1. Is there any danger using a larger tank? Obviously the hot/cold
marks will need to be re-calibrated with a Sharpie Wink - my big concern
is the difference in how it connects to the radiator. Does siphoning
the coolant from the top as it cools make any real difference compared
pulling it from the bottom? Bottom line - will I damage my engine?

2. Surely many of you have replaced these reservoirs - any suggestions
for mounting a newer one into an older coach? Like I said, I can rig
something up, but if this particular wheel has already been
re-invented, then there's no sense in me re-re-inventing it.

Thanks,

--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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My 76 has a pretty large tank and both water fittings are on the top. In my opinion larger is always better. You don't have to remark the levels use the marks on the new tank. If it fits where the old one did you should be good to go.


Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164086 is a reply to message #164081] Sat, 24 March 2012 19:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Sean is currently offline  Sean   United States
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Wow - I paid a lot more than Dennis did. I think it was around $45 from Gateway.

Since I have it though, I might as well use it. It does fit, so once I
work out a way to mount it, I should be OK.

Thanks everybody!

--
Sean
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--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164093 is a reply to message #164074] Sat, 24 March 2012 20:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
If the cap has a fitting, it should also have a piece of hose inside which reaches tp the bottom of the reservoir.  Thus it pulls the coolant from the same place as the older style.
 
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
 

From: Sean F <wsfulmer@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2012 7:38 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir

Hi all,

My coolant reservoir was in pieces, so I ordered a replacement from Gateway.

The one I received is quite different from the original:

- The new one is larger than the old one: http://goo.gl/7FQkh

- The new one connects through the cap, whereas the old one connected
on the bottom: http://goo.gl/iabi4

The old one also has a tab used to mount the tank with a screw.

The nice woman at Gateway said that the difference was probably
because my coach is an early 1973 model (#2389) - seems reasonable to
me.

I'm reasonably confident that I can rig a basket-style mount for the
tank with some metal straps, but before I do, I'd like some advice:

1. Is there any danger using a larger tank? Obviously the hot/cold
marks will need to be re-calibrated with a Sharpie ;) - my big concern
is the difference in how it connects to the radiator. Does siphoning
the coolant from the top as it cools make any real difference compared
pulling it from the bottom? Bottom line - will I damage my engine?

2. Surely many of you have replaced these reservoirs - any suggestions
for mounting a newer one into an older coach? Like I said, I can rig
something up, but if this particular wheel has already been
re-invented, then there's no sense in me re-re-inventing it.

Thanks,

--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164096 is a reply to message #164093] Sat, 24 March 2012 20:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Sean is currently offline  Sean   United States
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
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Senior Member
On Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 7:16 PM, Johnny Bridges <jhbridges@ymail.com> wrote:
> If the cap has a fitting, it should also have a piece of hose inside which reaches tp the bottom of the reservoir.  Thus it pulls the coolant from the same place as the older style.

The cap has the fitting, but not the hose - easily solved though,
since I plan to replace the hose between the reservoir and the
radiator, I'll just cut a piece of host and attach it inside the cap.

Hmm, but what connects to the second fitting on the cap? Just leave it
open to air?

--
Sean
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--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164100 is a reply to message #164096] Sat, 24 March 2012 21:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
""Hmm, but what connects to the second fitting on the cap? Just leave it
open to air?

""

That's the fitting that the coolant comes out of if and when the system pukes coolant. I would run a hose downward some where towards the gound so that you don't get coolant high up on your front of dash or grille.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164101 is a reply to message #164096] Sat, 24 March 2012 21:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Sean wrote on Sat, 24 March 2012 20:31


Hmm, but what connects to the second fitting on the cap? Just leave it
open to air?





Yes - open to air is OK. If you are concerned about where any overflow goes then add some tube/hose to an area where the overflow will not concern you (like down far enough that it will not spill on the coach).

For a few pics of a bracket from a 74 see here:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=41229


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164142 is a reply to message #164096] Sun, 25 March 2012 12:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Yes, it's the relief fitting.
 
