Sixty dollar question..... Coolant bottles............

[CharlesinGA]

OK, I have an '03 5.9L which has the coolant bottle squeezed in on the vehicle left side of the radiator right next to the windshield washer bottle. I have a leak which I think is the radiator but not sure. As a radiator is not expensive, I am considering just replacing it. A Mishimoto replacment radiator, which I assume is a decent quality, is only $238. The coolant "overflow" bottle is seemingly not available as Genos skips over the '03/early '04 models.

The question is, the '04½-'09 overflow bottle mounts on the back RH side somewhat under the hood hinge area. My truck has a bracket there already that seems to have holes in the right places to mount the later coolant bottle. Nothing else is on that bracket. I need to find an '04½ or later to see it that indeed is the same bracket. I could just buy a later coolant bottle and mount it and run the hose to it.

This would also solve the issue of accidentally pouring coolant in the washer bottle and also opens up the area around the intercooler outlet and pipe connection, and upper radiator hose also.

Has anyone done this swap and does the bottle fit in the back right on the bracket?

Charles

 

[AH64ID]

Be sure to read some reviews on the Mishimoto, from what I recall they aren’t too stellar.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Hmmm, I'll chat with Genos on the phone and see what their thinking is.

Also adding a drawing from the parts book of the '04½ to '09 coolant bottle. The bracket it mounts to appears to be the same as the one in my '03. Gotta find a later model to look at and take pics. Just really want that overflow bottle out of the way up front and this is the opportunity to do that.

#1 is the bottle, #3 are the screws, #5 is the cap.

Charles

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Be sure to read some reviews on the Mishimoto, from what I recall they aren’t too stellar.

Just my .02 since I'm running alot of Mishimoto Components(not an ambassador or sponsored), I'm still running their all aluminum rad without any issue. My clutch fan has been broken for a while now and in combination with a Fleece coolant bypass, and Stant super T-Stat I've had no temperature issues.

My only issue with Mishimoto is their shipping partner UPS. I've gone through three intercoolers, and two radiators being warrantied out(not installed, damaged on delivery) because UPS could not deliver a delicate piece in one piece. I will also say that Mishimoto stands by their Lifetime warranty on their products. Through my delivery issues Mishimoto sent out new ones and let me keep the old ones which I sold off to a local diesel performance shop for $725. I don't think the lifetime warranty on their OE rad is worth the price compared to the brands on Rockauto, any of their other performance parts I'd say its well worth it, they also have accident coverage as well for delicate bits.

If you just want a stock replacement I'd recommend just getting one off RockAuto Spectra, or GPD would be my rec. brands.

 

[CharlesinGA]

After laying underneath looking for the leak (have not spotted it but the shroud blocks the lower part of the radiator) I realize that the coolant overflow bottle actually forms part of the left side of the shroud and if removed, the fan blades would be throwing air off the tips, so changing out the bottle for the later type is not an option from what I see. I ordered a new GPD radiator and Gates turbo hose and boots for all the pipe connectors. Also discovered that the Gates green belt is on national backorder and even Genos has a note to that effect in the listing online. I stumbled into the only Gates K081264HD (Fleetrunner Micro-V) in the O'Reilly's parts system at a location an hours drive from me. Went this evening and picked it up. O'Reilly's is a Gates dealer. Just not to be found anywhere.

#ad


Have the air filter box and all the inlet ducting to the turbo out and have taped over the turbo inlet. Got the PacBrake air compressor removed off the top of the engine, more working room now. Next will be the hot and cold turbo pipes and taping all of that over. I found some videos that show to remove the intercooler but taking out the pipes appears to be better as you are not disturbing 20 yo A/C hoses flexing them.

Slow working on it as I am helping an 89 yo neighbor who fell and broke his leg. Now other issues have cropped up and I spend a good bit of the day with him. Steadily improving however.

Charles

 

[Topzide]

@CharlesinGA, The supply chain has thrown a big wrench in find parts to fix and even keep up with maintenance! Take the time in doing the repairs as not to cause anything else to pop up! Good on you for helping out that neighbor! The karma of that should help with the repairs!