I have a 2001 S 3.0 with 38K. The expansion tank is leaking, it is located under the cowl up in the furthest corner DS engine bay. Anyone have to replace could give me some instructions on how to get that out? Looks like the cowl screen will need to be removed all plastic would like some tips so I do not crack. Thanks for all the help in advance.

 

Going to be replacing one of these tomorrow or monday. Will post up if I can.
Otherwise, Im learning too....

 

I had mine replaced a few months ago.
The wipers and cowl all need to be removed. Apparently there are some connections beneath the tank that are hard to reach, some take the inner fender liner off to access them.
After mine was replaced, the increased pressure in the system caused a slow leak to develop around the thermostat housing. My tech didn't have time to work on it right away so he suggested putting prestone stop leak in. It sealed the leak on the first drive, was amazing. After seeing how fine the cracks were in my old tank I wished I had tried the stop leak first...you never know, may have worked on the tank too. Try it, it's only $6.
My car is a 2001.

Cheers,
Gerry.

 

Be careful with stop leak products of any brand.

They can clog the water passages in the motor, heater core DCCV, water pump, radiator.

By replacing the tank your on the right path for less future headaches

 

+1

Don't dump any kind of stop leak into any vehicle...

If you plan on doing DIY repairs.. Be sure to get the JTIS or a subscription to Aldata.

The help on the forum is great, but nothing beats having a resource to go to at 10:30 at night when you can't seem to figure out where that darn wire or hose is supposed to go...

 

Replaced the Expansion tank this past weekend, 1 1/2 hours pretty straight forawd job. Remove the wipers, cowel cowel support and the tank. One unexpected problem the cowel support bolts are bolted through the fender and exposed to all the road grime from the tires so the bolts on the PS broke off at the head and had to be drilled out and replaced. All in all an easy job that anyone should be able to take on.

 

Replaced my coolant tank yesterday, it was leaking at the nipple on top. Dealer got $125 plus tax for the tank. I syphoned off most of the tank to lessen mess and reuse coolant. The 05's must be much easier than earlier models it took 15 minutes. Followed Jtis and two things worth mentioning... bottom of tank attaches without a clamp it uses a "c" shaped clip (musn't lose) make sure you snap fitting on then attach clip. Also, about that same fitting, it has an o-ring that would be beneficial to replace. I didn't because I really didn't know what I was up against and I suspect most don't replace o-ring but it's probably worthwhile if you plan ahead.

db

"the beatings will continue until moral improves"

 

Just a warning on that hose connection with a wire retaining clip. On the STR this is very tight area. So after you get the hose on the nipple and the clip snapped back into place PLEASE pull on the hose and MAKE sure that it is firmly attached. This has come off on other people and has resulted in destroying the engine because of the huge, fast loss of coolant. The engine over heated in a flash and the damage was done.
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Great tip....went out and double checked it today. Thought that type of fitting was odd, surprised not to see a hose clamp. Thanks

db

 

later posters are dealing with later front mount tank his in under the wiper cowl. yes just replace the part and do not use stop leak. If you have a small leak you cant get to right away, kepp the reservoir cap loose enough to not build pressure. This will not push coolant out the leak faster. Also on the lower later style reservoir, dont use the black oring in there again they tend to leak. Get a AC compressor oring (from Jag) theyre slightly larger and green. Use that instead and lube the reservoir nipple to aid reassembly, it wont ever leak from that nipple with the compressor oring in there. We have gotten many a recheck for leaks useing the black oring wether new or not.

 

Great post Brutal, what kind of lube on the tank nipple?

 

Ky or vaseline is probobly in the house, i use silicone paste. Either is fine