update surge tank installed..remember freeze out plugs

Got it off
The blasted thing has several small cracks, one about 1/2 inch is the one I saw leaking
Two 3/8" hoses, one 1 inch hose, used a 3/4" ID tee and some reducers and nipples and have a temporary fix, replaced two gallons of antifreeze, and no coolant leaks
Going to try and find a metal tank either steel or aluminum,
I might try the plastic welding, I will check on it.

Just a hint forcing goop saturated cotton through the hole it expands on the other side. Like a rivet.

I would drill a pilot hole and use a stainless pan head screw with a rubber washer. On a curved surface you may need an expanding rubber plug such as pictured by buzzard616 above.

Have you tried a "Plastic Welder"?
Use them often and they work great if you plastic is compatible
HF has them for <$10.00

Matt_Colie wrote:
The compression of the plastic around the screw is on your side. No sealant should be required.

Good Luck

Matt

I would agree but a little silicone (or Goop) in the hole makes sure of that.

For benefit of the OP, this is a temp fix only...the screw will stop the leak but how long the tank will last is anyone's guess. Could last for years, but the risk is that the pressure from the plastic that creates the seal around the screw will create one or more stress cracks emanating from the original hole. Using too big of a screw will almost guarantee this...if you don't have a screw small enough for the hole, then pre-drill.

MATT i agree exterior only patches won't hold
thats why i wanted something that would "clamp" in place like an expansion plug
i may try the screw Idea, if i don't see any other damage or deterioration
going to remove the tank in the morning (sunday)

Wiz,

I was in a position of repairing things without parts for many years. No outside patch will hold on the PE tank at those pressures and temperatures. What will work is the smallest sheet metal screw you can find and just drive it into the hole. any thing larger that the smallest will have more force on it. The compression of the plastic around the screw is on your side. No sealant should be required.

Good Luck

Matt

14# of pressure is not that much. I would go with GOOP and a stainless steel screw into the hole until you can get a replacement tank.

Hi,

I would use a double layer of eternabond.

I understand Freightliner is supplying a stainless steel tank as a replacement; maybe that would fit your rig or you could have one fabricated.