I have already been advised to remove the bottom hose rather than use the draincock (if any). I would prefer to do so anyway so I can replace the horrible FIAT hose-clamp.

Unfortunately we live on a very busy road so working on the car out there is far too risky.

Let's hope the mechanic can fit the job in.

Thank you for your contributions.

Part arrived today. The spigot is quite different. Here are a couple of pics to compare with those posted earlier;

Looks like it's got a re enforcing liner to stop the plastic compressing similar to what is used in central heating hee using plastic pipe.

Fixed! And none too soon...

This is what it looks like once removed; a few longitudinal cracks and what looks like a network developing. Don't remember much of my school physics but I would imagine it's due to the constant heating and cooling, and thus expanding and contracting, of the brass tube.

Anyhow, all sorted. One thing my owner's manual didn't vouchsafe was the quantity of coolant required but the shop from which I bought it were able to look it up and advise 4.9l.

Once again(!) thanks for all the advice offered.

Hi all,

This seems to be a chronicle problem with these engines, as the hose comes from the Turbo, it comes quite hot and the plastic only lasts for about 2/3 years. I have this exact same problem on my wife's car. we are already going for the 3rd reservoir and it brooke once again!!! This is for sure a manufacture problem as the reservoir definitely is not able to last and breaks in the joint.... I wonder how many psi does this tube gets from the turbo coolant??

ffonseca said:

Hi all,

This seems to be a chronicle problem with these engines, as the hose comes from the Turbo, it comes quite hot and the plastic only lasts for about 2/3 years. I have this exact same problem on my wife's car. we are already going for the 3rd reservoir and it brooke once again!!! This is for sure a manufacture problem as the reservoir definitely is not able to last and breaks in the joint.... I wonder how many psi does this tube gets from the turbo coolant??

Click to expand...

Most car coolant systems run less than 10psi, rads are tested to a max of about 14psi if that helps?

I have had the same issue with my 2012 TwinAir. Coolant has been leaking from the turbo pipe. I tried putting on an extra clip but the leak got worse not better. I went to the local motor factors and ordered new expansion tank as just like the others in this thread as the plastic spigot for the turbo pipe had cracked around the metal insert. Definitely a design flaw with the original part. Price from the motor factors was £36 which was delivered next day. I borrowed a removal tool for the hose clips which I put back on as they looked OK. I managed to remove nearly all the coolant from the tank before I removed it by undoing the top 2 pipes and putting them up high and then taking out the 10mm bolt and tipping the coolant i the tank in to a small pipe which drained into a 1 litre container ready to put back in when I had fitted the new one. I will just need check for leaks and coolant level for a day or two just for peace of mind.

Could you indicate the part number you used for the tank. This is because apparently the tank was redesigned in 2016 and the new tank post 2016 requires to replace the turbo pipe too. Since I have a 2011 TA, i would rather avoid having to change this turbo pipe.

Old post


Plenty of 500 and panda owners have done this


Do you need the relevant part numbers?

Yes it would be great to have the part number for the expansion tank compatible with the original hoses from a 2011 TA.

Just replaced my wifes expansion tank on her 2012 reg twinair the same issues with the small leak. Ordered the part from shop4parts and arrived the following day, i ordered the item shown and it fits great. The biggest issue was emptying the coolant using a £2 turkey baster from wilkos into a bottle.
Getting the clips undone was a fiddle using a pair of pump pliers and a small flat blade screwdriver but once off it all went into place easily.
I re-used the clips already there and the only fiddle was the bottom pipe clip refusing to snap into place due to the edge of the pump pliers stopping it so by placing the flat edge of the screwdriver onto the clip and clamping onto that the clip popped shut and job done. I bought the complete unit along with a new cap and total cost incl delivery was £53 more or less.