16 replies to this topic

[Steam]

or find a brass one in a scrappies, they were on most A & M cars in the 60's and 70's.

[Rusty Nut]

PCF101240ALLOY - Mini expansion tank for mpi alloy (minispares.com)

Done and I think sound advice! That rad cap is not going to go anywhere!  Many  thanks and I'll update once received (in France God help me!)

 

 

 

Why would a mini need an alloy expansion tank, when every other car on the road has a plastic one? Genuine question!

Because the quality of the plastic ones is problematic, to say the least.

 

I'm now on my second new replacement in seven or eight years.

 

The plastic,IMO, is too thin and the welded joint is insufficient.

 

If you look at plastic expansion tanks in other vehicles the plastic is more than 5mm thick and the shape, more often than not, sperical.

The MPi's one is about the same thickness and shape as a brake fluid reservoir/ice cream tub, less than ideal for repeated temperature/pressure cycles.

 

And I agree that there is a lot to go wrong with an ice cream tub expansion tank - above all that the thread does NOT like being overtightened and gives up. 

All ok when it works but just not strong enough for repeated tightening.