Stainless Steel Overflow and Washer Bottles!

k-jeep · 2011-05-23T13:29:22-07:00

I need to replace my windshield washer fluid bottle and I also want to replace the cheapo overflow bottle I ended up using after installing the fenders. I have an idea to use a couple of aluminum (or stainless steel) water bottles like the kind you see at REI if I can find them in the right sizes. A larger one for washer fluid and another smaller one for the overflow. I'm thinking there shape will give me better mounting options with the space I have available. I've seen some aluminum overflow bottles available but for $$$. Plus, I like to see if I can fab things together and make them work. 😀 Is there any reason why this would not work?

k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
#123 May 2011, 1:29 PM
I need to replace my windshield washer fluid bottle and I also want to replace the cheapo overflow bottle I ended up using after installing the fenders.

I have an idea to use a couple of aluminum (or stainless steel) water bottles like the kind you see at REI if I can find them in the right sizes. A larger one for washer fluid and another smaller one for the overflow. I'm thinking there shape will give me better mounting options with the space I have available. I've seen some aluminum overflow bottles available but for $$$. Plus, I like to see if I can fab things together and make them work. 😀

Is there any reason why this would not work?
Anonymous former user
Anonymous former user
#223 May 2011, 4:53 PM
Should work but the radiator overflow bottle needs to be large enough so if never goes dry. Coolant if pushed in when the engine gets hot and sucks it out as it cools. Quart size should be OK.
k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
k-jeep started this Member Joined: May 2009
#323 May 2011, 7:07 PM
I found a stainless steel 64oz (2 quart) bottle at REI. I have a spot where I can fit 2 side by side. I'm thinking drill a hole in the bottom of each for the washer fluid pump (bottle 1) and overflow hose line (bottle 2). Then drill a small whole in the caps to allow air in and out.
Guest former user
Guest former user
#423 May 2011, 7:36 PM
Are the lids ok at temperatures like an overflowing radiator? I'd give you a hard time about a redneck fix, but the stainless steel has a bit of a bling feel to it so I'm not sure where to land.
Fred Subscriber
Fred Subscriber
#523 May 2011, 7:39 PM
Be sure to mark them "non potable" 😂
Anonymous former user
Anonymous former user
#623 May 2011, 8:03 PM
What about a Heineken mini-keg?
k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
k-jeep started this Member Joined: May 2009
#729 May 2011, 4:05 PM
So I ended up using a couple of 64oz stainless steel bottles. Inside of caps are stainless as well. Drilled one hole in the bottom of one for the washer pump. Drilled one hole at the top of the other for the overflow hose (open system). Reinstalled the grommet from the washer pump and installed a new grommet for the overflow hose. Then used some fire extinguisher mounts mounted upside down and secured in place. This is on the driver's side inner fender. Here's the result...

Attached files
Guest former user
Guest former user
#829 May 2011, 4:23 PM
Very cool. Hope it works out!
k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
k-jeep started this Member Joined: May 2009
#929 May 2011, 6:06 PM
So far so good. Took it for a drive and no rattles. Brought it up to normal operating temperature and checked the coolant bottle when I got home. It was warm but not hot.