JOHNG'S EXPANSION TANK
#1
I took quite a few pictures of before and after my
repairs. These are the BEFORE pics.
Forgive the repetition but I'm trying to show details. The metals used in
this expansion tank are the real deal. No aluminum, plastic or glue here.
They don't make components this good any more.
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#13
I keep showing the same crack several times for a better understanding of the
migration. I can see lead in the seam but the crack extends below the seam
causing a leak under normal operating pressure and temperature.
This starts the beginning of my repairs...
#14
I drilled holes through the tank in three places. Then I soldered three
silica bronze rods in place with brass washers. Some ends also have brass
nuts. After doing a few of the threading for the nuts, I realized they
really aren't necessary. The washers are a tight fit on the rods, and they
tinned very well. BTW, this isn't lead. It's an alloy much stronger
than lead. After soldering, I used a grinder to dress the ends so you can
see the different metals used.
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#18
I soldered the crack, then I reinforced it with a brass piece. The solder
is sufficient to seal the crack. The extra piece is formed to the contour
of the flange and it will serve to spread any stress around the crack.
Again, this is not lead, but a higher melting temp alloy.
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#24
This is the witness mark left by a leak. I would really like to see the
top part assembled but looking at this, it appears the gasket was sealed.
I don't see a trail running down the block and over the water pump flange.
This could have been caused by leaking coolant from the back side of the tank
neck OR under the top bolt in front of us. It's hard to tell from one
picture. I see some corrosion on the bottom washer, so I suspect the split
on the top washer is facing towards the heavily rusted area. Again, hard
to tell.
If these flange bolts go into a water jacket, they should
have pipe sealer (with teflon) on them.
#25
This is Ford's newer style tank with reinforcement ribs.
#26
Yep, looks like we're running 13-psi or 90-kilopascals.