Coolant tank for Allegro bus

FIRE UP wrote:
luvdoggiez,
As usual, there's confusion on just exactly what tank we're talking about. I've checked several times before and after the replacing of my "surge" tank, and there isn't, at least up to a short while ago, ANY STEEL REPLACEMENT TANK for the tank in the picture below. That tank, is used by Freightliner and, in many different coaches. It is not "football shaped". It has specific mounting points and, specific hose attaching places and sizes. It's also set up for a sensor.

Now, while I have "patched" many things in my life and, for the most part have gotten away with it, there is no way in he... that I'd patch this one. This tank IS under pressure, for about 99.9999% of the time that you're running down the road. Many of you have noticed on yours the multi-cracking etc. from all areas exposed to the elements. Well, the chemical structure of that tank is now altered. It is in no way, as structurally "sound" as it was when in the new stage. It was much more pliable and resistant to the elements/heat/cold/cycles etc.

But, now, it's old, cracked and seriously weaker. You may get away with "patching" for a while but, that area you patched is the only strong portion of the tank. Don't get me wrong here, as I've stated, I've "patched" many things in life and I too have gotten away with it. But, not something with critical characteristics as this.

Heck, I even looked into fabricating one up out of aluminum. I've got all the tools to do it but, Freightliner had that tank, less than 24 hours away from me and, it was $130.00. I figured, just buy it! Mine was cracked and seriously weather checked but, was not leaking. But, I didn't want it to START leaking while I was not only out on the road on a trip/vacation but, away from home and all my tools and equipment/place to do the work, to change it out.

It's up to you. Nobody said maintaining these rolling KLEENEX boxes was going to be cheap. Some things you just have to bite the bullet and do it right! Good luck.
Scott
Is yours the same as the one in the right upper corner of the pic below?

For a minute there I thought that you had posted a photo of our rig!!

Thanks all for the "heads up" on UV deterioration. I know very well that it occurs but have never given any thought to this one, or the hydraulic reservoir below it. :S When it gets back from the shop I'm going to give them both a close inspection. Hate to lose one or both in the middle of Nowhere, Mexico next winter! :E