Virtual Mechanic

PURPOSE
The water recovery bottle is designed to recover expanded water and store it and when it has cooled down, the water flows back into the radiator.   Check radiator and the water recovery bottle at the same time. It is best checked when the water is cold. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The water recovery bottle is part of the cooling system.  For this reason caution should be taken when checking the levels as the bottle, if warm, is under pressure.  The best way to completely check the cooling system level is when the engine is cold.  Radiator and water recovery bottle are best to be checked at the same time.  If you need to top up the water level when the engine is warm or hot use caution, as hot water will cause severe burns.  When opening the radiator cap use gloves or a rag or a radiator protector opener.  When filling the radiator or water recovery bottle, leave the engine running as you fill the radiator.  This will prevent the cooling system from any damage to the head.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Replacing the water recovery bottle is around $30.00.  But try to work out why the bottle needs replacing as it may be a repeat situation which may be caused by a cooling system fault.