How to Replace the Coolant Recovery Tank in a VW Beetle

While replacing an engine or radiator in your Beetle, or while searching for elusive coolant leaks, you may need to replace your coolant recovery tank. The coolant expansion tank, as it is called in the Beetle, is fairly easy to replace with the right knowledge. Here's how to replace the coolant expansion tank on your Beetle quickly and easily.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small clamp
• Shop rag
• Sealed container
• Coolant

1. Turn off the engine and let it cool for at least an hour before proceeding. This allows expanded coolant to flow back into the radiator so you do not loose any more coolant than necessary. Disconnect the negative battery cable as a precaution.

2. Clamp the coolant expansion line to the radiator to prevent back-flow and remove the hose. Have a shop rag handy to catch any spills.

3. Loosen the expansion tank out of its compartment and drain the used coolant into a container that has a well fitting cap to seal the container. Dispose of this coolant immediately as it very toxic.

4. Put the new coolant expansion tank into position and hook up the line from the radiator. Once the new tank is in place, remove the clamp on the hose.

5. Open the cap on the expansion tank and fill it to the cold fill line with pre-mixed coolant. Replace the negative battery cable.

6. Start the engine and check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• It is generally recommend that you also replace the coolant sensor when you replace the coolant expansion tank in the Beetle.
• Keep the coolant out of the reach of children and pets. This liquid is toxic and sweet tasting, which makes it even more enticing and dangerous.

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