>Questions:
>
>1.  Should I replace my primary coolant tank, along with the
>already cracked & replaced expansin tank?

Yes, definitely! You'll also have to replace the coolant sensor
gasket. Re-using the old one will not do (as I found out!).
A new primary tank is available cheaply from the BD. The old
ones tend to crack between the cap and the level sensor.

> Is the primary
>known to become brittle just the same as the expansion one?

Yep!

>2.  Should I replace the pressure cap (if separate)?

You'll get one free with the replacement tank.

>3.  Should I replace the thermostat?

Nahh. It's probably OK, especially if your temperature's normally
stable.

>4.  What sort of clamps/connectors?  How many?

Umm. Get good quality ones - ones that won't bite into the
hoses. Those chromed ones with the curved edges are good.

>5.  Is there any other part of this general system that I should
>pay attention to or any other part/s I need to order?  I really
>want to do this job right!

Check all the hoses are sound. Check those two big pipes that
run up to the radiator. Check the plastic (plastic!!) pipe
that underneath the crank pulley. Make sure there's no side
play in your water pump. There's a small hole in the housing
& if there's water dripping from the hole, the pump's usually
shot. This happened to mine last year ....

>6. Finally, are there any small, but *critical details* I should
>know about, so I pass it on gently to my mechanic?

Just change that sensor gasket when you're changing the primary
tank.

Pete C

--
Peter Cassidy,                   pcassidy@apple.com
Sr. Test Dev. Engineer             +353-21-284316
WW Operations
Apple, Cork, Ireland.