Get the Best Priced Dodge Ram 1500 Expansion Tank

Your truck needs to keep it's cool, but if the expansion tank has a leak in it, it cannot hold coolant, which could lead to your engine overheating. Anytime you have a coolant leak, you need to look into the source, and if the problem is the tank, it's a little easier to replace than a pump or radiator. Start your part replacement process by searching for your new 2004 Dodge Ram coolant reservoir today, or use whatever model year truck you have, to find the right tank to fit inside your truck's engine bay.

What is the Expansion Tank?

Simply, the expansion tank is where the coolant stays that is not being circulated through your engine or radiator. It's usually a large, plastic container that is just transparent enough for you to see the level of coolant inside. Since the coolant is heated, heat causes the liquid to expand, taking up more volume when it's being used, and the expansion tank is where it ends up. Sometimes, this part is referred to as the coolant recovery tank or the overflow tank.

When the Reservoir Leaks

Your coolant reservoir may need to be replaced only rarely. Usually, these parts will last for as long as you own your truck, but occasionally, excessive heat or damage to the tank itself may cause cracks and leaking. If you have a leak in your expansion tank, your system could lose coolant, and overheat. Because the cooling system is closed, any type of an opening that allows the coolant to leak out can be dangerous for both the engine and the cooling system. If you see a leak in your expansion tank, have the rest of the cooling system checked for leaks as well because the high temperatures and pressure that may have worn your Dodge Ram reservoir could also have done other damage to your truck's engine.

Other Problems Your Expansion Tank May Have

Other signs that your tank may have a problem are the temperature gauge for the engine consistently running higher than normal and steam appearing to come from under your hood. Never open the hood if your engine is overheating or you see steam. You must wait for it to cool down completely because the coolant that is in the system is not only hot but pressurized and can cause severe damage if you come in contact with it. If you prefer, take your Dodge Ram 1500 truck to a mechanic as soon as you notice overheating problems for a complete evaluation of the system.

Cost for a Replacement Expansion Tank

When you need a new expansion tank, you should have a mechanic install it because you will have to remove any existing coolant in the tank first. If you feel up to this, you may purchase just the expansion tank and cap and install it yourself. The list price for a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 radiator reservoir is around $74, and that is only for the part. Should you wish to have your mechanic install it, add to that your auto repair shop's hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours worked. To find a cheaper expansion tank, check out the selection at PartsGeek.com where you have several options for overflow tanks, including 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 coolant reservoirs and other model years. Having many choices is great because you can find a tank that fits your truck at a great price that typically falls well below the list price, which is what your mechanic would charge you for the tank.