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[Paul.R]

Has anyone got any instructions for removal of the expansion tank? I haven't been able to find anything in the maintenance guides.

I'm in the process of cleaning out my coolant system and there seems to be a lot of scale in the tank, thought it would be easier to get that out and give it a good clean with some kettle de-scaler or something and then use the forte coolant flush on the whole system once the header tank is cleaned up.

I can't see any obvious bolts holding it in place so was wondering how it comes off?

Or feel free to tell me its a stupid idea...

Oh, and I just called Vauxhall and have a price of £32.72 (inc vat) for a new tank so the de-scaling seems like a cheaper idea!

[TheBoy]

clip off, then push towards engine about 1", then it comes away.  Disconnect hoses, and also electrical connector underneath if it has a coolant sensor.


For info, they don't clean too well.

[Elite Pete]

Its really easy, just pull the metal clip up which is nearest the wing and slide the bottle towards the engine after removing all the hoses first. Depending on what model you have there might be an electrical connection underneath the bottle for the coolant level.

[TheBoy]

Also, to get rid of scale (once removed), half fill with water, then put a dozen very small stones in, and shake it about for an hour. Then spend another hour getting all stones out

Removes the scale, but nothing I've found removes the discolouration.

[amba]

Very simple to remove...undo the clips that hold the pipes on the side and front..the actual reservoir is secures by a spring clip against the wing side..this needs pulling up and that releases the tank..if you have an electric water level sensor you need to unplug that from the base when you lift it up.
Once off put in a spoon of bicarbonate of soda and give it a good rinse out ..make sure the rubber seal on the yellow pressure cap is in good condition  as they can weep air abit.Should take 5 mins to remove,and that is it.

[Paul.R]

Thanks all. Sounds easy.

I like the suggestion about the stones!
Not too concerned about the discolouration but would like to be rid of the scale it I can.

I'll give it a go tonight.

[TheBoy]

Thanks all. Sounds easy.

I like the suggestion about the stones!
Not too concerned about the discolouration but would like to be rid of the scale it I can.

I'll give it a go tonight.

The stones do take about 20m to remove - there are 4 compartments to the bottle...

[Paul.R]

I see what you mean about getting the stones out now!
What helped me was holding it up to a light above my head so I could see where the stones are and then maneuver them towards the exit... (once you've worked out where the small holes between the chambers are)

Got lots of crud out of the bottle, now have a bottle with a medium amount of crud in it rather than a lot - despite leaving it to soak in an acid solution overnight.
Turns out the crud in the bottle is mainly rusty gunk rather than limescale.

Oh well. I'll put it back together and give the system a few good flushes this week.

[Andy B]

.....
Oh well. I'll put it back together and give the system a few good flushes this week.

Go on! Buy a new bottle and pink anti-freeze ....... you know you want to!  
It looks nicer if nothing else!   

[Paul.R]

.....
Oh well. I'll put it back together and give the system a few good flushes this week.

Go on! Buy a new bottle and pink anti-freeze ....... you know you want to!  
It looks nicer if nothing else!   

I've already got the anti-freeze.

If I were to splash out on a new bottle would you recommend flushing with chemicals before or after replacing the bottle? Am I likely to end up with a dis-coloured bottle if I do the flushing with the new one in place?

[Andy B]

.....
Oh well. I'll put it back together and give the system a few good flushes this week.

Go on! Buy a new bottle and pink anti-freeze ....... you know you want to!  
It looks nicer if nothing else!   

I've already got the anti-freeze.

If I were to splash out on a new bottle would you recommend flushing with chemicals before or after replacing the bottle? Am I likely to end up with a dis-coloured bottle if I do the flushing with the new one in place?

I put a flush through mine, I think that's what finally saw off my radiator! I did all the flushing before I fitted the new bottle.