Alfa romeo coolant expansion tanks splitting

[Cool Jesus]

Just a quick post to see if there is a problem with coolant tanks or if I've just gone and upset a gypsy somewhere along my travels...

I guess, I don't want to restrict this query to just this series of Alfa, in a way its pertinant to all models with the plastic tanks.

I've only posted on here as I'm onto my third coolant expansion tank for the '03 147 TS. The original tank had a broken return pipe and was leaking when vehicle purchased around Nov 2012. Had an '05 147 Ti parts vehicle at hand and the coolant tank looked almost new. the wreck having only travelled <25K, although had been off the road since mid '08. Anyhow, replaced it with this tank and it very quickly split along the seam. Damn it, I shrugged my shoulders and put it down to the tank having been unused for 5 years. Anyhow, finally got around to replacing the tank again in May this year from one of the major online suppliers in the UK, happy days. Just recently I noticed that the front tyres looked a little flat (just on the bottom) and thought, I'll ask my daughter if she has been checking the fluids other than fuel 

Anyhow, popped the bonnet to find yet again the tank had split along its seam.  Is it just my luck that I have a 147 resisting my efforts in excercising its previous owner's demons or do we need to be particular in which brand tank we acquire? I'm awaiting a response from the UK to see if the item may be covered by warranty.

This last tank is a 'Birth' brand, I can only assume the previous 2 were original Alfa units.

[Davidm1600]

Can't say I have experienced this sort of thing with any car I have ever owned, be it Alfa or Fiat.  Certainly no problems to date with my 156 re this.

Might be best see if Uncle Col has any thoughts on this. Good luck in getting this sorted out.

[pasey25]

maybe unique to the 147? I have a small split in the one on my 147GTA. I need to attend to it (I'm currently travelling so not too concerned.)

no such issues on the 156.

[Cool Jesus]

I guess as an alternative to a manufacturing fault is that my cooling system is becoming over pressurized. Can the pressure caps jam shut? The cap I have is virtually unused from the '05 wreck and I changed the hoses and gave the system a flush when I received this tank in May. Daughter hasn't had any (or noticed any) temperature issues on the gauges. Actually I wonder if Multiecuscan will pick up any DTC's relevant to the coolant system pressure?

Pasey, do you have a home remedy for the tank or are you just replacing it?

Dave, yep first time I've ever had this issue with the tank failing and Ive had some shitboxes in my time.

[Garibaldi]

I've got a 2004 147 Twin Spark and I've never had an issue with the coolant tank. You may be on the right track with it over pressurizing but I can't be sure.

[colcol]

Still on my original tank, 115,000klms and 11 years old, have read about them splitting and leaking, so purchased a spare from the wreckers, still waiting to be used,, could be a pressure cap problem, don't know how to pressure test these new type pressure caps, maybee get a second hand one or new one if they are not too expensive, if you are buying a new one, try to get a different brand to the one that just started leaking, don't know what a new one costs, but i paid $14 for a second hand one, my 33 coolant tanks regulary split, due to the fact they are 30 years old, and they are supposed to run a 8 pound pressure cap, but to avoid it boiling like a kettle, i use a 15 pound cap, thats just asking for trouble, Colin.

[Cool Jesus]

Well I've received a response from my original supplier and I've gotta say they are very deserving of praise when it comes to customer concerns. I had a crankshaft sensor (for the spider) in my basket on their website and before checking out I asked the ALFA WORKSHOP in the UK, if there was any warranty on the tank and without any question, they have added a new genuine AR tank to my basket (an upgrade to the tank I originally purchased and with an apology). Tank added at no cost and no added cost to postage, how good are these guys  They may aswell be just around the corner with the way they treat their international customer base. I'll certainly be recommending them with forum members seeking parts for their respective rides.

As far as pressure, the cap is rated at 1.4 bar (20psi). I'll have a closer look this afternoon to make sure nothing is seized in the cap, but yeah, it could really only be caused by the cap not relieving the pressure or as I mentioned earlier a manufacturing or design fault in this aftermarket brand 

[colcol]

I didn't know you could get non genuine coolant tanks, just as well, as it will keep the price of the genuine ones down, 20 pounds is very high, i thought that the 15 pound cap i put in the 33 was high, the higher the pressure, the higher the boiling point....and the more leaks occur, Colin.

[pasey25]

Pasey, do you have a home remedy for the tank or are you just replacing it?

no remedy yet. I will end up replacing it. but as a precaution I will also replace the cap (presume this doesn't come with the replacement tanks??)

the split in mine is minimal, and at the high end of the tank. I don't see any leakage so it may be visibly splitting, but not leaking (if thats possible)

[Cool Jesus]

The ALFA WORKSHOP offers 147 tanks with or without caps or caps alone. They also have genuine or a cheaper aftermarket. I offered to send the dud tank but they were happy enough to just send me a replacement  As far as price, they are really competitive and I got the last tank shipped for the price of a second hand unit here! I also purchased at the time a radiator and clutch kit amongst other bits for the spider and had it shipped at the cost of just a locally supplied radiator. Go figure   
I can certainly see how the web would effect local business. I'm all for supporting aus market but I won't be throwing my money away.

Anyhow, hopefully this next tank will hold up.

[colcol]

Always get prices from local dealers, local independants, overseas dealers and overseas independants, sometimes the locals may be ok on price, just do your home work and reap the rewards, Colin.

[Cool Jesus]

Yes, very true Col. I was just ranting away having posted just after getting that ridiculous price.

[colcol]

Back in the 80's, when we had to use Alfa Romeo Dealers for parts, they knew how to charge, because they had no competition, now they do with the internet and EB spares and the Alfa Workshop, its like they are still living in the 80's and they can charge what they like, except now we have an alternative, Colin.