New to the expansion tank issue

[PNEUMA]

I did purchase new coolant prior to the the tank replacement. I clamped off all the hoses prior to unclamping them from the OEM tank. I then drained the tank after it was removed and replaced the amount that was drained with fresh coolant. It was probably overkill and I probably could have just reused the drained coolant and been fine doing it that way. I literally lost just a few drops of coolant thanks to clamping the lines and being careful about it

Sounds very methodical. Did you use needle nose vise grips with tubing on the jaws for the clamps?

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[getRIGHT]

Sounds very methodical. Did you use needle nose vise grips with tubing on the jaws for the clamps?

I used these.
https://www.amazon.com/Pliers-Clamp...B08H85NN64&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_1_sc
Thanks to watching a vid on it done by Point By Patrol

 

[BuntaTypeR]

there are more affordable options like this that work just fine. I have it on my car, and it holds up well on the track. https://www.twostepperformance.com/...onda-civic-type-r-aluminum-expansion-tank-red

 

[timestamped]

there are more affordable options like this that work just fine. I have it on my car, and it holds up well on the track. https://www.twostepperformance.com/...onda-civic-type-r-aluminum-expansion-tank-red

Yeah that’s what I suggested, and it also works with the OEM cap, just for OP’s info.

 

[blueroadster]

I went with the MDR coolant expansion tank as mentioned in this thread. Others that I considered included Origin, Mishimoto and Wunderladen that are also solid choices.

 

[nezumi]

After 7,500 miles without any problems, I've come across this question.

The dealer will replace it under warranty. But I understand they'll replace it with the same tank model again.

I could obviously have the same problem again.

i haven’t had issues with the OEM but I replaced it just to be safe with innovating titanium coolant tank. No issues, no leaks perfect fitment and workmanship. Sight level easy to read.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

i haven’t had issues with the OEM but I replaced it just to be safe with innovating titanium coolant tank. No issues, no leaks perfect fitment and workmanship. Sight level easy to read.

Oooohhh... pretty colors!!!

Looks expensive! How much?

Can you show us a photo of the looking glass?
... Also, since it's made of titanium, how much weight does it shed? Super important to know, because muh performance.

 

[PNEUMA]

Oooohhh... pretty colors!!!

Looks expensive! How much?

Can you show us a photo of the looking glass?
... Also, since it's made of titanium, how much weight does it shed? Super important to know, because muh performance.

Looks like the sight glass is in the forward corner. It’s one of those types like on an old water truck you see on the streets with a vertical tube external to the tank.

Not what I prefer, as there are too many points of failure/leaking for my liking.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Looks like the sight glass is in the forward corner. It’s one of those types like on an old water truck you see on the streets with a vertical tube external to the tank.

Not what I prefer, as there are too many points of failure/leaking for my liking.

Ahh, I see it. So it's more of a "looking tube" than a looking (sight) glass.
Got it.
Thanks.

 

[J_D]

I don’t think there is a flaw in OEM design. It’s likely there was a manufacturing defect on a certain batch.

I wouldn’t worry if it’s not leaking anymore

 

[blueroadster]

I don’t think there is a flaw in OEM design. It’s likely there was a manufacturing defect on a certain batch.

I wouldn’t worry if it’s not leaking anymore

I have never cared for plastic glued together clamshell based expansion tanks that are pressurized (1.1bar or ~16PSI in the case of the FL5) and go through heat cycles. Over time, such a design has proven to fail on many other vehicles. When they do fail, no more driving until a replacement has been installed.

I ordered an aftermarket aluminum expansion tank that is welded closed simply for added insurance knowing that I will no longer have to worry about a potential failure down the road.

 

[PNEUMA]

I have never cared for plastic glued together clamshell based expansion tanks that are pressurized (1.1bar or ~16PSI in the case of the FL5) and go through heat cycles. Over time, such a design has proven to fail on many other other vehicles. When they do fail, no more driving until a replacement has been installed.

I ordered an aftermarket aluminum expansion tank that is welded closed simply for added insurance knowing that I will no longer have to worry about a potential failure down the road.

Truth! I had a ford Taurus with the problem, a Ducati motorcycle with the problem, and now an FL5 with the same potential problematic, weak, pressurized, plastic coolant reservoir. It’s not a bad batch, it’s literally by design.
I only see one replacement on the aftermarket with one point of failure, so I chose that one.

 

[MooMoo]

true, these plastic reservoirs have been failing for tens of years. They don't always fail so soon though, some people have had these fail in 3000 miles on the fl5s

 

[Samurai1225]

I 've has zero issues with the Mishimoto expansion tank installed . The OEM tanks are pure and almost any aftermarket tank will serve you better.

 

[VtecSlayer]

I've got a couple of options not listed here if anyone is interested shoot me a message and I'll share the links with you.

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