coolant overflow tank...

[treedoc]

Scott,
Coolant tank and fog lights arrived OK thanks, see attached image of brass coolant tank above 39 year old plastic tank, it's off to the radiator repair man to have old paint stripped and new coat of black.
I just don't trust 39 year old plastic tanks on a hot summers day, something you late model 280 owners should think about.
Geoff

[scoot]

I have never seen a plastic one of these before!  Are these common??   Everyone will be much happier with the brass one!!!

[treedoc]

I beleve plastic overflow tanks where fitted on last two years of 280SL production, maybe Peter van Es might like to confirm? Build date our SL 10/1970
Treedoc

[bpossel]

This topic has been discussed before.  My 280sl is a '71 (June 70 production).  It has a brass tank.  In summary, MB changed to a plastic tank (from brass), then found some "lost" inventory of brass tanks; switched back to brass until they used up the lost inventory; then went back to plastic again until the end of the production run... 
Bob 

[scoot]

... so does that mean that the brass tanks are NLA from MB, and that only the plastic tanks are available?

[Peter van Es]

Mine has a brass tank.... My VIN is 113044 12 019212 putting it according to this table http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/USModelYear  in production May 1970. Matches with what Bob just wrote.

Peter

[treedoc]

Hi Peter & Bob,
There is no doubt some late 280's where origonally fitted with a plastic raditator overflow tanks, the real question we should be debating is wether the plastic tanks have shown any signs of aging and failure, 40+ years seams a long life for a hot plastic tank full of a cocktail of some agressive chemicals such as antifreeze.
So could we hear from anyone who has experienced problems with the tanks, plastic or brass.?
Treedoc

[mdsalemi]

...full of a cocktail of some agressive chemicals such as antifreeze...

FYI antifreeze is generally just slightly on the hi-pH side, and "ages" to a lower pH. (basic-->acid).  The "cocktail" would only be any water you choose to mix in with it, plus the anti-corrosive agents designed specifically to protect the metal components.  The plastic is affected by age, heat, light, UV, but not the antifreeze I'm afraid.

Of course the pH and anti-corrosive agents only "go bad" and damage things only when the owner FAILS to change them...

[graphic66]

I have a 78' Unimog 406 that runs at 210 deg.F with the plastic tank and that thing is solid, it shows no sign of giving up. Here is a photo of the truck for your enjoyment . I am painting it, I got sidetracked on my sudden differential failure on my 230SL and painted the Unimog.

[treedoc]

Hi Graphica66,
That's an interesting combination, a big yellow unimog and a 230SL do you have any more photos you can share?
Treedoc

[graphic66]

Posted some pics and video here in the "other cars" section here  http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=11549.0

[treedoc]

Scott,
Image shows your brass overflow tank now installed in our 280, thanks for the sale.
Anyone like to make an offer on the 39 year old plastic tank? Just kidding.

[scoot]

That looks great!