Coolant Tank
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,374
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Coolant Tank
5 years ago I replaced my ORIGINAL coolant on my L99 NOT because of a leak but because it was very ugly and yellow/orange color.
I used a DORMAN unit that lasted until December of 2024.
I then ordered a MOTORCRAFT unit and installed IT.
It looked exactly like the Dorman unit except it had a "FOMOCO" embossed into the plastic (very small) ALL other markings were exactly the same.
There cannot be more than 1 manufacturer of these tanks nowadays.
The Motorcraft tank started seeping/leaking around the top where the Dorman one did.
I checked and Ford/Motorcraft has a 2 year warranty on the tank.
BUT IT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED FROM FORD.
The dealer I got it from says any dealer should either (possibly) have 1 on their shelf OR refund my $$ if FORD can't replace it at this point.
I hate the fact of having to replace every year. I'm honestly thinking about cleaning my ORIGINAL up and re-installing.
OR going to an aluminum one-just not one of the $500 ones.
Suggestions?
I used a DORMAN unit that lasted until December of 2024.
I then ordered a MOTORCRAFT unit and installed IT.
It looked exactly like the Dorman unit except it had a "FOMOCO" embossed into the plastic (very small) ALL other markings were exactly the same.
There cannot be more than 1 manufacturer of these tanks nowadays.
The Motorcraft tank started seeping/leaking around the top where the Dorman one did.
I checked and Ford/Motorcraft has a 2 year warranty on the tank.
BUT IT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED FROM FORD.
The dealer I got it from says any dealer should either (possibly) have 1 on their shelf OR refund my $$ if FORD can't replace it at this point.
I hate the fact of having to replace every year. I'm honestly thinking about cleaning my ORIGINAL up and re-installing.
OR going to an aluminum one-just not one of the $500 ones.
Suggestions?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 531
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
I went through this years ago. When the new one failed, I went with an aluminum one from Sinister Diesel. I got a mishimoto one for my friend. I think at that time they were around $250-280. No idea what they cost now. The $500 you mentioned sounds reasonable.
What would an OEM with new cap cost today, $200 plus? I would buy one(aluminum) today even at $500. No way I'm messing with the cheap plastic tanks anymore. I would even take an el cheapo amazon aluminum before I bought another plastic tank.
Sinister is $540 for gray...but I found The Mishimoto at all our sources for $357 and should have free shipping
Mishimoto aluminum degas (Riffraff)
What would an OEM with new cap cost today, $200 plus? I would buy one(aluminum) today even at $500. No way I'm messing with the cheap plastic tanks anymore. I would even take an el cheapo amazon aluminum before I bought another plastic tank.
Sinister is $540 for gray...but I found The Mishimoto at all our sources for $357 and should have free shipping
Mishimoto aluminum degas (Riffraff)
Last edited by INFRNL; Jan 22, 2026 at 07:08 PM.
Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 364
Likes: 65
Like INFRNL said, you are better off buying a cheapo chinaluminum coolant tank off Ebay, than the current plastic chinese coolant bottles. There is one on Ebay for $115 and I used that same brand for a 2003 T-bird when nothing else was available. I was serially changing out cheap plastic coolant bottles on that car. The aluminum piece has held up well and looks good. My bet is that the other aluminum tanks for more $$$ are also made in China.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
OK so here's a question. Is it leaking at the seam where the plastic parts are assembled?
If yes I'd suggest getting a plastic welder and sealing up the seam yourself. Fix what ya got.
If it's leaking at the cap, be sure to use same cap and bottle. Do not mix Motorcraft and aftermarket.
I am not a fan of opaque aluminum degas bottles because you cannot see the contents. Is there crud in there? A layer of fuel or oil? No way to know.
If yes I'd suggest getting a plastic welder and sealing up the seam yourself. Fix what ya got.
If it's leaking at the cap, be sure to use same cap and bottle. Do not mix Motorcraft and aftermarket.
I am not a fan of opaque aluminum degas bottles because you cannot see the contents. Is there crud in there? A layer of fuel or oil? No way to know.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 531
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
The same could be said about an old discolored plastic bottle...What about not having the ability to see your ATF, Oil, fuel, etc? You would have to manually inspect those
I understand your reasoning...It's crazy, My OEM tank lasted around 200K iirc. I replaced it and thought it was supposed to be OEM. I got it years ago from diesel orings, but It only made it a yr at most before it quickly failed. That's what brought me to just going with a good quality baffled aluminum unit.
Last edited by INFRNL; Jan 23, 2026 at 03:14 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,337
Likes: 6,117
I still have my original (now 26 years old) OEM production coolant tank. In the photo below, a light can be positioned against the opposing side wall of the tank, shining through the contents of the tank, to reveal the condition of the contents within the tank.
