Parts store Spectra failed on me as soon as the system got pressure in it. Went back to the same chain (different store, maybe a week or two later) to replace it, replacement wasn't spectra, but it hasn't failed thus far.
Comparing with an OEM GM plastic/aluminum out of a '95, aftermarket cuts corners on the plastic (at least both I had/have) and the tanks expand massively (imo), enough that even cold I can squeeze the upper hose and watch the tanks change shape. The GM one was far more reinforced. The aftermarket tanks all seem to fail at the tank seals, that makes perfect sense if they expand and contract. GM didn't use more material because they like to spend more money than necessary.
Obviously they are hit and miss, but at $80, worth the gamble IMO. My failure wasnt catastrophic, so with a couple jugs of water had I been out somewhere I could have made it. But I can understand where a well made unit would be preferable to a dicey aftermarket to some.
Comparing with an OEM GM plastic/aluminum out of a '95, aftermarket cuts corners on the plastic (at least both I had/have) and the tanks expand massively (imo), enough that even cold I can squeeze the upper hose and watch the tanks change shape. The GM one was far more reinforced. The aftermarket tanks all seem to fail at the tank seals, that makes perfect sense if they expand and contract. GM didn't use more material because they like to spend more money than necessary.
Obviously they are hit and miss, but at $80, worth the gamble IMO. My failure wasnt catastrophic, so with a couple jugs of water had I been out somewhere I could have made it. But I can understand where a well made unit would be preferable to a dicey aftermarket to some.
