How to Repair a Plastic Radiator Side Tank

Your vehicle's cooling system is a complex group of parts that keep your engine from overheating during use. One of the easiest parts to repair is the plastic tank attached to your radiator. This tank is called the overflow reservoir. It is in place to catch liquids that have heated and expanded too large to be contained within the radiator. Being a plastic tank makes repair of cracks in the overflow reservoir quick.

Instructions

1

Locate the flow tube that runs between the radiator and reservoir. Use your pliers to squeeze the clamp on the reservoir side of the tube. Slide the clamp up the tube and release it so that it tightens around the tube, holding it into place.

2

Grasp the flow tube and pull it gently away from the reservoir to disconnect it. Secure the flow tube with the open end up to prevent coolant loss.

3

Use your Phillips head screwdriver to remove the retaining screw holding the reservoir to the firewall. Set the screw aside for re-installation.

4

Lift the reservoir from its position. Dump any coolant in the reservoir into a hazardous liquid storage tank for proper disposal later. Wipe your reservoir free of debris and residue.

5

Open your tube of RTV silicone. Flip the cap and depress the puncture tool into the end of the tube to puncture the diaphragm inside. Twist on the extension tip. Cut the end of the tip with your razor knife.

6

Place the end of the RTV tip at the end of the crack in your reservoir. Gently squeeze the tube and pull it along the crack. Go slow enough so that the RTV fills the entire crack. Allow the silicone to set up for 24 hours to allow it to cure before re-installation.

7

Place your reservoir back into place and secure it to the firewall with the retaining screw. Attach the flow tube to the reservoir and use your pliers to place the clamp back into position. You are ready to go.