header tank

[dekse]

• hi, has anyone ever replaced the coolant header tank on an s type 3.0. 53 reg, any tips, how easy, where is the sensor, and any advice on buying one? thanks dek.

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi

I had to remove mine, when I serviced the car, changing the supercharger belt and aux belt

its quite easy, I used a larger printer type syringe to remove the anti freeze,

then the hoses have constant pressure type hose clips, pliers work well to squeeze them and remove them

usually I would say be cautious because the two pipes on the expansion tank are really brittle and can snap real easy, but as your changing dont matter

sensor is underneath, just unplug

the bottom hose has a metal clip, you can press the clip or remove the clip to get the hose connector off, but if you remove it don't lose it, as they can't be bought on the own

if i remember right theres just one fixing on top and the bottom just slots on

I found it easiest to loosen the tank off, remove upper hoses and then the bottom hose,clip is a little more fiddly

cheers

Joe

 

[dekse]

thanks joe that will be helpful, mine must have a crack underneath it as it keeps leaking.

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi

could be where the sensor is or on the seam

the seam is a common problem

also yours been a 3.0 there should be a lot more space than there was on mine, so the bottom hose should be easier

cheers

Joe

[dekse]

hi joe, i had a look this morning, the bottle only seems to empty when the car is running, never when cold? i can still drive short journeys, but have to take water with me. i looked underneath at the hose that joins the bottle, but couldn't see the metal clip you described, only what looked like a fat black plastic knurled knob type effort with the hose attached to it, thought it would tighten but couldn't budge it. i don't want to take the bottle off until i get a new one, thanks again.

[Russ68]

I did mine but different on the pre facelift X200 so no relevant insights for you 

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi

the bottom hose clips on

heres a pic

cheers

Joe

[dekse]

thanks joe , I see what you mean now, I ordered the tank today, I will let you know the outcome next week. dek.

[dekse]

ok, so I have changed the tank, thanks joe. and there was a significant improvement in leakage, but this morning I noticed a small wet patch again underneath the front, oh no I thought, when I took a closer look, it now appears there must be a tiny hole in the rubber pipe that is directly under the tank, the pipe that has a T piece moulded into it, the leak is from this T piece itself, it looks like I will have to find the original part and it's a lengthy pipe, unless anyone can recommend a repair for hot rubber piping. thanks again.    derek.

[JOE-DOT-COM]

HI Derek

Id just go for a new genuine one, they seem the best and last the longest

try British car parts

cheers

Joe

[hawkaye]

Hi people. I changed my header tank on a 2004 3.0 SE. I found I could look under the tank and see the level sensor,the bottom hose connection and the evil spring clip if I left everything connected, undid the retaining bolt, pulled the tank towards the radiator and temporarily replaced it but with the bottom 'finger' in the top hole and a thin screwdriver in the bolt holes. There was more room to get a hand under the tank while I pried off the spring clip. Hope this helps.