Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: TATTYVEST on March 30, 2011, 11:12:46 PM

Title: xj header tank
Post by: TATTYVEST on March 30, 2011, 11:12:46 PM

Hi all,Making good progress with the '98 xj.
Just flushed the coolant system and refilled with 50/50 but I can't see the coolant level in the header tank.
The tank is clean inside but the level doesn't show through the plastic.Is this a common problem?
I got rid of all the air and filled the tank to the top then syphoned out about half a ltr,but I would like to be sure of the level ( expansion and all that)

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: Panic mechanic! on March 31, 2011, 03:45:04 AM

have you put antifreeze in it?

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: Outback on March 31, 2011, 07:09:17 AM

I have the exact same problem. The white plastic is too thick to show the level. I'd say it's 'normal' because I experience it, but I haven't figured a way around it yet...

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: JamesH on March 31, 2011, 08:30:30 AM

I open the top and peer in  :magnify_125:

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: The Smiths on March 31, 2011, 09:09:31 AM

I normally squeeze the top hose which moves the water level and then can just see the level when it moves, but needs to be well lit see it

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: captain cavalier on March 31, 2011, 10:15:10 AM

yeah I just open the top :icon_eek:

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: TATTYVEST on March 31, 2011, 11:28:25 AM

Quote from: JamesH on March 31, 2011, 08:30:30 AM

I open the top and peer in  :magnify_125:

Hi, Yes but you can't see the correct level.If you fill to the bottom of the filler neck you risk blowing your coolant system when the coolant expands.I know it's only a silly problem but could be serious.The system is pressurised to 15 lbs a sq.in. to start with when hot,but I don't want to think what the pressure would be if the expanding water had no where to go![attachment=1]

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: wildrover on March 31, 2011, 11:32:14 AM

If you overfill the expansion tank , is there not an overflow pipe..?

i just chuck the water and anti freeze in untill its close to the top , nothing has gone pop..... yet...!

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: MK1 on March 31, 2011, 12:05:06 PM

We have a similar problem with some of the vans at work with the power steering reservoirs. Shine a really bright light into the neck and you should be able to see the level.

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: The Smiths on March 31, 2011, 12:17:27 PM

Quote from: TATTYVEST on March 31, 2011, 11:28:25 AM

Quote from: JamesH on March 31, 2011, 08:30:30 AM

I open the top and peer in  :magnify_125:

Hi, Yes but you can't see the correct level.If you fill to the bottom of the filler neck you risk blowing your coolant system when the coolant expands.I know it's only a silly problem but could be serious.The system is pressurised to 15 lbs a sq.in. to start with when hot,but I don't want to think what the pressure would be if the expanding water had no where to go![1]

If there is too muchin it vents it through the cap - not good but the car ain't going to exploded

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: MK1 on March 31, 2011, 12:33:50 PM

Yep, the cap should have a 'crack pressure' of 15 psi. It's not a problem if it does vent.

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: JamesH on March 31, 2011, 12:37:52 PM

Different expansion tank on my 4.0  :icon_winkle:

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: Dave69 on March 31, 2011, 06:58:19 PM

the mk1 ones dont have a pressure cap

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: MOCAJ on March 31, 2011, 07:13:15 PM

my TJ ones are covered in mud so cant see nothing, i take the cap off and stick me finger in  :icon_winkle:

Title: Re: xj header tank
Post by: The Smiths on March 31, 2011, 07:23:39 PM

Quote from: Dave69 on March 31, 2011, 06:58:19 PM

the mk1 ones dont have a pressure cap

 :017:

on the 2.5TD it is the same tank and cap 1995 to 2000