Expert: Octavio Torres - 10/24/2011

Question
I was told I have a seep in the plastic overflow tank of the radiator in my 2001 Volvo and that is why a warning light comes on to pull over immediately and fill the tank.  However, this light has been on for 2 months now and every time I check the coolant level, it is topped off and full.

They said they were afraid it might turn into a bad leak and the only way to fix it is replace the entire radiator.

Is this true or can I just have the overflow tank repaired?

Answer
Hi DJ, one thing is an overflow tank and connected to it by a rubber hose, a radiator. These two parts are normally sold separately. so, I do not see why they can not sell you the coolant reservoir only. However, any leak may be detected by you by simple observation.

Should the leak be in a rsvr. marked as PP (polypropylene), you might be able to fix it with the help of a soldering iron and some scrap PP. If the coolant container is marked as PA (polyamide), it is almost impossible to have it repaired.

Any way, pinpoint locate that leak, tell me what the making code is and send me some close up pictures and we will see if there is still a chance for your coolant rsvr to be saved.

mail: manual@bumper2bumperplasricsrepair.com
mention the words "rsvr leak" in the subject box"

Thanks for considering recycling and repair.