'06 Stype 4.2, normally aspirated. I have a leak around the recovery tank nipple. I looked for a thread on repairing this for my model and appologise if it exists and I didn't find it. First, can the nipple be repaired? And second, if not, how much trouble is it to replace the tank? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Nope. Replace only. Don't waste time trying to repair.

This is another standard repair for the S Type. It does seem like the replacements hold up better.
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You could try this:
1. cut off the existing nipple clean
2. get 1/4" double barb brass fitting(in plumbing section at Home Depot) - make sure it fits the hose that attached to the old nipple fitting
3. drive one half into the reservoir - light tap with hammer
4. fit the rubber hose over the other half and put hose clamp

The cooling system see relatively low pressure(less than 20psi) thus this type of temporary solution should last long time and buy you time to get a replacement reservoir

 

I had to replace mine on my 2002 S-Type about 4 months ago. Just replace it.

 

I also have an 06 4.2. At about 120,000 , coolant APPEARED to
be leaking from the nipple; I say appeared, because I removed the hose
and couldn't see any breaks in the plastic. It was really leaking around
the hose. So, I just relocated the spring clamp about a half inch from where
it was, and, problem solved. The car now has close to 150,000, and no
leak. Try this first; you may be surprised.

Cliff

 

Thanks to all for replying. I did reposition the hose and retightened it. It still leaked and, when I flexed the nipple up slightly, leaked a lot. This made me think that the wall of the tank is cracked underneath the nipple and where the nipple meets the tank. I ordered a replacement tank off Amazon for $76.50 delivered. Now if there is a thread giving me a how to on the r and r, I'd be very grateful indeed.

 

See HowTos, the tanks vary slightly but are essentially the same.

 

Watch the lower hose connection to the top tank!!! This has an odd O-ring seal that is connected with a wire snap ring. It's very tight in that area and it's not real easy to make sure that connection is installed right.

Be sure and pull on this connection after you connect it and watch real close on the first start up. If it's not snapped in properly the expansion of the coolant will push the hose off the nipple. It's a large hose and you will lose a lot of coolant fast. One guy burned up his STR engine because of this.
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Happy ending, I think. I let my indie do the r & r (the lower hose connection and its spring clip looked like an ideal opportunity to get into deeper trouble) and was charged a reasonable $46. I did over 200 miles Saturday in very warm weather, including a couple of hours of stop and go on I-96 and coolant level remained the same.