Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2021 10:15:34 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Belanger <mbelanger@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Belanger <mbelanger@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Aluminum coolant tanks
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6==X1Y6fj7-4uH1JN1pNyAAEgPuYDHHxvPeRjK+w+Sn6w@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Bruce is talking about an expansion tank, not the radiator.
-MB
On Wed, Jul 21, 2021 at 9:18 AM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> Since we talk about coolant tank... I wonder if we can replace the plastic
> tank with a small motorcycle radiator similar to this one...
>
> https://www.revzilla.com/dirt-bike/moose-racing-radiator
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 21, 2021 at 9:10 AM Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
>
> > Dennis,
> >
> > Yes, the hand made tanks should all be pressure tested. It’s not the same
> > as a big production line of injection molded tanks where one can pull
> > statistically chosen samples and do QC/QA.
> >
> > There can be mistakes made when welding, and that’s why test. All the
> > pressure vessels ive been involved with have all been filled with water
> and
> > pressurized , for a good time, hours. Any pressure drop or any sign of
> > weeping….
> >
> > I find aluminum welding much easier than steel or stainless. Big arc and
> > puddle so my eyes can see it! And our shop has very good welding
> machines.
> > That’s a huge help.
> > But if it comes to an important weld on one of my personal projects I get
> > one of the real welders to do it for me.
> > We trade machining jobs for welding jobs , or we use beer as currency .
> >
> > Back to the reservoirs. They are pressure vessels. They are a critical
> > component. Failure can mean disaster. Every possible check should be made
> > on them.
> >
> > About six years ago I welded up my own version. Even machined a fitting
> > for stant cap. Was more of an exercise than anything else. I didn’t fit
> it
> > to my van. So I kinda have an idea of time to make one. They aren’t cheap
> > to make. And you know how cost conscious vanagon owners are.
> >
> > I’ll say it again, just for annoying emphasis, it’s a frigging pressure
> > vessel! Has to be tested!
> >
> > :-)
> >
> > Alistair
> >
> > > On Jul 21, 2021, at 8:09 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Stuff from Dansk surprises me more when it is good. Test those front
> > heater cores before installing. For the tanks keep in mind that these are
> > hand made. I for one have not been that successful with aluminum welding
> so
> > I understand the challenge. However they should have a better
> inspection-or
> > test process. As a small shop I hate having to stock multiples of any
> part
> > due to failures on install.
> > >
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > >
> > > From: Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com>
> > > Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 10:53 AM
> > > To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>; vanagon <
> > vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
> > > Subject: Re: Aluminum coolant tanks
> > >
> > > Maybe a bad batch? It is weird to have it happen twice. The other
> > weird thing is during the coolant work back in March was that I replaced
> > the two pipes that cross over the transmission - and they had a leak as
> > well - they were from Dansk. Got some bad karma perhaps - or good in
> that
> > the leaks were apparent before heading off somewhere.
> > >
> > > Bruce
> > >
> > > On Wed, Jul 21, 2021 at 7:17 AM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com
> > <mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com>> wrote:
> > > I've been using Van-Café tanks for years without issue. I started using
> > the GoWesty tanks due to the sight glass, well for the level sensor and
> > price. I have some in stock. I hope this is an isolated event and not a
> > sign of things to come. Welding aluminum can be a challenge.
> > >
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > >
> > >>>
> > >>
> >
>
--
________________________________________________________________________
Mark Belanger - mbelanger@gmail.com
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