Differences Between Expansion Tanks & Overflow Tanks in Automotive Cooling Systems
Overflow tanks are not pressurized, and simply hold what overflows from the pressurized side of the system when pressure exceeds what it noted on the radiator cap, typically 16PSI. An expansion tank expands the amount of coolant that the pressurized system can hold, and the top of the tank takes on the role of the previous design's radiator cap (expansion tank caps and radiator caps are sometimes the same exact part) for venting excess pressure.
What is a expansion tank in a car? How does a car expansion tank work?
The expansion tank takes in excess coolant and minimizes excess pressure in the engine cooling system. An expansion tank helps maintain a minimal pressure increase during the expansion of heated water, helps reduce coolant hammer, and helps protect the engine cooling system from stress, typically brought on by pressure and temperature changes.
What is the purpose of a coolant expansion tank?
The expansion tank is always located higher than the radiator and functionally becomes the top of the radiator, providing additional fluid capacity, with plenty of room for coolant expansion. This method allows the hood line to be low, as the radiator can be a bit shorter in stature and doesn't need to have it's own cap.
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