Coolant reservoir question!

[addiwei]

I have a '94 LE w/ 190k miles. The coolant resrvoir is cracked and has 2 small holes along the side near the top, therefore not forming a complete seal in my cooling system. A new reservoir will cost $125. I put some strong tape there, to cover the holes for now.

Other than checking my radiator fluid very often, does anyone see any issue with these small cracks? The only thing the mechanic said is that my reservoir may not work in pumping coolant to the radiator if the coolant got low.

[midnightmach]

almost all Gen 3 (92-96) owners have it (encluding me), not really a big deal i think...

[Waghle]

not that big of a deal if you have it sealed off with tape.

[Hajoca]

The tank is HDPE (Polyethylene)
describe the holes. round?? put some silicone gasket maker on a cap screw and plug the holes up. drill them to make them rounder if ned be.

See how long the tape holds over the crack. Tape adhesive softens when it gets hot.
PE is a material that does not glue well unless the substrate is treated.

[Gary_602Z]

I don't know what type of system this is but I can help you out! If it is a pressurized system with a radiator type cap on the overflow tank then you will have to replace the tank as repairs will not hold the pressure. If it has just a simple snap off cap and the pressure cap is on the radiator then anything will help to keep the coolant inside the jug. It just depends on how high up the jug the holes are.

Gary

[addiwei]

The reservoir has a simple snap off cap, while the pressure cap is on the reservoir. The holes are near the top almost touching the side wall of the engine compartment on the reservoir.

The only good thing I think the tape will do is keep dust and other particles from falling into the reservoir and you're right, Hajoca, it is very difficult to get the tape to stick due to the PE material but I'm using this 5lb tape so we'll see how it goes. The holes aren't very round, so I'll just have to keep my eye on it for now.

Thanks for the information. I will keep my eye on the tape, or try to patch up the hole with a bonding substance.

[justchillinjefe]

ive got a coolant overflow reservoir from a '96 with no cracks. If you want it make me an offer and i'll send it your way.

[marc780]

You could shove a plastic bag in there for the time being. Id take the old one to a pick a part or junkyard and just find one thats a similar shape from another car (any car), if thats possible.

[noodlerooney]

I got a new aftermarket one off of ebay for $30 USD for my Gen 3.