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        General >> Problems >> Header Tank
        
(Message started by: freddieboy on Aug 13th, 2010, 11:54am)
Title: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 13th, 2010, 11:54am
Hi All,  Recently noticed a loss of water coolant over a period of time, and today I noticed that it seems to be coming from under the header tank.
Question is, Has anyone else had similar problems, as it would seem unlikely that a plastic tank would suddenly start to leak.  there is no movement in the tank, so it hasn`nt been chafing on anything. Your comments would be appreciated.
I have put a post in the Wanted section, but I wont be able to remove tank to investigate until it cools down.  cheers Fred
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Jonnycab on Aug 13th, 2010, 12:41pm
I've had the same problem twice over the years & it's due to the tank splitting. If you remove the 2 nuts securing the rear of the tank & lift it up, you should be able to turn it over (without removing any pipes) & see a hairline crack somewhere down the side or underneath.

I've tried to repair one before with a soldering iron/quick steel, but it still leaked. So a new tank is probably the best way to go  :)
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Mike H on Aug 13th, 2010, 2:05pm
Old plastic can get brittle, even if it was supposed to be somewhat flexible originally.

All I can think of is an epoxy adhesive coating, maybe Araldite say, but area to be covered must be completely clean and dry. Or maybe thick paint might do it like maybe 4 thick coats of Hammerite. But best to glue a thin strip of something on top I would think. (?)
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Highlander on Aug 13th, 2010, 2:25pm
Sellotape or Blu-Tack? ;D
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Mike H on Aug 13th, 2010, 3:22pm
Yep that will work for five seconds ;D
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by tonyboy on Aug 13th, 2010, 6:31pm
Who been watching Blue Peter.........
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by gozz on Aug 13th, 2010, 9:06pm
Fred.
I have had the same problem as JC,they do indeed suffer from hairline cracks underneath.
                  GOZZ.
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 14th, 2010, 5:33am
Hi, Thanks for all your replies.  I think the repair route is not an option due to the pressure factor.
I looked on EBay for a new one, but no luck there.  I`m hoping that I dont have to resort to a main dealer, as I can imagine the price,- thats even if they can scource one.
I`ll just have to sit tight and hope that a replacement turns up on this site.  Thanks everyone for your comments.
Someone must be breaking one somewhere?  cheers Fred
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by gozz on Aug 14th, 2010, 7:41am
Fred.
Wheelrim is offering you a tank over on 'parts wanted'
                                            GOZZ.
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 14th, 2010, 11:34am
Thanks Gozz. Have pm`d wheelrim.   cheers Fred
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Baz on Aug 14th, 2010, 12:07pm
When I was replacing one of the many radiators I seemed to get through on my cosworths, I priced up a new header tank from Fords and I'm sure they were available and less than £30.00 at the time.... may be worth checking?

Baz
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 14th, 2010, 3:39pm
Cheers Baz
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Mike H on Aug 14th, 2010, 6:19pm

on 08/14/10 at 05:33:28, freddieboy wrote:
I think the repair route is not an option due to the pressure factor.


Academic point now possibly I know, but sure nuff that'd be why it'll have to be strong. So I'd worry about what will adhere to the plastic good enough.
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 14th, 2010, 7:47pm
I have recently ordered one  i forget the exact price but it was less than £25   i pick it up on monday so i will post the price and part/finis number up
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Mike H on Aug 14th, 2010, 10:20pm
Where from?
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 14th, 2010, 10:22pm

on 08/14/10 at 22:20:51, Mike H wrote:
Where from?


