Leaking Coolant Reservoir
05-04-2003, 10:08 AM
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Leaking Coolant Reservoir
My 1996 A4 is leaking coolant on the top of the coolant reservoir. It is escaping during engine running between the white plastic surrounding the cap and the rest of the casing. Will replacing the reservoir solve the problem or can it be sealed without replacement.
05-04-2003, 10:22 AM
#2
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I've had two reservoirs go south...
Cracks...
Maybe it's just the pressure cap that's gone bad. If it doesn't hold pressure, the coolant will come out. Is your coolant getting hotter than usual?
The tank with cap is about $30.
Maybe it's just the pressure cap that's gone bad. If it doesn't hold pressure, the coolant will come out. Is your coolant getting hotter than usual?
The tank with cap is about $30.
05-04-2003, 10:24 AM
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I would probably replace it and the cap...
Your car is old enough that replacing it would be justified...and it would also eliminate the need to worry about a future failure. These plastic tanks do have a tendency to crack and leak with age. Based on what you're describing, it could be the cap, the mouth of the reservoir, or both that are the issue. If it were me, I would replace both. If you want to save money, do the job yourself to avoid paying dealership labor prices. If you manage to trap most of the coolant when you swap tanks, you won't even need to buy more coolant...just take the old coolant and put in it the new tank once you have it installed.
05-04-2003, 10:26 AM
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Re: I've had two reservoirs go south...
The temperature gauges don't seem to indicate a higher temp. I found that my level has well below the MIN mark, I refilled today, so I will watch to see how fast it goes down again. I guess I will replace the part, I believe it is called an "expansion tank"?????
05-04-2003, 10:33 AM
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Yes, expansion tank
... or reservoir. Expansion tank is the nicer term, me thinks, because the coolant expands, and even to the point of leaking out, if the tank doesn't hold pressure.
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