Expansion tank delete?

[Gur88]

Good morning.

So I got my radiator (ordered online) and it is the wrong model. It'll install but does not have a nipple to the expansion tank hose. Has anyone performed a delete? I'm thinking of running the overflow hose to a small bottle since the new radiator is set up for an overflow tank, not an expansion tank.

If there's any reason y'all can think of why this wouldn't work or might damage the truck please let me know. I need my truck running to work and can't afford another week or two off waiting on shipping.

 

[PolarisCobra]

Isn't the pressure cap on the expansion tank? If so, where would you put it?

 

[HemiLonestar]

It is on the 02-03 but in 2004 the cap was moved to the rad. That design carried through at least the rest of the 3rd gen run.

 

[grpht03ram]

I was thinking about doing this.
Its possible. You just need to copy the 04+ setup

You need to pickup a set of new heater hoses
and the overflow/windshield wash bottle from the 04+
You should be able to get all that locally

The fan shrouds use the same part#
The wash bottle should bolt right up

EDIT: This radiator you bought is set up to have the cap on the radiator, right?

 

[Gur88]

Yes, the radiator has a cap on it, but no nipple for the expansion tank hose is all.

I'm going to have some time to work on it today, I'll see if the 04 heater hose (the lower one that tees to the bottom of the expansion tank pre 04) fits to close the loop. If not, I'm sure I can find or make a brass fitting to replace the tee.

I'm not sure about the 04 res. I can't visualize where it would bolt on after seeing pictures. An aluminum bottle style res might be the way I go just for appearance and space saving. I'll update with progress when I've got it sorted out.

Just want to say, thanks for the replies guys. The info about 04 going to this style of system helped a lot.

 

[grpht03ram]

The newer reservoir should bolt up to the same holes as the old one. Except it only uses 2 mounting points

google pictures of the engine bay.

Not my picture:

You can see the empty 3rd bolt hole for the 02-03 reservoir

dodge didn't bother changing the fan shroud, they just left the 3rd mounting hole blank

if you find one locally you could always take the shroud with you and try it out

Good luck

 

[Gur88]

Ah, so I'd have to replace my washer res too.

Delete was easy, there's a 5/8 to 3/4 union doorman makes that O'Reilly's had in stock. Simply took the old hoses with the T, the heater core side uses a house clamp so undo that and disconnect and stick the 5/8 in there. The engine side uses a fixed plastic tee design, but if you pinch the plastic ring with pliers until the inside barb fitting collapses you can easily pick out the fitting and slide off the plastic ring. The 3/4 end fits perfect in there. I used a worm clamp for that end. At temp with no leaks. You could do this without even removing the hoses.

Currently have an old aluminum water bottle with the overflow hose ran through a hole drilled in the cap.

I'll work about a permanent res when I get the dang misfires figured out. Hoping the new fuel pump is all that needed though.

 

[grpht03ram]

Ah, so I'd have to replace my washer res too.

The 2004+ coolant & washer are one unit.