Ok, another coolant reservoir discussion

[Keeffa]

If referring to the Steeda tank you're wrong about the capacity. It was measured before replaced.
It is odd that you found machine oil in the tank, and not saying it can not happen. I would think any oil would have been removed before the seems were welded?

Is there a window to see the coolant level.

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[ChipG]

Radium capacity is probably 1/2 of the OE bubble but no issues cooling wise. I just ran back to back Road Atlanta events in 90 degree weather with no issue. I did take mine off because there was machining oils in the tank that caused sludge. Just make sure to not over fill and clean out the tank prior to install if you go that route.

That being said since I haven't put it back on so if you are interested in one, I have mine laying around

Why are you not putting it back in? The sludge?

 

[whatisgrip]

Why are you not putting it back in? The sludge?

Pure laziness on my end. I'll eventually put it back in but nothing was wrong with my plastic bubble. Just a aesthetic mod so I'm not stressing it

 

[Angrey]

Any tank that's welded is eventually a leak risk. Most modern antifreezes feature anti corrosive additives, but make no mistake that high temp/pressure water is harsh on alloys, even aluminum. That's why I prefer the Radium, it's a bolt together with a gasket. If it leaks, you replace the gasket. Weld points are also notorious for stress corrosion cracking. Even if it works fine today, under harsh conditions for long enough, it's a leak risk. OEM radiator companies have a ton more controls in place to avoid leaks than the run of the mill machinist making expansion tanks.

You can do the simplistic thermal expansion calculations for the radatior/coolant system. It doesn't take a ginormous volume to accommodate and anything beyond that is just extra weight/volume (the extra coolant does not contribute as an effective heat sink/reservoir). As long as the tank/system serves to remove froth and aeration, it just needs to account for the maximum amount of volumetric expansion before it overflows.

 

[galaxy]

I had the Canton. Zero issues with the sight tube. But the Canton does not room well with the Ford oil catch can.

 

[Evolvd]

Another Radium user here. I removed about 1/4 gallon of fluid when switching to it. But no issues with heat or overflow.

 

[LOL WUT]

+ 1 for the radium. No issues here.

 

[Rapid Red]

Is there a window to see the coolant level.

There is not, but did come up with a way to measure the level for the refill.

Before removing the football, used a wooden dowel as a dip stick. Stuck it in the tank until it bottomed out, marked the full cold level with a sharpie.

New tool for the collection.. Steeda tank does hold a tad more coolant, nothing to write home about, just a footnote.

 

[Rapid Red]

Any tank that's welded is eventually a leak risk.

Crossing the street is a risk, considering the amount of tig welded tanks and the vast amount of applications of same.

The risk for leaks mentioned is about the same as being struck by lighting.

 

[autobahnGT350]

I went with a FatHouse tank. Well made, no issues. Add a Ford Performance badge for visual appeal.

Off topic, but what is the air filter system you are using? Looks pretty robust. Any performance gains?

 

[Evolvd]

Off topic, but what is the air filter system you are using? Looks pretty robust. Any performance gains?

That’s the Whipple intake.

 

[Angrey]

Crossing the street is a risk, considering the amount of tig welded tanks and the vast amount of applications of same.

The risk for leaks mentioned is about the same as being struck by lighting.

Well, given of how many people have reported leaks with aftermarket tanks (and of course how many people had leaks and didn't post about it) I'd venture you have a SLIGHTLY higher risk of having a leaky aftermarket aluminum welded tank than being struck by lightning.

It's not like when it leaks it's generally some catastrophic affair, but it is a pain in the ass and the down time of having to wrestle with the manufacturer to get it resolved (or buy a new one).

 

[Hack]

I see in your signature your car is a 2020. Is it still covered by the warranty? You could get a free stock replacement.

 

[lunatect]

Is it common for the genuine one to fail?

My 2016 did and I replaced it with a new OEM reservoir.

 

[ChipG]

I see in your signature your car is a 2020. Is it still covered by the warranty? You could get a free stock replacement.

It is a 2020 but I'm out of b2b by mileage and in powertrain only.

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