2015 579 MX 13 surge tank issues

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by FdEF, Mar 27, 2019.

  1. FdEF

    FdEF Light Load Member

    70
    57
    Dec 5, 2017
    Ogden, Ut
    0
    Anybody else have problems with these stupid surge tanks and the coolant level sensor. This particular truck has had three surge tanks in the last six months. Some how the tank stops sending a signal to the sensor and although the tank is full, the truck shuts down thinking it's empty. I've tried changing sensors and plugs but the only thing that ever works is putting a new surge tank on and they aren't cheap. Any ideas what may be causing these to fail. Maybe this truck emits some weird magnetic signal that demagnatizes the surge tank? I'm at a loss
     
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  3. spsauerland

    spsauerland Road Train Member

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    10,879
    May 31, 2010
    West Harrison, In
    0
    You using OEM reservoir or aftermarket? Grime in tank usually causes float to stick. If you trust your driver, a magnet taped to the sensor works too.
     
  4. FdEF

    FdEF Light Load Member

    70
    57
    Dec 5, 2017
    Ogden, Ut
    0
    Using OEM but with paccar I'm not sure that's any better than aftermarket anymore.
     
  5. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

    3,393
    5,381
    Jun 11, 2011
    st malo mb canada
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    Every paccar mx13 I’ve driven and a bunch of friends have low coolant codes in cool weather upon startup unless you overfill it .
     
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  6. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Jul 12, 2017
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    I agree there is a fine line between the cold full line and when the light comes on. Not much give there. I also will fill them chock full and they always have room to expand without pushing out any excess. Near impossible to overfill.
     
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  7. JohnC123

    JohnC123 Light Load Member

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    66
    Jan 25, 2018
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    Just a thought, try a dab of RTV on new sensor when installed or zip tie. Had 2 where heavier than normal vibration (damper) caused the "placement nubs" to wear more than normal allowing then sensor to drop down over time and give false "low" reading even though the tank was good.
     
  8. O/O21yrs

    O/O21yrs Bobtail Member

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    14
    May 20, 2013
    0
    I have a 2019 T680 with the same problem. I hacked a solution to the problem with a magnet and 2022 version of baling wire. All alarm lights and sounds are off and truck runs fine. Just do your precheck and eyeball the antifreeze reservoir, keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge and use your nose to sniff out any antifreeze odor. You don't need no stinking low coolant sensor. Pics are attached.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. O/O21yrs

    O/O21yrs Bobtail Member

    42
    14
    May 20, 2013
    0
    I have a 2019 T680 with the same problem. I hacked a solution to the problem with a magnet and 2022 version of baling wire. All alarm lights and sounds are off and truck runs fine. Just do your precheck and eyeball the antifreeze reservoir, keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge and use your nose to sniff out any antifreeze odor. You don't need no stinking low coolant sensor. Pics are attached.
     

    Attached Files:

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