Rad overflow help

[StreetFZR]

When I got my 3TJ Fighter there was no overflow bottle or header tank like standard due to space problems it just had a pipe running to the floor through suspension hole.

Now I have an alloy drinks bottle to use as a Overflow tank or Header tank but I am unsure as to how it plumbs in.

I understand that 1 pipe runs from the pipe closest to the rad cap but from there I really am not sure.

At the moment I have the pipe running to a bottle that just keeps building up with water and warming my leg up

Any help is fantastic as I dont want to ruin a decent engine...

[Kayla850]

I use an ally drinks bottle too, and the overflow pipe (the one nearest the radiator cap) goes into the bottle and right down to the bottom. Cut the pipe into a 'v' shape so it can't seal on the floor of the bottle and the cap just vents to the atmosphere.

The level should remain more or less constant, barring any problems like leaks or dodgy head gaskets, I think. Mine's been ok so far.

[Evilchicken0]

It's an expansion tank.
As Kayla says the pipe from the top of the rad, just under the rad cap goes to the bottom and the top of the tank vents to the atmosphere. As the rad heats up the coolant expands into the tank and then when the engines off and the system cools it draws coolant back in. When you install the tank (or bottle in this case) you need to put some coolant in the bottom about 1/3 full so the system doesn't draw air in when it cools. Don't worry about any air in the pipe or in the top of the rad that will bleed into the header tank when the ststem pressurises.

[StreetFZR]

Thanks for the help...
Gives me something to do tomorrow, might hopefully stop me getting a wet leg.

I understand now why my bottle keeps soaking me as I have run the pipe to the top and not all the way in so it can not draw fluid back in.

[Evilchicken0]

just mount it the otherway up

[StreetFZR]

Thanks for the help, Mounted new bottle on sunday morning no problems and bikes running better now.

Just need to clean carbs (really not sure how to), Change oil and filter and plugs and should be good for the year till october for engine out!