Anyone changed their own header tank?

[Elibomrod]

Hello

Been having a nightmare with my f-type.
Just been in the dealer for 9 weeks. Had a new supercharger and radiator under extended warranty.

Been noticeably selling of coolant ever since I’ve had it. Coolant drops slowly. Dealer could measure the pressure drop and that’s why changed the radiator.

Just got back and still not convinced it’s right…

To me smell now comes from around the coolant reservoir. So wondering whether to bite the bullet and change the header tank myself.

Does anyone have any tips. Obviously do when cold. Do I need to drain the whole system or just symphony out the tank?
Do I need any specialist tools?

I’m going to measure the ovality of the threads on the screw first. I might, if good, just start with a new cap.

Any advice appreciated

[paddy1000111]

I had a slow leak on mine, thought it was the tank or the cap so I replaced the cap and could still smell coolant in the area. Asked the jag specialist near me (not a main dealer as they're sh** and will happily throw parts at it until the problem goes away) turned out to be the water pump leaking either when it was hot so it was evaporating or when it was cold and the pressure was off. I was dubious as there was no signs of leakage but trusted him and I haven't lost any coolant since a new one was fitted.

[scm]

Have you checked the coolant cap is correctly fitted? My handbook says "rotate the filler cap clockwise until the cap's ratchet clicks at least three times."

[Elibomrod]

Yep have done the 3 clicks.
Also did when up to temp and running and got a momentary hiss suggesting cap is holding pressure normally.

My first guess with leak was water pump or y tube would swear smell was down the front particularly on the passenger side.
Since radiator was changed, now would swear smell is in or around the header tank.

Did wonder if screwing on the pressure gauge test system could have damaged the threads.
Will have a closer look in the morning

[NavigatorNI]

Does your car have the newer coolant Y-pipe, located below the supercharger, fitted? It's a known weakness. I'm not sure when the design changed, but I would have thought this might have been the obvious place to look if suffering coolant loss. It's hard to spot as, AFAIK, the coolant leaks under the supercharger and evaporates off on the top of the engine, leaving no obvious trace.

See viewtopic.php?t=6598

[cj10jeeper]

Are you still losing coolant, which was the original issue? If you are then there's an issue to chase, if not then drive for a while and see if you do lose any.

I appreciate you've had a nightmare with the dealership, but I wouldn't try to do anything related to the warranty issue myself. Sure you may fix it, but chances are not and the dealer would likely not continue any warranty work if you started swapping out the header tank, etc. Sure a pressure cap swap wouldn't bother anyone as it's a part the owner could change, like wiper blades.

[Elibomrod]

Fair point, will drive it for a while.
Maybe get a new cap

Will take a picture of coolant level every other day same position before I start it.
Will give me the evidence of I need it

[paddy1000111]

Fair point, will drive it for a while.
Maybe get a new cap

Will take a picture of coolant level every other day same position before I start it.
Will give me the evidence of I need it

make sure if you do take photos you are parking it in exactly the same place and orientation and leaving it the same amount of time. The coolant level seems to fluctuate by about 1/2" depending on how flat and level the car is. I've parked on 3 what I thought were dead level surfaces and it changes level each time

[cj10jeeper]

Of course best to be in the same spot and leave overnight before a check.
However, even if the orientation or length of parking isn’t exact and after a few good trips, if losing coolant the average over a few days will be measurably downwards.