Coolant Reservoir Breaking?

[jaw777]

I don't know if anyone else has had this problem, but I have busted nozzles off of two engine reservoir tanks. When I busted the first one off on my first go kart ride, I assumed that it possibly a clearance issue, but more likely the plastic was brittle due to age. My engine had quite a few miles on it.

So $100 later and a new tank! I bust the nozzle off again. Pictures are below. It has to be a clearance issue.

Is anyone else having this problem and if so what can be done to fix it?

And is a way I can repair the tank and be comfortable I have a good seal?

I can't keep spending $100 on tanks to drive the car a half mile.

Thanks for the help.

4019440195

[RM1SepEx]

You need Craig's relocation bracket http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?12393-Zero-Decibel-Motorsports-Coolant-Bracket-Relocation-Kit

It is easy to fix the broken nipple, just go to the hardware store and buy a new brass nipple and get the correct pipe tap. One of mine was broken on the donor, again, easy $5 - $10 fix depending on what you have on hand, be careful and go slow the plastic taps easy but you can stress it and cause a crack

[Hindsight]

Yeah ditto Dan's advice. Are you running stock motor mounts? If so, that will allow a lot of engine travel which will make it more likely the expansion tank hits the cross bar.

[STiPWRD]

You could also just buy a metal tank:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-07-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-ENGINE-UPPER-COOLANT-RESERVOIR-EXPANSION-TANK-OEM-/111621552608?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19fd29b9e0&vxp=mtr

I've got an extra one laying around as well.

[RM1SepEx]

The stock motor mounts are useless too, waaaaay too much engine movement, buy aftermarket, I went with Cusco

[jaw777]

I appreciate the advice. I already ordered the relocation kit. I replaced the motor mounts, but I did not upgrade them. For what I have in the reservoir tank I could have had the relocation kit and had money to upgrade the motor mounts. All in life of the guy who tries to build a car.

I agree there is a lot of engine movement. Other than breaking $100 reservoir tanks are there any other downsides?

Sometimes a budget isn't the best way to save money.

[Harley818]

I went for the group N motor mounts and transmission mounts. They are alot stiffer and good insurance to prevent too much movement.

[RM1SepEx]

I agree there is a lot of engine movement. Other than breaking $100 reservoir tanks are there any other downsides?



exhaust contact etc... many areas have limited space around them...

[Tamra]

The other downside of a lot of engine movement from soft mounts is to start moving you first have to take up the slack in the engine mounts, and when you let off the engine mounts uncompress, spring back to the other side, and can cause strange handling characteristics. Stiff mounts will give a crisper throttle response.

[RM1SepEx]

The other downside of a lot of engine movement from soft mounts is to start moving you first have to take up the slack in the engine mounts, and when you let off the engine mounts uncompress, spring back to the other side, and can cause strange handling characteristics. Stiff mounts will give a crisper throttle response.

Trade off performance and control vs vibration etc from the drivetrain. As a purpose built sportscar/racecar for the street... who cares about a little stinking vibration!

[Scargo]

Most racers opt for the stock metal expansion tank/reservoir tank mentioned above.
Again, only $79 total on Ebay! (http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-07-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-STI-METAL-COOLANT-EXPANSION-TANK-ENGINE-RESERVOIR-OEM-/171747304145?hash=item27fcefe2d1&vxp=mtr) Peace of mind...

[DMC7492]

Pitch the brittle plastic and use an aluminum moroso. About 140 try Amazon
40630

[Mechie3]

I wouldn't say the plastic is brittle, more that it doesn't like being slammed against frame members repeatedly. ;) The OEM metal tank tends to rust on top which is why I don't like it.

[AZPete]

To avoid this happening to my 818, I bought Group N engine mounts and a tranny mount from Turn In Concepts, a forum sponsor. Their price was a lot less that other sources, they were helpful on the phone and I got my mounts quickly.