Hi Mark,

In a earlier post Dennis mentioned that the GW tank has a visual way of seeing coolant level, not available in the VC version.  I think that is why he started using them.  Eric 

> On Jul 24, 2021, at 10:26 AM, Mark McCulley <markmcculley@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Interesting discussion. Dennis, thanks for the info on why an aluminum tank
> isn't just another piece of bling (albeit hidden in the engine compartment).
> 
> Is there any appreciable difference between the tank offered by vancafe and
> the gowesty one? The vancafe tank is a bit more expensive. The gowesty tank
> is on backorder now.
> 
> Regards,
> Mark
> 
> On Fri, Jul 23, 2021 at 3:15 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> The aluminum coolant tanks were developed in response to the high failure
>> rate of the original tank. These failures were a result of the design and
>> materials used.  The cap itself is also a high failure item. The problem is
>> worse now as the tanks available are of even poorer material. Adding to
>> this tank failure can also caused by other system issues such as combustion
>> gasses getting into the system or other failures including fan not
>> functioning. In these events undiagnosed failures often result in ear
>> immediate failure of the tank or cap. The metal based tanks are much more
>> tolerant and so is the pressure cap. In addition the standard design cap
>> used with these tanks besides being robust and tolerant are easily
>> inspected and replaced. They also can release pressure and suck back more
>> reliably, with more capacity and not get damaged by a steam blast. The
>> standardized cap design also allows for easier attachment of pressure
>> testers and even pressurized filling equipment.
>> 
>> The real consideration is reliability and saving an engine. For all the
>> bad press the Waterboxer gets the reality is that while there are some
>> weaknesses they really never wear out and most all failures are the result
>> of some fluid system failure, coolant, oil, or fuel. While you may need to
>> deal with outer head gaskets, a burned valve, or maybe even rings, if you
>> never loose the coolant, oil pressure or lean-flood the cylinders Upgrading
>> this tank with fuel you will never loose one of these engines. Upgrading
>> this tank eliminates one more engine killer. I do acknowledge that these
>> tanks are not perfect. The hose nipples don't quit fit the hose and clamp
>> design, on one the coolant sensor is satisfied as long coolant is still
>> spraying on it, and I don’t think they separate the dirt and debris out
>> like the original. But getting the better cap and eliminating the sudden
>> failure failures is worth the cost.
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of gary
>> hradek
>> Sent: Friday, July 23, 2021 11:18 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Aluminum coolant tanks
>> 
>> If the plastic ones are still available why would anyone want the weight
>> of an Aluminum coolant tanks at nearly 10x the cost?
>>