My expansion tank is leaking and I am out of warranty. I would like to spend a little extra and upgrade the tank to the Forge alloy tank. However, the Forge tank has an extra hose connection at the top of the tank. Can this tank be installed on a Cooper? If so, what do you do with this extra port?

 

I'd just cap the extra port to hold pressure in the system. I'd love to see pics when done.

 

Thanks, any suggestions on how best to cap it?

 

Do you have a link or pic of the tank?

 

I have done this install. You also have to bend the mounting bracket a bit. I just made a nipple out of a closed piece of hose and a hose clamp on that extra fitting. Someday I want to have someone weld that fitting closed so it looks a little nicer.

 

So thats what a stock Minis engine bay looks like. Damn...I havent seen one in years...

 

MINI Bee,

Have you had any issues with the coolant system? The local Mini dealer says the pressure in the Cooper coolant system is different than the pressure in the S system so the tank won't work. You are the second Cooper I've seen with the tank so I'm not convinced the dealer is correct.

Also, did you have to buy a Cooper S coolant tank lid for the tank? My OEM tank has a flimsy snap on cap.

Thanks,

 

The tank has been installed for almost two years and I have not had one issue with it. Honestly I think some folks make that stuff up just to sell more parts. It's an overflow tank so pressurization shouldn't be an issue at all. The lid is billet and I believe it snaps on, over the plastic lid.

 

The dealer is correct. The S coolant tank is presurized and is an integrated part of the cooling system. The little hose at the top of the tank is a coolant return. On the Cooper NON S the tank is just an expansion tank and doesn't hold any pressure. The Coolant is pumped into it when the pressure in the system causes the radiator cap to open. Rather than dumping it on the ground like classic cars did.
I don't see any problems running the forge tank on a cooper, just fitting it in. The tank should work fine, as long as you plug off the small line on top.
I've sold several and got them in stock if you want.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...5&cat=0&page=1
It's a very HIGH quality peice.

 

I read his earlier post to say that the dealer was saying the COOPER was the pressurized system, not the S. So that's why I said the dealer was wrong. So in short, we agree!

 

For those with experience doing this, I have a couple of install questions

1. Is there a secret to removing the hose from the bottom of the tank. I can't get enough leverage in that small space to pull it free.

2. Is the hose at the bottom of the Cooper tank too small for the line in the bottom of the tank? The hose looks like it would fit the smaller port on the side but would be too small for the bottom port. If so, are there adapters to step up the diameter of the hose?

Thanks,

 

Install was kind of tricky. I had to run a 5/8" hose out of the bottom of the new tank then join it with the 3/8" hose with an adapter. The tank fit fine once I bent the bracket up top a little. Here's a few poor quality shots. I'll try for better in the daylight.