Depends on the HP of the engine and length of the track 12 to 15 gallons works
out as a good compromise. A lot less for maxton or the lakes or a low hp car..
The idea is to have the engine and radiator pressurized so there are no air
bubbles and a higher boiling point. The tank is vented to the atmosphere so it
won't get pressurized and split or change shape. This also allows for using the
heat of vaporization as cooling also if the water temp gets above boiling in the
tank. The thermostat in the engine is so you heat the engine quickly and do not
have to heat up the tank and radiator at the same time and thus avoid Beckets
problem with a tank of hot water.. Worst case you can always drain the tank and
refill after a run also. At Bonneville this is generally not an issue as it is
generally hours between runs. Hot lapping at Maxton might be a different story
but if you use the thermostat I still don't think it will be an issue in most
cases.
Dave
Bob Denton wrote:
>
> Dave,
>
> I have an aluminum radiator that is 17"W X 24"H X 2.5"D. How big must the
> outer tank be? And why a thermostat?
> Thanks,
>
> Bob Denton
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