Header tank in newage Impreza

[Hrimfaxi]

I've got a V7 '02 bugeye and the header tank is leaking from the top - it's the older, metal type. It's not a serious leak, but it needs changing.

Now I can't find a replacement metal tank to save my life, I have somewhere selling a plastic version (fitted to later cars I believe?) But heard so many stories about these being even more faulty than the metal type.

Can anyone point in the direction of a metal header tank for a newage car? There's obviously the other option of an aluminium tank, which are OK, but I'd rather keep the car as standard as possible.

Cheers!

[vxr2010]

i have the black metal one on mine , i've also had cars with aluminium and plastic tanks but never had any issues , i would ask a breaker for one or if you want brand new ask subaru it may not be as expensive as they seem to charge some times

[Hrimfaxi]

Thanks, I didn't actually think to ask a Subaru dealer. Will have a call around tomorrow.

Would it be necessary to burp the system of air after the install? I'll be using a turkey baster to suck to the coolant out the old tank for replacement and not draining the whole system.

[vxr2010]

yes as you will need to fill it up a bit , fill it slowly and squeeze rad top hose as you do , then start the car , top it up quickly whilst running before it starts bubbling out of the cap as it gets warm quickly

[texaxile]

I repaired mine with "JB Weld" which is a fiver off ebay, it was leaking around the bottom of the where cap fits. It's worked fine so far and doesn't look too messy, I will be changing it for a plastic one which they fitted to the Hawkeyes once I drain the coolant and replace it in a few weeks.
There are some plastic ones on ebay, the price from most breakers is about £40 delivered, give or take. Like yourself I've heard differing reports about these but they seem to be longer lived than the metal ones.

Edited by texaxile on Tuesday 1st November 14:22

[vxr2010]

i think personally a new one is maybe a better idea , if it's failed it may go again and probably at a bad time , i would expect the metal to be stronger but i've had no issues with the plastic one i have , does not mean a good second hand one can not be found , i bought a spare metal one a while ago for not much on ebay as i thought i had an issue which turned out to be hg so unrelated

[Hrimfaxi]

I did think about fixing it, I read about splitting it and replacing the gasket inside, as it appears to be leaking from the bolts? But yeah, would prefer a new one in there.
I'll upload a quick pic - that's a new cap too, I originally thought it was that one it's way out.



I've gone for the newer plastic replacement from Import Car Parts in the end When I've got my new tank in, I'll see if I can open it up and see what I can do with it, just out of interest really.

Thanks for the burping tip, I'll have go when it turns up.

[Ringy01]

Iv seen replacements forsale on one of the subie specialist websites somewhere. Scoobyworld or scoobyparts maybe?

[Hol]

GradeA Subaru or API will probably have loads, from the full engines they get in to rebuild as exchange blocks.


Edit.
Just found this partial engine pic of my old 2004 STI and it has the same tank.

Edited by Hol on Wednesday 9th November 14:02

[Hrimfaxi]

Got a plastic tank from Import Car Parts in the end, as I prefered new

Scoobyworld only have the aluminium types.

Grade A Subaru is a good shout up, will save that site for future reference.

[vxr2010]

hi i'm in the same boat now on my wagon the tank appears to have a few slight dribbles of coolant , i went icp for mine too , it is the plastic one and about 105 £ to the door

[Hrimfaxi]

Yeah that's the one. When it came through the post, I was quite impressed at how sturdy it actually is, a one piece sealed unit. I was under the impression it'd just be flimsy plastic.

Nice weather today, so going to install it in a minute.

(Edit to add pic) All done, happy with it

Edited by Hrimfaxi on Sunday 13th November 16:03