Radiator overflow bottle fabrication

Started by DucHead, March 12, 2009, 04:06:07 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

DucHead

In another thread (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=20366.0), I was tossing around the idea of relocating an aftermarket radiator overflow bottle to the right side of the bike directly behind the radiator.

I would like to keep the airbox, so relocating it beneath the tank is moot.

To fit the aftermarket bottle, I will have to either move the right fan inward or remove it.  Any problems running with one fan?  Mine only come on at 215°F -- a temp not often reached.

Alternatively, one could fab a bottle who's shape follows the lines of the DP CF radiator shroud:


As for materials, it might be easiest to make one out of aluminum, but what about plastic?  Does anyone know how/who can fab plastic containers?
'05 S4R (>47k mi); '04 Bandit 1200 (>92k mi; sold); '02 Bandit 1200 (>11k mi); '97 Bandit 1200 (2k mi); '13 FJR1300 (1k mi); IBA #28454 "45"

Bill in OKC

Getting something custom molded out of plastic is very expensive.  I looked into doing something for my job and it would have been hundreds each for hundreds of items.  For a one-off, aluminum would be a quicker and cheaper way to go - maybe using a length of tube, welding a top and bottom on it and tapping for fittings.  I have seen regular plastic bottles used with a hole drilled in the lid and the overflow tube stuck through a grommet into a level of coolant.  You could use whatever size you found - maybe boil it first to see if it melts. 
'07 S4Rs  '02 RSVR  '75 GT550  '13 FXSB  '74 H1E  '71 CB750