\--johnny
 
'76 23' trandmode norris    
'76 palm beach

From: Sean F <wsfulmer@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2012 9:31 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir

On Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 7:16 PM, Johnny Bridges <jhbridges@ymail.com> wrote:
> If the cap has a fitting, it should also have a piece of hose inside which reaches tp the bottom of the reservoir.  Thus it pulls the coolant from the same place as the older style.

The cap has the fitting, but not the hose - easily solved though,
since I plan to replace the hose between the reservoir and the
radiator, I'll just cut a piece of host and attach it inside the cap.

Hmm, but what connects to the second fitting on the cap? Just leave it
open to air?

--
Sean
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164160 is a reply to message #164142] Sun, 25 March 2012 15:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Sean is currently offline  Sean   United States
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
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Senior Member
Got it - thanks again everyone!

--
Sean
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--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164190 is a reply to message #164074] Sun, 25 March 2012 21:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
The tube to the cap should have an extension to the bottom, so same as drawing from the bottom. Main thing is to have enough juice in there to always keep the tube in it. Most important is the condition of the radiator cap and it's valve as that is what make it all work. Our coaches use a lower pressure cap than most cars so an not to baloon the large radiator.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164311 is a reply to message #164074] Tue, 27 March 2012 03:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
John Heslinga   Canada
Messages: 632
Registered: February 2011
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Hi Sean:

I had a coolant recovery tank that started falling apart too. Mine started to leak at the nipple on the bottom, became impossible to see the level in the tank, the top cover refused to stay on and I had a failed repair attempt, I began to look for another option for the repair.

I hated how the tank would drain into the filler neck when the rad cap was removed. It would flood the neck, spill antifreeze onto the floor, and drain the tank, requiring me to fill it up again. Unfortunately the tank is too high and drains out the bottom. If it used a syphon like many others (Dip tube from the top) it would better. I am also anticipating installing a cooling duct system from the front of the HVAC Box meaning I would also like to relocate the tank. Buying a new tank that was exactly like factory did not seem to be the best option for me. I looked in a couple of "Men's malls" and a "Pick and Pull”, looking for an elegant tank that would be factory looking, but was not able to find one I liked or would mount nicely.

However I did need to solve the leaking tank.

The recovery tanks purpose is an external expansion tank storing the expanding coolant and returning it to the cooling system once the coolant contracts. By storing a bit more coolant, it keeps air out of the system, and makes up for any minor seepage or coolant loss from the system. Being able to safely observe the level of coolant in the tank allows us to have some idea of the coolant fill in the system without having to open a hot, pressurized radiator.

I have another repair option for you. I had not really intended to use my option as a permanent solution because I felt that it did not look "Cool" however as I reviewed my solution, It did everything I wanted. It uses easily aquired materials, inexpensive, easy to maintain and tucked the tank out of the way. Much like some tanks in todays cars are tucked into a fender space my solution does as well. It collects and stores more coolant should there be an overheat situation. (Hopefully some of my cooling system repairs will mean I have no more overheat) I decided to keep it as a permanent solution. If you look at the entire folder of pictures, I've documented how I implemented this solution. Once the inner fender is replaced the tank is well protected and out of the way
You can find the pictures here.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=43436&title=tank-in-placeupper-view-1&cat=6050

Good luck with solving your problem.

Best regards


John and Cathie Heslinga 1974 Canyonlands 260 455, Manny tranny and 1 ton, 3:70 LS, Red Seal Journeyman, DTE, BEd. MEd. Edmonton, Alberta
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164324 is a reply to message #164311] Tue, 27 March 2012 09:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve L. Clevenger is currently offline  Steve L. Clevenger   United States
Messages: 36
Registered: March 2012
Location: West Fork, AR
Karma: 0
Member
I replaced my reservoir several years ago with a generic replacement from J.C.Whitney (remember them?). It was around $10 IIRC.
Seems like the application was for VW.



Steve Clevenger; 1976 Transmode 230, Never upfitted, Harrison 4 bagger, Alcoas, Switch pitch; West Fork, AR
Re: [GMCnet] Replacement coolant reservoir [message #164329 is a reply to message #164074] Tue, 27 March 2012 09:42 Go to previous message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I just got the generic one from Autozone too. I didn't use the frame, I stuck it in the one from the old one and had a little gap behind it to shove a small funnel that I use to fill the radiator with coolant.

-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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