My Local Ford dealer
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Jonnycab on Aug 15th, 2010, 3:01am
That is extremely cheap for new header tank from Ford (they charge that for a temp sender)....I wonder if they are starting to sell off old stock that doesn't fit in any other newer Ford  :-/
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by pedropedro on Aug 15th, 2010, 10:44am
I replaced mine same problem couple months ago...around £22  from ford dealer.....very cheap maybe it's standard on awide range models..so it's not a one off special deal stock clearance
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Mike H on Aug 16th, 2010, 8:01pm
I was wondering if that was the case, seems reasonable
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 17th, 2010, 10:36am
Got it today

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/the_fomoco_kid/SN859030.jpg

finis  1041086

part  95GB 8A080 AF

£22 :)

Its not cheap because there getting rid apparantly it was never an expensive part  .
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Highlander on Aug 17th, 2010, 10:52am
They dont get rid of parts, the prices just go up! ;)
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 17th, 2010, 11:36am
Hi All,    My search is over thanks to wheelrim, who kindly sent me a spare tank that he had.   Fitting it should be easy, once I have soaked the retaining screws in penetrating oil to release them.
Once again, thanks to all for info/advice etc.
What would we Scorpio boys do without this site.  cheers  Fred.
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 17th, 2010, 5:23pm

on 08/17/10 at 10:52:45, Highlander wrote:
They dont get rid of parts, the prices just go up! ;)


I have noticed that with other stuff
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by lleewar on Aug 17th, 2010, 10:13pm
I, like many, have had the same problem with a split tank. Age, brittle plastic, movement, etc. When replacing the tank, I noticed that it sat on a metal bracket so I dampend the edge with the split plastic covering used for wiring., cushioning the tank.
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 18th, 2010, 12:29pm
Hi All,   Just changed over tanks after cleaning electrical connections.   Before I added water I checked both sensors (old & new), and both showed up on the dash as low coolant.  I topped up the header tank and the dashbord light would not go out. I was able to change over the sensors, as I hadn`t bolted down the unit, but the problem remains.  Checked the plug and wiring which seem to be in good shape. Ran the engine up to temp, tank is holding out well, but still this electrical prob exists.  I thought the job was going too well !
So , any suggestions folks?   cheers Fred W
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 18th, 2010, 10:00pm
Low coolant light on dash stays on even when plug is disconnected.   Have checked plug and wiring and they seem to be in good shape.                      
 The  warning light was working correctly before the tank exchange, and I was very careful not to strain the electrical connector and cable.
I have just trawled through 75 of the help pages but no info on this problem so far.    Can anyone help?   Thanks Fred
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 18th, 2010, 10:13pm
Before you fitted the tank could you hear the float moving inside it when tipped about ?
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 18th, 2010, 10:37pm
Hi,  THere isnt a float in this type of set up.  The actual sensor is like a plastic pencil shaped unit which fits into a sleeve set into the bottom of the tank.  Therefore it doesnt actually come into contact with water at all.
Oh Dear, the wonder of electronics. :( :( :(
cheers Fred
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 18th, 2010, 10:45pm
Yes there is :)

there is an internal float with a magnet in it  and the sensor is a reed switch .

If you couldnt hear this moving when the tank was off this could be your problem
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 19th, 2010, 4:59am
I stand corrected.    When float was mentioned I visualised the old "ballthingy" type of float.  I will certainly check the old and new tanks for the movement you described.
Does the bayonet type plastic sensor have to be in place to do this check, or is the moving part within the tank itself?
My apologies for being such a numpty.  Thanks for the advice.  regards  Fred.
So much to learn, so little time ;)
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 19th, 2010, 9:22am

on 08/19/10 at 04:59:55, freddieboy wrote:
So much to learn, so little time ;)


Havent we all :)

The sensor doesnt need to be fitted for the float to move   . It just sounds like there is somthing loose inside the tank
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 19th, 2010, 9:33am
Thanks Stixy.    The problem was that the float in the replacement tank had somehow jammed, but I gave it a good shake and it freed itself.  It is now installed, and I`m pleased to say that everything is working as it should.  Many thanks for your (and others) advice.          Regards  Fred :) :)
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by Stixy on Aug 19th, 2010, 9:38am
Glad its fixed :)
Title: Re: Header Tank
Post by freddieboy on Aug 19th, 2010, 9:54am
Over and Out ;D ;D ;D


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