zxaaron

So my coolant reservoir, or overflow tank has some holes in it now (thanks heat). So I need a new one, my step dad is telling me the engine will literally "give out" If I don't replace it ASAP. It's running fine as long as I keep adding water. My question is, can I go a couple of weeks simply adding water to it daily? Bills are coming down and I won't have the money for a few weeks to get one.

kez

iTrader: (4)

Junkyard junkyard junkyard ****** one up for cheap

sj408

iTrader: (6)

Lol dont listen to your step dad, its an OVERFLOW tank. If your cooling system has the proper amount of coolant in it currently and doesnt overheat and is functioning properly you shouldnt have any problem. It only uses the overflow tank as extra or like the name says.... to overflow so if your coolant system is functioning properly you shouldnt have a problem.

Dawa

iTrader: (5)

^ exactly. you could run without one, but the if you were to overheat the coolant would just run off into the engine bay and then to the ground. so its better to run with one, just so you dont have to clean up the mess. you could use any sort of container to catch the fluid. if you cant find a stock one for cheap, improvise.
these might not be your style but theyre examples

(wouldnt recommend glass, though)
people have even used gatorade bottles

zxaaron

So basically the part is almost useless... That's a relief! Thank you guys.

MrBrock

WRONG WRONG WRONG! Notice that the "radiator cap" is on the reservoir? That means it is part of the pressurized coolant system. If you run without it being sealer you'll boil off your coolant and then blow your engine.

93MSB

iTrader: (8)

sc300 or sc400? the sc300 has an overflow tank the sc400's is not

Dawa

iTrader: (5)

true, if it has a radiator cap as opposed to a just a plasitc screw on or pop on/off cap then yes it is in the pressurized system and you need it.

SoaringSC

iTrader: (4)

It would be prudent to replace that reservoir. I wouldn't joke around with anything coolant related, whether it's giving you trouble yet or not. You never really know what might happen. If you just don't have the dough yet, I would keep a very close eye on that temp gauge, and check fluid levels before/after driving.

sj408

iTrader: (6)

You think that plastic cap that barely snaps on there is rated to the same pressure of a traditional radiator cap? your mistaken .


I currently run without a cap in 110 degree las vegas weather just fine.......

Just fix the leak and youll be fine, My comment was only to assure you that its not as high of risk as your stepfather makes it out to be OP

MrBrock

I was referring to an SC400, which has the radiator pressure cap on the reservoir, so no, I'm not mistaken.


SC300 has pressure cap on the radiator and an unpressurized overflow tank.

sj408

iTrader: (6)

Didnt realize anyone was referencing the sc400. but yes in that case youd be correct