Header Tank

[Andy C]

Gday all,

What's the current thinking on replacement header tanks? .. is obsolete from Lotus .. and SJ only list an alloy version at stupid$$

Cross reference points me to a Vauxhall part which a quick search finds here .. however there seems to be some info saying these are "less than perfect" i.e. they can split etc

The tank is the last bit I need to get #296 back on the road.

Any inside info on what is the current best practice for replacing these?

[lotusflasherman]

I like to be able to do a visual check of coolant level when hot or cold without having to remove the pressure cap so have a strong preference for the 'see through plastic' type as originally fitted. Alloy would be equally good if I was Superman and could see through it, but I'm not.

Just check any GM / Vauxhall replacement has a 15psi cap as required for the Elan.

[woody]

Andy,
Coolexperts in Nottingham make an alloy one with a sightglass.
I have one fitted in my Elan.
There is a thread on the Forum with pictures.
Cheers,
Woody

[alan e]

I think the plastic header tank is from a vauxhall nova but i dont think they made a holden nova down under

[Rambo]

Here you go Andy C........

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=20543&hilit=Header+tank

[alan e]

Just seen one on eBay buy it now £39.95 .

[Andy C]

Thanks guys,

I looked at the coolexperts tank .. but with the conversion rate and freight and stuff n stuff .. works out bloody expensive for a bit of tin .. so I have order a couple of the Vauxhall versions. The current one has lasted about 8 years (I changed it before I sold last time), so a couple more plastic ones will probably outlast me! Not sure what cap they come with, however I assume my existing cap will fit OK.

I think the plastic header tank is from a vauxhall nova but i dont think they made a holden nova down under

We did have a Holden Nova .. however it was a rebadged Corolla during the applicable years and only became an Opel from about 2003 .. so can't source one locally at all.

So ... probably another week until #296 is back terrorising the locals again

[Rambo]

From memory, the VX header tanks are OK although I think some owners have found that they split and leak from the seam. I also had a problem with the yellow filler cap supplied with mine and reverted back to the OEM

[Gazza]

What Rambo said, my replacement didn't last 12 months!
Went for the alloy with sight glass in the end

[Andy C]

Further update on this one ..

Seems the VX tanks are now obsolete .. GM does not have them in stock. The guys at Vauxhaull world managed to find the last one available for me, however I decided in hindsight (and after reading here) to order the CoolExperts "do it once do it properly" unit.

So ... if anyone wants the last existing NOS plastic header tank ... j.watson@vauxhallworldparts.com

[ktrues1433]

1991 Elan M100 header tank. After not being able to find a replacement for my cracked tank I had one custom fabricated out of aluminum. $300.00 US. Yes, expensive, but if you can't drive the car...
It works so much better than the original and installed in less than an hour. If you're interested in seeing a pic of it installed in the engine bay you can email me ktrues@ix.netcom.com
Or you can contact the fabricators who made it for me.
Champion Cooling Systems in California. 951-245-9464. Matt Dawson