Cracked Coolant reservoir/overflow tank
 

I have a 1994 Camry V6 and when I popped the hood a couple of days ago I noticed that the coolant overflow tank had a few small cracks on the top, but other than that it looks like its holding up and coolant level seems to be stable. Regardless I do not want to drive with the tank looking like that :eek:

Is there some way I can patch the crack up temporarily? I would like to replace the tank but OEM replacements cost around $70. .

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6139/005wjw.jpg



http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/6104/006mmm.jpg

that one really suck!!! I would suggest to replace it that crack will surely appear in time again.

Try epoxy glue or fiberglass resin.

See below for cheaper prices:

Toyota Camry Radiator Coolant Overflow Tank Without Hose - AM Autoparts

Yes, full house, it really does look bad, you can see all the micro cracks in the second picture :(

Tomoyoha, thanks for the link. Would it be fine for me to drive to school in the meantime? It's about an 11 mile drive. .

Also, I recently purchased some epoxy. Versachem plastic welder. It was only until now that I read the fine print and it said not recommend to use above 200 degrees F. Ah well.

Cracking is common along with the location of the cracks as shown in your photo.

There are ways to hot weld the material but the tools, etc cost more then the part and given the number of cracks not worth the effort.

For a quick and dirty method have used epoxy glue with fiberglass cloth or whatever was handy to add strength.

When applying any materials remember the container needs to still fit into the metal holder thus don't over do it. Once cured use a rasp or whatever you have handy
to shape the new material and allow the container to fit into the holder. But be careful here as you can peal back the newly applied material from the tank.

Autoparts stores may sell a plastic repair kit with a two part glue and cloth for cracks in radiators having plastic upper and lower tank. This might also work but the color may be black.

Could give the Versachem a shot. The coolant will lower in the container then the glue and not in constant contact the hot fluid.

The container is not pressurized but vented to atmosphere. The main issue is any holes may allow the coolant to spray out as it flows from the radiator. The amount coolant would be small as under normal conditions any overflow of coolant is retained in the tank which already has some coolant in it when the engine is cold.

Have driven many miles with a tank the same condition as yours and even ones that leaked at the top. After getting tired of the mess of leaking coolant either changed the container or repaired it. Thus OK to drive just keep an eye on the tank for leaks, additional cracking, plus coolant level, etc.

Might carry a gallon of distilled water in the rare case the tank leaks too much coolant and you need to refill the radiator itself.

Toyomoho - Thanks a lot for the information :) The coolant level has not changed noticeably from driving for 2 days, so not very much coolant is escaping.

Based on your experience, I'll return the Versachem and get one of those radiator plastic repair kits from autozone (its most likely made of a material not likely to react with antifreeze and also has the proper temperature handling) and replace the the coolant tank (if it needs it, also repairing it sounds like too much trouble) when I'm changing the spark plugs.

Once again, thanks for the help!