Coolant tank for Allegro bus

[luvdoggiez]

Hi there everyone,

DW and I have a 2003 Allegro Bus motorhome. Just inside the grate for the engine compartment is a Plastic overflow tank for the radiator. It has sprung a leak just above the Minimum line on the tank.

I understand this can happen to these tank because of the UV rays they are exposed too. Does anyone have any idea where we might find a place where we won't pay an arm and a leg to get a replacement one of these tanks. I've tried looking at ebay and Amazon and haven't found anything. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Happy Camping! Eric and Carol Anderson

[Gator48]

If you are on a Freightliner chassis. Go ahead and get their replacement tank, It is steel and is well made for the $130.00. I don't think they even stock the old plastic "football" tank anymore.

I did mine and it took the better part of a day, and I ended up extending one hose as it was easier than replacing the whole thing.
I was able to re-use and re-make/configure the existing mounting brackets and hardware.

There is a sight glass on the end of the tank to see the coolant level.

Good luck

Dave

[Passin_Thru]

Tiffin may give you one. They are the best and want to stay that way.

[stardalo]

Change it, don't patch it unless, you are temporarily patching it to get somewhere else where you plan on changing it. You don't want this thing blowing apart on the road. There was a story on here last year where someones overflow tank blew out and they could not stop and the engine ended up overheating leading to major damages and major $. You can probably try JB Weld to patch it up. But keep a close eye on it.

[REWahoo]

JanTx wrote:
that's what I was thking,,, why can't you just patch it? w/ today's advanced products,,, I would think patching something plastic would be MORE than sufficient!

If it is the same problem I had with the surge tank on my Freightliner, the entire side of the tank facing the vents (sunlight) was deteriorating. Patching one leak wasn't going to be a long-term solution so I ponied up the $125 for a new tank and replaced it. Not an easy job, but doable.

[fcooper]

I'm pretty sure your rig is on a Freightliner chassis. Considering the labor involved to get that thing out and back in, I'd put a new one in rather than patch it. I removed mine and installed the new one myself. Lots of write up on the Freightliner forum on IRV2. Compare prices and call Freightliner Parts in Gaffney 1 864-206-8584. That's where I ordered mine and pleased with results.

When you get it back in, protect it from the UV rays with some kind of shield. I've seen the shields made from aluminum gutter material, silver tape, and black plastic antifreeze jug material.

Good luck

Fred

[JanTx]

that's what I was thking,,, why can't you just patch it? w/ today's advanced products,,, I would think patching something plastic would be MORE than sufficient!

[sundance_8]

Just had to replace mine last month. I have a Spartan chassis and ordered a replacement from rvchassisparts.com. Only cost $26.00.

[popeye766]

My F53/460 had the same problem......right before a trip....I took it out, cleaned it good and used red silicone gasket maker.....waited a day ,put it in service....worked fine....in your case...drain it , clean crack area good and do the same...it will be fine....

[FIRE_UP]

luvdoggiez,
Well Sir, as has been stated, you didn't mention your chassis manufacturer. If, it's a Freightliner, then that tank will run you about $130.00, plus or minus. It is a specific size, shape and design. It has multiple outlets etc. for various hoses etc. You just don't go down to Auto Zone and pick up a $19.95 replacement. Ain't happening.

Many threads on this and IRV.2 about that surge/overflow tank replacement and, how to protect it from future element damage. Many guys simply get some aluminized tape, (the kind they use for A/C ducting) and tape it all up to reflect the elements.

But, not only is the cost a factor, but replacing it, for many of us, is shear terror. They didn't give much room for most fat fingers and wrenches in there. At least on mine and several friends who also have Freightliner chassis.

And, as for picking one up from a junk yard, well, yeah you can do that but, how long has it been in service? How long has it been sitting in the elements? You're better off biting the bullet and getting a new one and be done with it for years. UP to you. Good luck on the change out.
Scott

[RV_CONUS]

luvdoggiez wrote:
Hi there everyone,

DW and I have a 2003 Allegro Bus motorhome. Just inside the grate for the engine compartment is a Plastic overflow tank for the radiator. It has sprung a leak just above the Minimum line on the tank.

I understand this can happen to these tank because of the UV rays they are exposed too. Does anyone have any idea where we might find a place where we won't pay an arm and a leg to get a replacement one of these tanks. I've tried looking at ebay and Amazon and haven't found anything. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Happy Camping! Eric and Carol Anderson

Call Tiffin Parts, they will give you a price on the phone. Also, talk to a tech rep at Tiffin if you need assistance.

They are excellent:

256 356-8661
Parts Sales:
Dewayne Raper, x-3205
Don Boyd, x-3290 Jerry Thorne, x-3378
Jerry Humphries, x-3302
Loyd Griffus, x-3342
Richard Blanton, x-3322

[Fleet_Man]

That tank is supplied as part of the package from the chassis manufacturer. That would be a good first place to start your search. As indicated, those tanks are not cheap. There are many comments on the RV forums about replacing this tank on other brand motorhomes.

[luvlabs]

Have you asked your question at tiffinrvnetwork.com?

Cummins? Cat? Freightliner? Sparten? Need more information so people can point you in the right direction.

I've heard if you get the truck chassis tank the price will be 1/3 of what the motorhome chassis would cost.

[Ron8877]

You are going to pay at least an arm for it. You will have to go to a junk yard to find a used one or a truck parts house, not an auto parts store, to find one. I would take the current one with me to compare. Good luck.
Ron