FYI 2016 Model....and end of life for another Freightliner part.

[Chuggs]

Parked our rig yesterday after a nice three week trip. On walk around...noticed coolant residue on the rear hatch louvers. Upon further study...the Coolant Surge tank has a crack just above the seam...and oozes coolant. Ordered a replacement part and new cap. Doesn't look like a fun project...and if you're wondering --- YES, SPARTAN uses a metal tank. SPARTAN wasn't an option for the Ventana Lineup in 2016. So, if you're jammin' a 2016 or older Ventana, might give the surge tank a good visual inspection. Luckily, my crack was high enough that it didn't allow the fluid to all leak out.

 

[Neal]

I believe there is a newer style tank used, not sure when it went into production but if you replace yours (or have it replaced next visit to FCCC) they'll likely put in a newer version.

 

[Chuggs]

Yep...I looked up the part by VIN on Excellerator and the new part is same except -002 vs -001 ending on the PN. Direct replacement.

 

[stang37]

For the third year in a row at Gaffney they recommended replacing the surge tank due to cracks. Replaced it this time as it really looked bad. I believe the tank was around $225.00+ labor. I would have to review the billing to be certain about the cost

 

[Richpatty]

I guess the 2017 is the same tank? Maybe I should have them proactively replace it?

 

[Chuggs]

For the third year in a row at Gaffney they recommended replacing the surge tank due to cracks. Replaced it this time as it really looked bad. I believe the tank was around $225.00+ labor. I would have to review the billing to be certain about the cost

Probably fair.

I found it at Find it Parts for $144.49, New Cap for $13.99...but they kill you on shipping. All up Shipping and Tax $227.66.

I'm hoping I can get to all of the mounting bolts without having to remove the radiator.
The plastic surge tank is a thing of beauty when it's new. Easy to sight the fluid level at a glance. But then time takes its toll. It becomes more difficult to read the level...the plastic gets hazy and discolored. You wonder at times...is that the fluid level or a stain from the coolant. I open the cap and use a camera probe to see the fluid. Oh well...when the new one is installed...I should be able to read the fluid level again at a glance.

 

[stang37]

Probably fair.

I found it at Find it Parts for $144.49, New Cap for $13.99...but they kill you on shipping. All up Shipping and Tax $227.66.

I'm hoping I can get to all of the mounting bolts without having to remove the radiator.
The plastic surge tank is a thing of beauty when it's new. Easy to sight the fluid level at a glance. But then time takes its toll. It becomes more difficult to read the level...the plastic gets hazy and discolored. You wonder at times...is that the fluid level or a stain from the coolant. I open the cap and use a camera probe to see the fluid. Oh well...when the new one is installed...I should be able to read the fluid level again at a glance.

I'm sure they did not remove the radiator or the bathroom floor. They remove the rubber covering around the tank as it didn't take them long. I would give them a call as not sure what all is required to remove the radiator.

 

[Chuggs]

That's good time know. It appears to me the level sensor, three hoses, and four bolts need to be removed...I'm pretty sure some need access from the rear unit less the lines have a bit of slack. Will find out soon.

I watched a YouTube post cutting off a mount to remove the old tank with a long sawzall blade. ... He anchored the new tank at only three of the four mounting locations. I have taken the rubber air dam off yet. But will at least snake a camera back there to see what's what.