Expansion Tank

stellamon · Nov 26th, 2015, 00:13

The expansion tank had a dribble of coolant around its edges, so I decided to replace it, just in case it got worse or blew.

So bought one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-S70-...gAAOxyLNpSEzzd

I fitted it and topped the fluid up, then the "Coolant Low" message came up.

I thought I'd damaged the sensor that fits in the bottom of the tank, so got a new one from Volvo, fitted it but still the same message.

I contacted the supplier and let them know about the problem and they are sending a replacement tank, I figure it must be a faulty float switch on the new tank.

Has anyone had this happen before?

cheshired5 · Nov 26th, 2015, 00:29

Minor coolant losses are often solved by simply flipping the cap seal.
Worth trying if you've still got the old tank on.
I'd be surprised if many have needed to replace the tank because everything in a Volvo cooling system is pretty reliable.

stellamon · Nov 26th, 2015, 00:33

Already replaced the tank, just trying to get rid of the "Coolant Low" message now.

stellamon · Nov 27th, 2015, 12:16

The newer coolant tank arrived so fitted it today and it made no difference.
It's had a new sensor fitted too so can't figure out why the message won't clear.

I still have the "Coolant Low" warning.

Anybody got any ideas what might be the problem?

Dancake · Nov 27th, 2015, 12:49

Assuming that the only point where coolant level is measured is in the expansion bottle, the issue must relate to either the sensor, the wiring, or if fitted, the fuse. Considering the new bottle came with a new sensor, the sensor is not likely to be the problem (although stranger things have happened). I'd have a real good look at the wiring going to the sensor, and trace it back as far as possible to make sure there aren't any breaks or fraying etc. Not sure if it matters, but are you using the right mix of coolant and antifreeze?

stellamon · Nov 27th, 2015, 13:51

Thanks for your input Dancake.

The new bottle did not come with a sensor fitted, I don't think they're supplied with the sensor in.

Just been out and linked the two sockets in the connector for the sensor and the warning went out. So the wiring should be good.

It is a new sensor from Volvo but the previous one was working okay before I fitted the previous new tank.
That is what led me to believe the new tank was at fault.
They sent me another tank and I fitted it today but still no change.

Now I'm wandering whether the tanks have a manufacturing defect and although the float works it is not closing the sensor.

4candles · Nov 27th, 2015, 14:54

The new tank quite possibly is the problem as its un-branded...poor QC?

Are you sure your old tank was actually leaking, good chance it was a hose connection and by removing and fitting the hose it is now better sealed.

Much better to now put your money into a genuine tank from a breaker.
Try 'parts gateway' or your local.

stellamon · Nov 27th, 2015, 15:27

Thanks 4candles, I'd have to agree.

stellamon · Dec 5th, 2015, 21:16

Just for info, The seller of the coolant tanks on Ebay agreed with my findings and gave me a total refund and apologized for the trouble caused.
They did not want the suspect tanks returning for testing either..Odd?

So I ordered one from the stealer, only £3 more as it happens at nearly £30, fitted it and all is back to normal.
I wish I'd done that in the first place instead of trying to skimp.
Think I'll be giving Ebay a rest from now on

4candles · Dec 6th, 2015, 00:19

Had a 'similar' issue doing a favour for a friend, it was a duf heater blower fan in a Transit van, bought a cheapy new one from some outfit called TransitPartsUK and in the post appeared a shoddy far eastern copy that worked for all off a month before it started making squealing noises, it still works but now i have to strip half the dash to get back into it to see whats up!

Some cheap stuff may be up to it but some items just call for genuine (spit), of that i have no doubt, (never did).

Glad your all ticketyboo again.

