vacuum reservoir tank removal

[72 Bluz]

I need to inspect the reservoir tank on my 72 for leaks, think that's where my leak is. My problem is removing it. It appears the easiest way to do this is to take it out through the fender louver grill, if it will fit. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions for this are appreciated.

Bill

I think it would be easier to remove thru the top, with the hood removed.

[72 Bluz]

That's what I thought too, Ken. Because of it's size, it appears that the master cylinder and fluid tank would have to be removed for clearance. The headers seem to obstruct it from the bottom.

Bill

[vigman]

Is it different than a 73? VAC tank is welded into the frame ( I think )

My coolant tank comes out from the top with ease...well with a bit of wrestling... but take the HOOD OFF? I don't get it. We are talking about the white nylon bottle
mounter to the inner fender? right?

How about pressurising(sp) it before removal to check for leakdown....

Mike

I thought he was talking about the vacuum tank which is in the front of the car behind the headlights and would require removing the hood.

Now, since he's mentioned the master cylinder I think he's talking about the "windshield washer" bottle. Mine had to come out of the bottom. I suppose you could take the master cylinder out and come up thru the top.

Did the coolent recovery tank switch over to the passenger side by '75? Mine is on the passenger side and really easy to get out.

[72 Bluz]

This tank is adjacent to the washer bottle and mounted on the fender well under the hood. It has 3 vacuum lines going into it. It is somewhat rectangular, metal and about the size of 3 cigar boxes on top of each other. Last night, I hooked the vacuum pump to it. After 10 -15 pumps, I could not get a reading/vacuum. I'm assuming this is the vacuum reservoir tank because of the 3 lines/hoses going into it (I read this off a vacuum troubleshooting thread from somewhere). Anyway, my understanding of the tank is that it should hold a vacuum. Because of it's position in the engine compartment, it's impossible to fully inspect it for leaks without removing it.

Bill

[vigman]

GM shop manual for a 73

Show's the following
That the TANK is part of the entire front end assy
which unbolts and the end of the two foward frame rails. It's part of the whole front end assy and looks like a BEAR to pull out.

I hope the earlier ones are easier.

I would cap all the lines and do a pressure test first ( you know soapy water and all that) THEN decide to yank it out..

Mike

[vigman]

I would remove the out going lines... (put on rubber caps or loop a piece of hose ) and re-test to isolate the tank itself.... the rubber lines are the most prone to fail. Try the pressure thing.. you can hear a leak easier, but a mighty vac pump works good too!

Mike

[72 Bluz]

am I looking at the right thing? I know the tank in other models was up front with the headlight assembly. Xena's a 72, can't imagine what else this could be.

Thanks,
Bill

[vigman]

That a 72 & 73 are close and the VAC system wouldn't be all that different. Let me dig a little more.. do you have the big tube running under the headlight from frame rail to frame rail ( about 5" in Diameter?)

Mike

[72 Bluz]

that until I get home and look. Thanks for your help.

Bill

[vigman]

and is it all there?

Mike

[72 Bluz]

it has AC and it's all there.

[vigman]

I do not know why a tank would be down there, what side is it Drivers or Pass?

Mike

[72 Bluz]

Driver's side.

Bill