Anyone deal with big rigs? (surge tank sources)

[dyeager535]

I'm blaming Google.

Have been thinking about a project for awhile that would need a surge tank. Needs to have two 3/4" fittings, or bungs that can be reduced for hose nipples that size. I suspect I could get away with one 3/4" fitting and run a Tee. 2+ quart capacity is a bonus.

In the searching I've done, nothing seems available aftermarket. But I stumbled upon big rig stuff. Seems like they've been using surge tanks for awhile.

Peterbilt 379 and 387 surge tanks, just from looking at pics, might fit the bill. Part number F86-1004 is for one of those trucks, both designs are relatively similar it seems. Unfortunately the specs on the tanks seem non-existent online...dimensions, fitting/bung sizes, capacity. Without the specifications it's really tough to tell if they are a viable option for me or not. F86-6064 seems to be another that could be dual 3/4" fitting-ed.

Wondering if anyone out there deals with this sort of stuff, and if they have specs, or ideas for other donors. The 3/4" fitting/bung requirement seems to eliminate all the aftermarket designs I could find. Not really fixated on any one particular surge tank, as long as it's not huge and of a relatively basic shape, better wide than tall, unless tall and very narrow. I just happened to run across the Peterbilt parts and thought they looked like a possibility. Not a big fan of plastic.

 

[Fastereddie]

 

[dyeager535]

Thanks! The dimensions really help. Might be a bit wide being that tall, but still an option.

If the online calculators are right, that's just over two gallons. I could do with half that much lol.

 

[Truckman4life]

RV stuff would be a good way to go also. Bit expensive for this one. https://rveliteparts.com/products/rev-rv-01806583st-radiator-coolant-reservoir-steel

 

[Fastereddie]

So… what’s this said project?

 

[Truckman4life]

Some big truck options. There's way more styles out there too. Can buy a filler neck and cap and build your own also or get a radiator shop to do it but they might be way expensive.

Search

www.4statetrucks.com

Coolant Reservoir With 3 Ports Replaces 21026305 For Mack CH, CHN613 SFA

High Quality Coolant Reservoir * Made Of Aluminum * 3 Ports Opposite End Of Cap: - 1/4 Inch NPT - 3/4 Inch NPT - M16 - 1.5 * Includes: - Radiator Cap (0.750" Depth, 2.25" Diameter, 1.50" Plunger Diameter) - Sight Glass (1.125" Depth, 0.937" A/F, 1/2" NPT) * Sold Individually * Warranty On...

www.4statetrucks.com

 

[dyeager535]

So… what’s this said project?

Eh, been kicking around in my head for awhile. My K5's electric fan setup could be cleaner. I have a radiator that can replace the AC condenser, thus fitting "inside" the core support, which would allow me to seal the fan to the core support. Plus I'm pretty sure if I can push my fans 3" forward, I'll be able to sit on the core support to work on underhood stuff.

Few downsides with the idea, one of which is the radiator cap would not be the highest point of the system (and also inaccessible), so would need to move the cap higher. The other downside is that there would be some reduction in coolant capacity. The way GM ran the largest radiators in these trucks, airflow over the radiator wasn't the priority since the core support isn't cutout nearly large enough, so I'm optimistic increasing coolant volume, coolant velocity, and airflow over the radiator can offset the loss of radiator surface area.

Those pancake style surge tanks would be a bear to mount, so I'm not a huge fan of that style. Brazing fittings to an existing tank wouldn't be a horrible option (not setup for AL welding), but just a bracket for an existing tank it'd be more likely I'd find the time to install it all. If it doesn't work I don't want to be in it a ton of money. At least I'd be able to revert back without much work. I'm seeing some of the used big rig stuff for under $100, but perhaps there is other stuff out there for slightly smaller vehicles that I'm not aware of. The 3/4" fittings seem to be the main problem in finding suitable options.

 

[kennyw]

Eh, been kicking around in my head for awhile. My K5's electric fan setup could be cleaner. I have a radiator that can replace the AC condenser, thus fitting "inside" the core support, which would allow me to seal the fan to the core support. Plus I'm pretty sure if I can push my fans 3" forward, I'll be able to sit on the core support to work on underhood stuff.

Few downsides with the idea, one of which is the radiator cap would not be the highest point of the system (and also inaccessible), so would need to move the cap higher. The other downside is that there would be some reduction in coolant capacity. The way GM ran the largest radiators in these trucks, airflow over the radiator wasn't the priority since the core support isn't cutout nearly large enough, so I'm optimistic increasing coolant volume, coolant velocity, and airflow over the radiator can offset the loss of radiator surface area.

Those pancake style surge tanks would be a bear to mount, so I'm not a huge fan of that style. Brazing fittings to an existing tank wouldn't be a horrible option (not setup for AL welding), but just a bracket for an existing tank it'd be more likely I'd find the time to install it all. If it doesn't work I don't want to be in it a ton of money. At least I'd be able to revert back without much work. I'm seeing some of the used big rig stuff for under $100, but perhaps there is other stuff out there for slightly smaller vehicles that I'm not aware of. The 3/4" fittings seem to be the main problem in finding suitable options.

If you walk around a u-pull yard, start looking at the modern cars/trucks. They are all going with remote surge tanks on late model stuff. The downside is they tend to be plastic.

 

[dyeager535]

If you walk around a u-pull yard, start looking at the modern cars/trucks. They are all going with remote surge tanks on late model stuff. The downside is they tend to be plastic.

Even some (all?) the big rig stuff seems to be going plastic as well. Plus the modern vehicles tanks are such odd shapes.

Volvo used some pretty cool tanks, rectangular, pretty normal shape, but they are massive, like 17" long. Hold about 3.5 gallons. Way too large and heavy to try and deal with unless I got one free lol.

I kind of wonder if delivery type vehicles (UPS, FEDEX, etc) would have them too, but not so large? I don't know who made those vehicles and if they even used surge tanks.

Looks like the Kodiaks did, but without the fittings I'd need. But appear more to the size I'm looking for, adding fittings wouldn't be horrible I suppose.