I am a machinist. I want to build a coolant overflow tank from round stock. How much internal volume do I need for a vlx 600? I like TJ's tank but I want to mak e my own design for pride of ownership. Thank you.
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How much internal volume for a vlx 600 coolant overflow tank.
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Hey Winchester 8801 - I checked both my Honda Service Manual and my Haynes Manual and neither had the volume listed. I see a lot of bikes with a pint (16 oz) booze bottle so that would be a good starting point. But as someone in recovery, you can't go wrong with a fifth...LOL. Go ahead and post a picture when you are done!
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@Papa Koley Thank you sir
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TJ Admin Staff memberModeratorMember who has the rights to delete posts, and ban members form forum if they violate the rules.@winchester8801 You dont need the full 16oz container. Honda overbuilt many compoonents ont hese bikes. its overkill honestly for a well miantained coolant system.
Let me break this down for you:
The VT600 cooling system only holds 1.7 quarts.
A good rule of thumb for motorcycle cooling systems is that the overflow (expansion) reservoir should be between 10-20% of the system’s total coolant capacity. You can go up to 20% if youre paranoid but in my 20 years of experience its not necessaryFor your system:
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Total coolant capacity: 1.7 quarts
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10–20% range:
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0.17–0.34 quarts
- ≈ 5.5–11 fl oz
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So a reservoir that holds between 5.5 and 11 fl oz will do the job
That gives enough volume to:
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Handle normal thermal expansion as the engine heats up
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Prevent coolant loss under hard riding or hot ambient temps
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Still fit easily on your bike without being oversized
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The reservoir does not need to hold the entire system expansion, only the excess volume pushed out when hot.
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