I just discovered translucent ammo boxes at Walmart. Bought 6 already. Made in USA. There is something to be said for being able to see through walls.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 531
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
Would it be because i live in one of the driest climates in the country...for whatever reason, my engine bay temps get warmer....my 203* t-stat, the coolant I use...luck of the draw...
I do agree, translucent items are much appreciated and aide in making life/ tasks easier
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It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
Question for folks running aluminum degas bottles: how does the sight glass line up?
Many of our trucks happily run below the add mark. Is the sight glass in the right spot?
Many of our trucks happily run below the add mark. Is the sight glass in the right spot?
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My tank only looks nice in the photo because it is back lit, in order for me to see the fluid inside.
If my tank were front lit, then you would see all the yellowing, tan-nish discoloration, along with white etch marks from the surface skin of the plastic decaying away.
But unless or until the tank leaks, I'm not replacing it for the sake of appearance. As long as it functions, I want all the use I paid for when I bought the truck.
I've read too many stories like yours, where newer Motorcraft and aftermarket degas bottles fail. Actually fail, as in leak, not just getting discolored.
Years ago I did a survey on the aftermarket aluminum degas bottles, comparing the various brands. If I find that thread, I will link it below.
If my tank were front lit, then you would see all the yellowing, tan-nish discoloration, along with white etch marks from the surface skin of the plastic decaying away.
But unless or until the tank leaks, I'm not replacing it for the sake of appearance. As long as it functions, I want all the use I paid for when I bought the truck.
I've read too many stories like yours, where newer Motorcraft and aftermarket degas bottles fail. Actually fail, as in leak, not just getting discolored.
Years ago I did a survey on the aftermarket aluminum degas bottles, comparing the various brands. If I find that thread, I will link it below.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 310
My tank only looks nice in the photo because it is back lit, in order for me to see the fluid inside.
If my tank were front lit, then you would see all the yellowing, tan-nish discoloration, along with white etch marks from the surface skin of the plastic decaying away.
But unless or until the tank leaks, I'm not replacing it for the sake of appearance. As long as it functions, I want all the use I paid for when I bought the truck.
I've read too many stories like yours, where newer Motorcraft and aftermarket degas bottles fail. Actually fail, as in leak, not just getting discolored.
Years ago I did a survey on the aftermarket aluminum degas bottles, comparing the various brands. If I find that thread, I will link it below.
If my tank were front lit, then you would see all the yellowing, tan-nish discoloration, along with white etch marks from the surface skin of the plastic decaying away.
But unless or until the tank leaks, I'm not replacing it for the sake of appearance. As long as it functions, I want all the use I paid for when I bought the truck.
I've read too many stories like yours, where newer Motorcraft and aftermarket degas bottles fail. Actually fail, as in leak, not just getting discolored.
Years ago I did a survey on the aftermarket aluminum degas bottles, comparing the various brands. If I find that thread, I will link it below.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 531
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
I can agree with not spending money til necessary.
I'll have to get a picture. I am not sure if it's in the "correct" spot, but seems to be good IMO(maybe a touch high). I believe the Mishimoto sight glass is in the same area as my Sinister tank, But I am not sure if it's been revised on either of them.
I'll have to get a picture. I am not sure if it's in the "correct" spot, but seems to be good IMO(maybe a touch high). I believe the Mishimoto sight glass is in the same area as my Sinister tank, But I am not sure if it's been revised on either of them.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2020
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From: Langley B.C. Canada
https://media.oilrite.com/wp-content...n-05.25.12.jpg
This is what the aluminum degas bottles should have instead of a little site window.
This is what the aluminum degas bottles should have instead of a little site window.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 310
https://media.oilrite.com/wp-content...n-05.25.12.jpg
This is what the aluminum degas bottles should have instead of a little site window.
This is what the aluminum degas bottles should have instead of a little site window.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,586
Likes: 841
From: knoxville, tn
https://media.oilrite.com/wp-content...n-05.25.12.jpg
This is what the aluminum degas bottles should have instead of a little site window.
This is what the aluminum degas bottles should have instead of a little site window.
agreed. Those sight glasses don’t seem to be of much value. A range glass, like you have referenced, would be much more useful
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,374
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Thanks all for your replies!!
LOTS of great info and I appreciate it!!
I'm going to pull my tank and take it to my local Ford dealer and ask for a replacement and if they replace it I'll install it and see what happens.
If they are unable to replace it I'll get a refund then clean up my original and see what happens.
Suddenly I'm not liking the idea of an aluminum unit now.....
LOTS of great info and I appreciate it!!
I'm going to pull my tank and take it to my local Ford dealer and ask for a replacement and if they replace it I'll install it and see what happens.
If they are unable to replace it I'll get a refund then clean up my original and see what happens.
Suddenly I'm not liking the idea of an aluminum unit now.....
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