I got a chuckle out of this. Not because of the brass fittings, but because I often wonder just how many spare parts are unavailable because owners squirreled them away with the sure knowledge that theirs was certain to break sooner or later? Usually, it is those who were early to the game but knew what to expect. The common wisdom of carrying a spare RCM and crankshaft and camshaft position sensors is especially telling. You would think we were driving DeLoreans or Models A or T Fords, given the number of spare parts carried and the scarcity of others. If everyone 'fessed up to their inventory and we could establish a central inventory depository for members to access there would be a brisk business in parts, But I suppose that would only result in new and different parts hoarders just waiting for their cars to need repair There is some deep-seated automotive masochism at work here, but I harbor no feelings of superiority since I suffer from the same puzzling Crossfire Syndrome!

 

One of the FIRST things I downloaded when I joined (Waaaaaaay Back), was this " WIWWM-ICSSATC syndrome (What Is Wrong With Me - I Can't Stop Staring At The Crossfire) ". BTW, I believe it'll show up in DSM 17 (or sooner?)... LMAO!


.

 

HA! I expect it sooner than that since the last I heard we were only up to Revised 5! But then again, I have been retired for a while now, and the general population seems to have gone Bats_ _t Crazy!

 

On my NA coupe the nipple on the reservoir had a small crack that was difficult to see, but it leaked. At the time I bought a new one from some retailer that is out of business now (maybe Bavauto). I installed it and guess what, it was also cracked at the base of the nipple. But this version had an internal brass tube reinforcing it. So I cleaned it up, roughed the surface and JB welded all around the nipple to seal the crack. It’s been a few years and it is still holding. Definitely a design defect.

 

Ya gotta love that JB Weld! Years ago, I actually fixed a major leak in my hot tub around the filter housing in the hot water. It's been about 12 years now, and I think that part of the tub will still be together when the rest crumbles! (And no - I am not in any way affiliated, compensated, or otherwise associated with the company) I have not found anything that I can't fix with that stuff.

 

OK guys, I'm starting fresh. I had used a barb and hammered it in, JB Welded around it but I am afraid of that as it's not threaded in like the brass fittings people describe.

So, I went and took it off. Here is what I am working with now:



I hear people say they took it off, others say they left it on. Some say they tapped it, others didn't.
Looking at the instructions there are different sized barb fittings.

I tried for an hour just now to remove this darn tank and it's not coming off. I sprayed the grommet with WD-40 but so far no luck.

I want to do this right but I need help and easy to understand instructions on what the best ans easiest fix is, what JB Weld to use and what sized fitting.
Really appreciate all the help.

 

When you remove the bolts, It lifts off
if it’s stuck, the rubber grommet holding down the barb (underside)
is dry. You may need to apply a bit of leverage with a slim pry bar.

worst case it breaks and you get a new one
Probably be able to replace for less than your time and parts to fix the existing unit.

 

Agree. If you are having that much trouble with it just yank that sucker out and put in a new one. Some DIY jobs just aren't worth the time, effort, and cost. It took me a long, stubborn time to learn this lesson, but life and car repairs have been much more pleasant ever since.

 

Thank you for the tips. I would love to buy a new one but they are not available anymore. The tank that says it fits the SLK32/SRT does not fit or else I would have already overnighted it.
Looks like my only option is to fix the existing tank and cross my fingers.

Slight difference in part numbers and the SLK 320 tank is not identical unfortunately even though the website says so

 

Oops
guess your problem just got bigger


good luck with removal.

 

Edit:
Rob confirmed the hose stays open to atmospheric pressure. If anyone else ever wonders "where it connects", it doesn't lol

 

The fix is complete. Thank you for everyone who answered, contributed and lend a helping hand with this project.
I took my time, drained the coolant all the way and since I had already committed to taking the tank off, I did.

But I think it could have been done without removing the tank if careful to not get shavings into the coolant reservoir.

The brass fitting went in really well and seems as solid as a rock, backed up by JB Weld as a thread sealant. Could probably have used plumbers tape.

Either way, the SRT reservoirs are not available.anymore so hoping one day Needswings makes one out of metal. Till then this is probably as good as it gets because a used one will also fail. I also purchased a new hose going to the fitting so there would be less pressure on the barb fitting. The original hose had the broken off plastic/brass nipple stuck inside and when I cut that off, the hose was too short for my liking and too curved, so it looked like it might put added pressure on the fitting.
Hose purchased at NAPA for $6, fitting purchased at local ACE Hardware $3.80. Well worth the time and effort and if I did it again, could probably do this in 30 mins.

 

I'm glad that you got it fixed.
I replied to your pm, but I just got back from Ohio, so I didn't see it until tonight.