Classy Comanche Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 So I have had to replace my coolant tank TWICE from the original. I have been buying the tanks off of Rockauto.com and been getting them for the straight 6 cylinder. I just want to know why in the world it keeps cracking/busting. Has anyone else had this issue with the tanks before? Are the aluminum tanks any good and most importantly what could cause this other than possibly poor build quality? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 Since these parts are C.R.A.P. I am not surprised they crack. However, if two crack that quickly, I have to ask if something else is causing the pressure to build up. Do you have a head gasket leak? Do you have white smoke from the tail pipe? What do your spark plugs look like? Can you perform a compression test on the cylinders? Perform a leak down test? It may be cheap parts. The above tests/observations could lead to other possible causes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strokermjcomanche Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 First of all, how far are you filling the tank to? Second of all I do agree with purchasing a Mopar or macs reservoir. Or as another option you could go to an open cooling system From a 91 and up Cherokee or Comanche. This is all assuming that you don’t have any underlying issues like a head gasket or a blockage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 In general, I am not a big fan of closed cooling systems, (although the wife's KJ has one, and it seems to work fine.) If I was replacing the coolant tank more than once in a few years, I would be HIGHLY motivated to convert to an open system, as they don't seem to be as vulnerable to crappy aftermarket parts as do the closed systems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classy Comanche Posted June 16, 2022 Author Share Posted June 16, 2022 So I do not have a head gasket leak. No white smoke, no bubbles in coolant tank and no creamy tan looking oil. These tanks crack so so fast. Like I'll have it installed then a few days later it cracks and then this. This makes 2 times in a row. But I have a Mac's metal coolant tank on the way. I am so sick of these cheap knock off tanks busting on me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classy Comanche Posted June 16, 2022 Author Share Posted June 16, 2022 And I am also filling the tank about halfway or slightly over halfway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everz Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 33 minutes ago, Classy Comanche said: And I am also filling the tank about halfway or slightly over halfway My coolant reservoir is just zip tied in, Its the 90+ model reservoir but sure don't crack ha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted June 17, 2022 Share Posted June 17, 2022 There's probably one factory in china making these pieces of junk to be relabeled by every parts wholesaler in the world. Failure of these C.R.A.P rezzies can cause catastrophic loss of coolant resulting in engine damage. If you feel the slightest need for a new radiator, get yourself a 91 and later one and convert to open system. Cheaper than the MACs tank which is a pretty cool alternative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 17, 2022 Share Posted June 17, 2022 I like the Mac aluminum reservoir. I actually used Summit Racing surge tanks (also aluminum), but I bought those before the Mac reservoir hit the market. The Mac is more expensive, but it's a direct fit and doesn't require any adapters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classy Comanche Posted June 17, 2022 Author Share Posted June 17, 2022 Thank yall so much. I did purchase a macs aluminum reservoir. I have gotten so discouraged by this I have at one point and time considered selling which has quickly changed since discovering Macs alternative. When I have this reservoir installed. Any tips or anything I need to tell the mechanic when installing it? Purging all coolant? Radiator flush? Anything of that importance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 purge air out the temp sensor at the back of the head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classy Comanche Posted June 18, 2022 Author Share Posted June 18, 2022 Fantastic. I will tell them to do that exactly. Is there any other recommendations while I put it in the shop coolant wise? And I also must ask are these aluminum tanks super reliable? I'm kinda scared it may blow up and lock my engine up. It's just me being nervous from these last two going out on me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 You're allowing a shop to install that tank? The Mac's tank comes with a standard radiator pressure cap. That means it converts your system from a closed system to an open system. That barb fitting in the coolant neck is for a hose to connect to an overflow catch tank/bottle -- which your MJ doesn't have. You are going to have to decide where you want to install the catch bottle and find one that will fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classy Comanche Posted June 18, 2022 Author Share Posted June 18, 2022 Oh shoot! So this cannister is for open systems? So now that I ordered this I will have to convert to a open system? Ahhh. Okay I'm new to all this. I'm a young guy trying to better understand my truck and get it running smoothly like it did before. Are conversions simple and easy going from closed to open? Is that something that MJ's do quite a bit? Because if it's really a good idea, I'll probably do it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 OMG, this thread is getting confusing!!! Just get the MAC's tank and put it on. Everything will be fine. Why not do it yourself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 The Mac’s tanks are SUPER reliable, I’ve had them in all three of my trucks for well over 10 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velco Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 You can run the Mac's tank as a closed system, just plug the overflow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 a higher pressure cap works wonders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 Yes. Stock is 13 pounds. 16 pound caps are readily available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIKE Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 You can use a bottle that was standard on an early model Jeep with a 2.5 liter engine. It will bolt right in next to your air box. The holes for fasteners are already there. https://www.morris4x4center.com/coolant-bottle-radiator-52003213.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI46GOsKm3-AIVVAp9Ch2RfADaEAQYAyABEgLwRvD_BwE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 22 hours ago, Classy Comanche said: Oh shoot! So this cannister is for open systems? So now that I ordered this I will have to convert to a open system? Ahhh. Okay I'm new to all this. I'm a young guy trying to better understand my truck and get it running smoothly like it did before. Are conversions simple and easy going from closed to open? Is that something that MJ's do quite a bit? Because if it's really a good idea, I'll probably do it No, you don't have to buy a new radiator. The Mac's tank is for the 87 thru 90 system, and it replaces the plastic surge tank. BUT -- The Mac's tank comes with a conventional radiator cap and a barb fitting for an overflow tube. Installing the Mac's tank IS a conversion to an open system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 if you add a cap that's a higher pressure than the closed system will see, it should stay a closed system. I have a late model radiator (with a higher pressure cap) in my otherwise stock 88. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classy Comanche Posted June 19, 2022 Author Share Posted June 19, 2022 I must ask. With this Mac tank coming in does it have a bottom nipple? Like on the plastic ones the one on the side is the inflow and the bottom is a outflow. Because o may be able to just get it then attach the two hoses. If that is all I need to do when I get it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 Wait til it arrives and you will be blown away at how simple it is to install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 Yes it has the bottom hose port, it’s plug-n-play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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