I'm building an aluminum coolant expansion tank, and it would be nice to have a sight glass in it. The sight would be rectangular; something simply like 3/4" to 1" wide, and 5" or so tall (if possible). Anyone built one of these? What did you use for the 'glass'? How did you afix it, epoxy I assume? Anyone have a pic?

thanks
Matt

 

Check page 519 of mcmaster-carr catalog, http://www.mcmaster.com/#sight-glass-windows/=2j3q3h , look around there. Fabian

 

weld 2 bungs into the tank and attach a liquid level indicator.

 

http://moroso.com/catalog/categorydi...26376&pt=63769

 

Cool, thanks guys. Looks like a few options here...

BTW...what thickness aluminum are you guys using for tanks?

 

If it's just expansion and it's not under pressure you can go pretty thin. Most people use 1/8, I have a bunch of .090 here I plan to use on mine.

 

Actually it is, closed system. running a 18psi cap. I have some 1/8 here I was going to use... I've tossed out the sight glass idea for now.

Another question.. how can I (or should I) bend this 1/8 effectively? ie, bending into a |_| shape, and then welding the back side (and tops) only, as opposed to building a complete box with welds on all sides? Do I need to heat it first?

 

You would have to see what kinda sight glass'es they use for Reciever/Dryers for A/C systems, i know they run more than 18psi.

 

The level guage is real simple, two 1/4 NPT bungs in the side and some fittings/hose. I think you'll like that feature, unless it's just a header tank which it sounds like it may be. But then you'd still need an overflow on top of that.

 

I wanted to do the same thing for a fuel surge tank, just to monitor on dyno runs how the two pumps were working together.

 

ive never done this so any one that does this on a regular basis please confirm or correct me on this, but ive heard the the best way to bend thicker alum sheet or plate is to anneal it first by taking an oxy/acetylene torch and use just (or mostly) acetylene and heat the metal with it until it is covered with soot and then turn up the oxygen and use the hotter flame to burn off the soot. once it cools you can then bend the aluminum without it stressing and cracking at the bend joint.

 

Thats correct.

 

thats how i form this runners... this is for a toyota 3rz engine.

 

Ironically enough, my hobby shop is equiped with a hoist, mig and tig, bandsaw, plasma, etc, but no torch! I guess its finally time to pick one up. thanks for the info guys.

matt