Our heavy-duty aluminum coolant expansion tank with a modern all-metal level sensor is a direct replacement for the original failure-prone plastic tank. 

Fits: All 1983-85 (1.9 cooling system kit) and 1986-91 (2.1 cooling system kit) watercooled Vanagon, including 4WD Syncro. Not for Diesel!

Aluminum Coolant Expansion Tank If you want to replace your tank and sensor and forget about it, this is the tank for you. This hand-made all-aluminum coolant expansion tank features a sight glass that is visible from behind the license plate, and installs right into your original bracket. The installation couldn't be easier!

Features:
• Rugged all-metal (aluminum) construction: No plastic! 
• Durable black powder-coated exterior for corrosion resistance - Optional
• Includes an all-metal coolant level sensor - GoWesty exclusive
• Internal fluid control sensor column eliminates false low-level alarms - GoWesty exclusive
• Sight glass for accurate coolant level readings (visible behind the license plate) - GoWesty exclusive
• Installs perfectly into the original tank bracket - GoWesty exclusive
• Complete kit - includes tank, pressure cap, level sensor, installation hardware, and detailed instructions

What's so bad about the original-style plastic tanks and level sensors?
For years Vanagon plastic coolant expansion tanks and level sensors have been the source of great disappointment. This is not because the original design was flawed. In fact, the original VW-made parts were known to last well over twenty-years. The disappointment began when the original VW-produced parts became obsolete, and many different manufacturers started making aftermarket parts, most of which are junk. Some tanks would literally melt the first time the engine got up to temperature. And all bets are off on the plastic level sensors that are currently available, which have a nasty habit of cracking and blowing right out of the top of the tank! If you still have a plastic tank that is serviceable, we offer an all-metal Coolant Level Sensor Conversion Kit to fit our all-metal sensor on a plastic tank (this sensor is included with our metal tank). But the best choice is to bite the bullet and go all metal!

Tech tip: the original plastic coolant level sensor would eventually leak fluid into the electrical “sealed” plug causing the metal terminals to corrode. It is very common for the coolant level warning system to still does not work after a new sensor is installed due to the corroded terminals. So, if you are on the fence about switching to our all-metal sensor because you don’t want to cut wires and mess with terminals—just jump over that fence already because you will have to no matter what!

Note: Switching to a GoWesty metal tank is for longevity, as it will outlast any plastic tank. No tank can fix the “my plastic tank is filling with ‘air’, blowing up like a balloon, and my overflow tank is overflowing!” symptom. That is not the tank’s fault. You likely have other issues, like overheating or a head gasket issue.