I have been having a constant problem. My mechanic ripped my overflow line off the tank. So the hose is still attached to the output, but is separated from the tank. I have tried epoxies and everything but they usually only last about a month. Do I need coolant overflow? Can I just get a high pressure cap and get rid of that ugly overflow tank as well...kill two birds with one stone. It would be much easier to plug up that entire hole than making that little piece of plastic stick. I am going to epoxy it again for my ride back up to school tomorrow. Which route do you think I should go with on the weekend? New way of fixing it, maybe drill and tap for a metal fitting...or just plug the whole thing and get a high pressure cap? Also what pressure rating would the cap need? Any recommendations? Thanks a lot. I have been wanting to get rid of that ugly yellow tank for a while...considering I don't use my washer fluid either.

 

purchase a new coolant tank for $17 from your local chevy dealer, yes you need it...when water heats up it expands...where else do you think the expansion would go in a closed system? It would create leaks and air bubbles.

 

mean the tank on the radiator. not the overflow tank. should have been more clear.

 

then you'd need a new radiator if that ripped off. no way around it basically, next time buy one with a lifetime warranty just in case.

 

If there's a decent radiator shop in your area, you can pull the radiator and just have the tank replaced. The local shop I use charges about $75 parts&labor depending on the radiator. And yes, you need the overflow tank. If the coolant doesn't have somewhere to go when it expands, it will force it's way out somewhere and leak. Then when the coolant contracts as it cools, it will suck air back into the cooling system. Obviously this is not a good thing.

 

You can get these radiators at junkyards for about $50 or less if you're lucky.

Why are you fixing something your mechanic broke?

 

I think I would be calling my mechanic since he was the one who ripped it off. I assume he cause the problem or did I read that wrong? But yes like xpndbl3 said you need it.

 

he was like, its was already loose, bla bla. basically didnt even expect me to ask for him to fix it. he offered to install a new radiator for me, and i was like yea right. it was during the transmission rebuild that it happened. o well.

 

You need to find some testicular fortitude and make him pay. This is why I do absolutely EVERYTHING.... you should have done the transmission work yourself.

 

Bummer, maybe if he cares for his business he will try to work with you. I hate to see things like that.

 

Actually, if the plastic nipple broke off your radiator there is a repair kit. This is a common problem on new radiators with plastic tanks. AutoZone sells the repair kit, not sure about other places. I think it is about $15. Darn thing actually works pretty well, if you have a chance drop into a parts store and check it out. The design is pretty solid - I used one on a Ford truck a while back.

 

sorry, i cant rebuild a transmission by myself. nor do i have the tools, time, or place to do so.

 

At least you have the money, since your so called mechanic was shady enough to break something and not own up to it makes me wonder what else he half assed on your transmission.

Again... if you want it done right (or atleast know how it is done) do it yourself.

 

no my mechanic did not rebuild it. he sent it out to a local pro that i know for a fact is real good. we just did it through my mechanic for the install. i removed it, brought it to him, and he sent it out and put it back in. the tranny guy built my buddys th350 for a high 8 second 85 camaro. this guy knows his trannys.
i think the line was already cracked anyhow since it leaked from that spot slowly since i bought the car.