As an auto engine heats up, it causes the engine coolant to expand and push out of the radiator, via the coolant expansion port. A coolant recovery tank, also known as a coolant expansion reservoir, is designed to catch the coolant as it expands, and then, as the system cools, return it to the radiator . While newer vehicles are equipped with coolant recovery tanks, many older vehicles only have an open ended tube that allows the expanding coolant to drain onto the ground. If you have an older vehicle you can install a universal coolant recovery tank with a kit that includes the tank with mounting bracket, mounting screws and coolant recovery hose with clamps.
Allow the vehicle’s engine to cool completely.
Locate a spot to mount the recovery tank on the passengers-side wheel well, inside the engine compartment.
Set the tank in place and mark spots for the mounting screws, through the holes in the mounting bracket. Remove the tank and drill out the holes. Attach the tank to the wheel well with a screwdriver and the sheet metal screws included in the kit.
Push one end of the recovery hose onto the port on the recovery tank, and the other end onto the expansion port on the neck of the radiator. Secure the hose by tightening the hose clamps in place with the screwdriver.
Unscrew the cap and fill the recovery tank with coolant to the “full cool” fill line. Remove the radiator cap and top off the radiator with coolant.
