My rig never came with a coolant recovery/overflow tank, just a hose from the side of the filler neck that points down at the ground. Should I add one? Should I leave well enough alone?
There aren't any negatives to adding one. The recovery bottles if working properly keep the radiator full at all times.
This subject pops up around here occasionally. I will provide some links below that may be of interest. Our '93 U280 has a recovery tank, which I assume was factory original. I think having this tank is a no-brainer. Coolant is expensive! Why dump it on the ground when it is easy to recover it? If you have more questions after reading the links, feel free to ask.
Coolant Question (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=42849.msg430214#msg430214)
Radiator Sight Gauge (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=32519.msg291521#msg291521)
Coolant recovery tank question (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=37707.msg363702#msg363702)
The links below are some sources for a tank that looks very similar to the one on our coach:
575.1102-Coolant Reservoir Terex | Nick's Truck Parts (https://nickstruckparts.com/products/coolantres-575-1102-coolant-reservoir-terex)
Common Overflow Tank, 6 Qt - Midwest Bus Parts (https://midwestbusparts.com/product/common-overflow-tank-6-qt/)
MPParts | Terex 10172 Radiator Coolant Recovery Overflow Tank - 5 Quart | 10172 (https://mpparts.com/part/terex-10172-radiator-coolant-recovery-overflow-tank-5-quart-10172)
You may have to replace the cap to a double seal style . I added one . It is a orange juice plastic bottle that fits the space . There may be a picture on my thread about engine fan removal .
Thanks for the advice everyone. Looks like I already have the proper radiator cap, but then while scoping out a spot for the tank, I noticed the tube from the charge air cooler has rubbed into the #2 injector line.
Anyone got an extra laying around Cummins wants $190 for it.
It can be brazed done it many times on heavy equipment.