Ductless Split System in Sumter – What Is a Coolant Expansion Tank?

A coolant expansion tank is a common component found in most automotive applications. They are typically connected by a tube to the radiator filler neck, and can serve as a place for excess coolant to be captured when the pressure release valve in the radiator cap gives way. In a properly operating cooling system, the coolant will then be siphoned back into the radiator as the temperature drops. 

Mini Split AC System in Sumter – Coolant Expansion Tank.

Certain applications can also use the coolant expansion tank as the fill point, in which case it serves as a pressurized part of the system. Many older cars and trucks lacked a coolant expansion tank, and any excess coolant would simply drain out onto the ground.

Split AC System in Sumter – Expansion.

Many older vehicles lacked expansion tanks. Some expansion could occur within the radiator itself, as it was common to leave an inch or more of air at the top of the radiator tank. When the pressure in the system became too great, first the air would vent through the radiator cap, and then coolant would drain out onto the ground. Certain vehicles that lacked a coolant expansion tank had room in the engine compartment to install an aftermarket unit, while some people secured an old bottle of some kind next to the radiator to catch the excess fluid.

Split Air Conditioner in Sumter – Pressurized Vessels.

 
Some newer vehicles may lack a filler neck on the radiator. One place these vehicles may locate the fill point is on the engine near the coolant inlet, though others will use the plastic expansion tank instead. These pressurized vessels are sometimes prone to cracking, and will often become very contaminated with sludge and residue. It is usually a good idea to clean out any overflow tank when flushing a cooling system, though it can become even more important when the expansion tank is an integral part of the cooling system. Many of these tanks contain a large number of baffles and chambers, which may result in difficulty when trying to clean out built up sludge.