Since we talk about coolant tank... I wonder if we can replace the plastic
tank with a small motorcycle radiator similar to this one...

https://www.revzilla.com/dirt-bike/moose-racing-radiator

On Wed, Jul 21, 2021 at 9:10 AM Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:

> Dennis,
>
> Yes, the hand made tanks should all be pressure tested. It’s not the same
> as a big production line of injection molded tanks where one can pull
> statistically chosen samples and do QC/QA.
>
> There can be mistakes made when welding, and that’s why test. All the
> pressure vessels ive been involved with have all been filled with water and
> pressurized , for a good time, hours. Any pressure drop or any sign of
> weeping….
>
> I find aluminum welding much easier than steel or stainless. Big arc and
> puddle so my eyes can see it! And our shop has very good welding machines.
> That’s a huge help.
> But if it comes to an important weld on one of my personal projects I get
> one of the real welders to do it for me.
> We trade machining  jobs for welding jobs , or we use beer as currency .
>
> Back to the reservoirs. They are pressure vessels. They are a critical
> component. Failure can mean disaster. Every possible check should be made
> on them.
>
> About six years ago I welded up my own version. Even machined a fitting
> for stant cap. Was more of an exercise than anything else. I didn’t fit it
> to my van. So I kinda have an idea of time to make one. They aren’t cheap
> to make. And you know how cost conscious vanagon owners are.
>
> I’ll say it again, just for annoying emphasis, it’s a frigging pressure
> vessel! Has to be tested!
>
> :-)
>
> Alistair
>
> > On Jul 21, 2021, at 8:09 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > Stuff from Dansk surprises me more when it is good. Test those front
> heater cores before installing. For the tanks keep in mind that these are
> hand made. I for one have not been that successful with aluminum welding so
> I understand the challenge. However they should have a better inspection-or
> test process. As a small shop I hate having to stock multiples of any part
> due to failures on install.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > From: Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com>
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 10:53 AM
> > To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>; vanagon <
> vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
> > Subject: Re: Aluminum coolant tanks
> >
> > Maybe a bad batch?  It is weird to have it happen twice.  The other
> weird thing is during the coolant work back in March was that I replaced
> the two pipes that cross over the transmission - and they had a leak as
> well - they were from Dansk.  Got some bad karma perhaps - or good in that
> the leaks were apparent before heading off somewhere.
> >
> > Bruce
> >
> > On Wed, Jul 21, 2021 at 7:17 AM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com
> <mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com>> wrote:
> > I've been using Van-Café tanks for years without issue. I started using
> the GoWesty tanks due to the sight glass, well for the level sensor and
> price. I have some in stock. I hope this is an isolated event and not a
> sign of things to come. Welding aluminum can be a challenge.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> >>>
> >>
>