TheSamba.com :: View topic - Alternative (DIY) Aluminum coolant Expansion tank

Mon Dec 14, 2020 8:45 pm

My point I tried to make in my previous post showing all of RMW tanks together is that the one size fits all mindset works!

He has every size hose nipple fitting into the same size bung, be it a large diameter hose or small diameter hose. None of them accept the full size 1” nipple. It is reduced, I don't know what size bungsvare there, but I'm guessing 3/4”?

I'm no engineer but I'm thinking that in practical operation the hole size really doesn't matter significantly, especially for the 2.1 application with its relatively tiny diameter bleed pipe system.

As I sort out the pipe sizes and various ways people have made replacement tanks, I'm growing ever more confidant that this Joes tank is a viable alternative for me.

Dave

Fri Dec 18, 2020 7:58 am

I ordered Joes tank with the sheetmetal mounting flange, I ordered the coolant level sensor seen on page 1 and I also ordered the Aluminum fittings for the Joes coolant tank.

I will need to use hoses other than the stock sizes for the connection to the bleed ring and the connection to the Coolant Return Pipe going to the water pump.

Here are the fittings needed to plumb it in.

I also have a 1/4” aluminum bung on its way that a member has made. I will need to drill a hole and weld the bung on top for the level sensor.

Dave

Fri Dec 18, 2020 8:38 am

so what's the total damages? $244? <running and ducking>

Fri Dec 18, 2020 8:53 am

djkeev wrote: Here I am stressing over Expansion tank bung sizes.......

I was just at VanCafe looking at their RMW "the tank" designs.

THEY ALL APPEAR TO USE THE SAME BUNG SIZE!
They just screw in different size nipples.

GoWesty welds their nipples into the tank.

indeed!

makes it easy to use for swaps, providing your own nipples.

(i used one with the subaru bracket for my tdi swap)

Fri Dec 18, 2020 11:33 am

Eh!
I won't deny that it isn't all that cheaper.
I'm thinking $175 out the door.
I had dreams of better but.......

I imagine if you shopped about the price could be cut.
I won't need the proprietary hoses to the tank though.
There will be some savings there but not significant.

It's the fun of the adventure isn't it?

Dave

Fri Dec 18, 2020 11:50 am

djkeev wrote: Eh!

It's the fun of the adventure isn't it?

Dave

i'm doing the same thing with an old Eberspacher D2L.. the big one that mounts under the floor. iffn i got a $130 chinese heater and i'd be in business already. but where's the fun in that?!

Fri Dec 18, 2020 5:12 pm

Tencent did a post on this same thing on his blog:

https://intrepidoverland.com/my-diy-coolant-tank/

Fri Dec 18, 2020 5:37 pm

tschroeder0 wrote: Tencent did a post on this same thing on his blog:

https://intrepidoverland.com/my-diy-coolant-tank/

Yes, it is posted in the first post on page one, again on page two and now again on page three.
It is a good article, thanks for thinking of us and posting it.

Dave

Fri Dec 18, 2020 10:56 pm

Ha! Sorry Dave, I didn't look at the whole post, I will post it again next week, we don't want to break the trend lol

Sun Dec 20, 2020 2:17 pm

great stuff.

Sun Dec 20, 2020 3:34 pm

I would pony up if RMW or Gowesty would make a tank for then early 1.9 / diesel system
I'm ready to upgrade before a breakdown, because it's going to happen with the old tank

Sun Dec 20, 2020 4:00 pm

the joker wrote: I would pony up if RMW or Gowesty would make a tank for then early 1.9 / diesel system
I'm ready to upgrade before a breakdown, because it's going to happen with the old tank

What is different about these tanks?

pipe size or pipe locations?

Dave

Sun Dec 20, 2020 4:36 pm

There are 3 "diesel" tanks.
In the US market really only 2.
The 82D tank.
The 83D diesel tank also used on early wbx.
Both of these tanks have molded in mounting guides on one side that allow it to mount by sliding down into a mating bracket.
The hose sizes are different between 82 and 83 diesel tanks.
Later diesels use the same tank as 84/85 wbx.

Mark

djkeev wrote: the joker wrote: I would pony up if RMW or Gowesty would make a tank for then early 1.9 / diesel system
I'm ready to upgrade before a breakdown, because it's going to happen with the old tank

What is different about these tanks?

pipe size or pipe locations?

Dave

Sun Dec 20, 2020 4:47 pm

My new semi creation. I like the window and it seems well made. I think if GW catered to Subaru’s they would make a tank like this. Ideally it would be on that left at which I think it would be easier to see from the LPD.
I have a remote dip stick and oil filler and am working so that I don’t always have to open the engine lid for simple checks and maintenance.

Stacy

Sun Dec 20, 2020 7:07 pm

I'm thinking, Dave your tank setup may work with some hose modification,

Mon Dec 21, 2020 6:41 am

the joker wrote: I'm thinking, Dave your tank setup may work with some hose modification,

If you mean, work on my 90 wbx?
Yes, it will, I'm on my way with it.
The upper tank hose will be 3/8” bulk coolant
The lower tank hose will be 3/4” hopefully bulk coolant, if not I'll need to find a 3/4” heater hose molded for another vehicle that I can use.

I won't know about the lower hose until the engine is in and the Joes tank is mounted.
10c put his in a Syncro
Mine will be in a 2wd unit.
The Syncro apparently mounts differently. But I'm unclear of exactly how.

Dave

Mon Dec 21, 2020 7:07 am

The lower coolant tank hose is slightly longer in Syncro, since the Syncro body is raised higher with respect to the engine.

Mark

djkeev wrote: .......

I won't know about the lower hose until the engine is in and the Joes tank is mounted.
10c put his in a Syncro
Mine will be in a 2wd unit.
The Syncro apparently mounts differently. But I'm unclear of exactly how.

Dave

Thu Dec 24, 2020 9:45 am

As we anxiously await a few "late gifts" to arrive UPS pulls up!

Yay!

But joy for all was short lived.

The box was from Joes.......

Inside was a nicely made aluminum tank........

Merry Christmas everyone!

Dave

Thu Dec 24, 2020 1:37 pm

Dave, I think a nice TIG welder and some practice and you can fabricate whatever you imagine. Plus you’ll be surprised how many new friends you have. Merry Christmas. Mark

Thu Dec 24, 2020 3:18 pm

timely post, as i have been working on the coolant layout for my subaru swap.

anyway, the vanagon needs (in my opinion) a overflow unless you can put the coolant jug higher than the radiator. then, you can run an expansion tank, that's what i do for the bay swaps:

anyway, when i use the tank pictured, it doesn't get filled to the top. only the bottom 3/4-1" has coolant in in cold. as the engine heats, it will rise almost to the seam. works great.

i'm working on my own aluminum tank and actually found weld in bungs for the stock coolant level sensor. all in, i'll probably be at 100 bux for all the bits.

we'll see how mine turns out, still a while before i get that far. i really had an issue paying the asking price from the boutique stores only to have to modify it further for my application