850 Coolant Expansion Bottle Leak

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 22 Dec 2010, 05:43

My 1996 850 is leaking coolant from the end of the hose where it goes into the expansion bottle(other end of hose is the thermostat housing) so I removed the hose to inspect for cracks but found the reason was the plastic pipe had crumbled...no flare on the end of it.
I have smeared the fittings with silicon sealer and reclamped the hose as tight as possible but it still leaks.
My question is....is it OK to temporarily clamp off the hose between the bottle and the thermostat housing?

I've ordered a new part from the UK ($30 in UK, $120 in OZ) but with snow/ice/Xmas/New Year I expect it may be 2 - 3 weeks before the new part arrives.

cheers....Valvster

Post by **jblackburn** » 22 Dec 2010, 06:58

My question is....is it OK to temporarily clamp off the hose between the bottle and the thermostat housing?

For a little while it would be OK, but I wouldn't drive with it like that for 2-3 weeks, no. I would see if you can find some heat shrink tubing to fit around the outside of your existing hose.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Dec 2010, 09:59

I have had that same nipple crack on 2 of the 4 cars that I have. In my case it didn't really leak that badly. I just kept an eye on things and topped off the coolant as necessary until the replacement came in- typically every 2 or 3 days depending on how much I had to drive.

...Lee

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 22 Dec 2010, 16:52

I think I might be in luck....re -bogged the fitting with silicone sealer and let it set overnight and it's leak free this morning so will just keep an eye on it. New part is on it's way via airmail, usually takes 7 days door to door from UK

cheersmerryxmashappynewyear....Valvster

brady55 · Post by **brady55** » 22 Dec 2010, 18:37

trust me take an hour and 10 bucks and get one out of the junk yard. its worth the piece of mind of not popping the motor

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 22 Dec 2010, 19:05

"trust me take an hour and 10 bucks and get one out of the junk yard."

Wish I was in the US when I need parts but here in Australia I would struggle to find a junk yard with an 850 & then they charge $50 -$75. My local Euro parts supplier didn't even have a new one but could source a used one from 1200 miles away....I'll roll the dice and wait for the new part.

Valvster

Post by **jreed** » 23 Dec 2010, 05:28

My expansion tank on my '97 855 GLT broke in the same way at the plastic flange at 141K miles. I too used silicone to try to seal it up, but it didn't stop the leak. I installed an OEM replacement coolant tank and new hoses (and new clamps), and it's all good now.

KRUZNBY · Post by **KRUZNBY** » 25 Dec 2010, 08:45

Mine looks to be leaking at the same place.

I guess it is comforting to know it is a common problem.

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 04 Jan 2011, 01:08

valvster wrote:I think I might be in luck....re -bogged the fitting with silicone sealer and let it set overnight and it's leak free this morning so will just keep an eye on it. New part is on it's way via airmail, usually takes 7 days door to door from UK

Update....
It took nearly 2 weeks for the new bottle to arrive from the UK (Kitchenaid mixer only took 4 days from USA between xmas and New year) and my bog held up OK, only had to top-up with about 300ml.
I now have a Scantech part on my car and sure enough it's not quite up to scratch. The nipple for the small hose is only half there but surprisingly I clamped the hose down tight and it's holding OK not a whisper of a leak, 40degC tomorrow so it'll get a real test.
Easy job to replace, although mine is the original expansion bottle I kinda think it should be a maintenance item every 8-10 years.

Valvster

lhailah · Post by **lhailah** » 20 Jan 2011, 16:48

i think i may have this same problem as today i noticed some coolant beneath the hose where it connects to the tank as well as on the rim of the tank. Like it is trickling down from beneath the hose.
My question is do any of you with this rotted expansion tank issue smell coolant in the car when you are driving? Would a leak from this point cause a stong smell of coolant when driving?
For the past few days it seems like the odor of coolant has gotten stronger as the level is diminishing faster. I plan to check the heater core tomorrow because that was my first suspicion even though my carpet is not wet.