Nov 26th, 2015, 00:13	#1
stellamon Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2019 15:41 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: shrewsbury	Expansion Tank The expansion tank had a dribble of coolant around its edges, so I decided to replace it, just in case it got worse or blew. So bought one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-S70-...gAAOxyLNpSEzzd I fitted it and topped the fluid up, then the "Coolant Low" message came up. I thought I'd damaged the sensor that fits in the bottom of the tank, so got a new one from Volvo, fitted it but still the same message. I contacted the supplier and let them know about the problem and they are sending a replacement tank, I figure it must be a faulty float switch on the new tank. Has anyone had this happen before? __________________ V70 T5 SE Auto 2004 Whale Oil Beef Hooked

Nov 26th, 2015, 00:29	#2
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	Minor coolant losses are often solved by simply flipping the cap seal. Worth trying if you've still got the old tank on. I'd be surprised if many have needed to replace the tank because everything in a Volvo cooling system is pretty reliable. __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

Nov 26th, 2015, 00:33	#3
stellamon Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2019 15:41 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: shrewsbury	Already replaced the tank, just trying to get rid of the "Coolant Low" message now. __________________ V70 T5 SE Auto 2004 Whale Oil Beef Hooked

Nov 27th, 2015, 12:16	#4
stellamon Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2019 15:41 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: shrewsbury	The newer coolant tank arrived so fitted it today and it made no difference. It's had a new sensor fitted too so can't figure out why the message won't clear. I still have the "Coolant Low" warning. Anybody got any ideas what might be the problem? __________________ V70 T5 SE Auto 2004 Whale Oil Beef Hooked

Nov 27th, 2015, 12:49	#5
Dancake Premier Member Last Online: Today 14:22 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Belfast	Assuming that the only point where coolant level is measured is in the expansion bottle, the issue must relate to either the sensor, the wiring, or if fitted, the fuse. Considering the new bottle came with a new sensor, the sensor is not likely to be the problem (although stranger things have happened). I'd have a real good look at the wiring going to the sensor, and trace it back as far as possible to make sure there aren't any breaks or fraying etc. Not sure if it matters, but are you using the right mix of coolant and antifreeze? __________________ 1996 850 T5 - Sold 2003 S40 1.9d - Sold 2004 S60 D5

Nov 27th, 2015, 13:51	#6
stellamon Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2019 15:41 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: shrewsbury	Thanks for your input Dancake. The new bottle did not come with a sensor fitted, I don't think they're supplied with the sensor in. Just been out and linked the two sockets in the connector for the sensor and the warning went out. So the wiring should be good. It is a new sensor from Volvo but the previous one was working okay before I fitted the previous new tank. That is what led me to believe the new tank was at fault. They sent me another tank and I fitted it today but still no change. Now I'm wandering whether the tanks have a manufacturing defect and although the float works it is not closing the sensor. __________________ V70 T5 SE Auto 2004 Whale Oil Beef Hooked Last edited by stellamon; Nov 27th, 2015 at 13:56.

Nov 27th, 2015, 14:54	#7
4candles I've Been Banned Last Online: Mar 19th, 2016 19:57 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Yondershire	The new tank quite possibly is the problem as its un-branded...poor QC? Are you sure your old tank was actually leaking, good chance it was a hose connection and by removing and fitting the hose it is now better sealed. Much better to now put your money into a genuine tank from a breaker. Try 'parts gateway' or your local.

Nov 27th, 2015, 15:27	#8
stellamon Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2019 15:41 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: shrewsbury	Thanks 4candles, I'd have to agree. __________________ V70 T5 SE Auto 2004 Whale Oil Beef Hooked

Dec 5th, 2015, 21:16	#9
stellamon Member Last Online: Nov 24th, 2019 15:41 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: shrewsbury	Just for info, The seller of the coolant tanks on Ebay agreed with my findings and gave me a total refund and apologized for the trouble caused. They did not want the suspect tanks returning for testing either..Odd? So I ordered one from the stealer, only £3 more as it happens at nearly £30, fitted it and all is back to normal. I wish I'd done that in the first place instead of trying to skimp. Think I'll be giving Ebay a rest from now on __________________ V70 T5 SE Auto 2004 Whale Oil Beef Hooked

Dec 6th, 2015, 00:19	#10
4candles I've Been Banned Last Online: Mar 19th, 2016 19:57 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Yondershire	Had a 'similar' issue doing a favour for a friend, it was a duf heater blower fan in a Transit van, bought a cheapy new one from some outfit called TransitPartsUK and in the post appeared a shoddy far eastern copy that worked for all off a month before it started making squealing noises, it still works but now i have to strip half the dash to get back into it to see whats up! Some cheap stuff may be up to it but some items just call for genuine (spit), of that i have no doubt, (never did). Glad your all ticketyboo again.

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