coolant question

[scr1be]

sorry for the stupid question.


i see that my coolant level is lower than the low mark. can i just buy new coolant (engine ice) and pour it in to the correct level.

or do i have to get the old coolant out first?

thanks.

[Doc]

I would just top it off. How long has the coolant been in there?

[Jim]

are you checking your radiator or the overflow container ?

[Degsy]

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The answer is yes. Only use engine ice if that's what is already in there.

[Pigman]

Use the Honda stuff, it has an additive for aluminum radiators wich car stuff doesn't...

[Degsy]

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If there is already engine ice in there, don't mix it with anything.

[scr1be]

i don't know what was in there.

and... i'm not sure if what i'm looking at is the overflow or what....

it's just a clear plastic container with hoses going to it with a level marked "high" and "low".

it's below the low line.

on the cap to open it, it says coolant.



so... can i add engine ice to whatever that was already in there?

[Jim]

it's just a clear plastic container with hoses going to it with a level marked "high" and "low".

that's your overflow bottle. you're fine. most likely dont need to add anything

[scr1be]

that's your overflow bottle. you're fine. most likely dont need to add anything

omg i'm so stupid. i bought engine ice for nothing.


i had no idea that's just OVERFLOW and not actual coolant level. haha. well, i guess if i ever need coolant i have it now. (does coolant ... evaporate? or does it only go away by way of leakage?)

[scubasteveRR]

just keep the engine ice and when you're ready to flush your coolant you'll be all set...

mine was a half cup low and I just added a smidgin of distilled water since the water to coolant ratio wouldn't be upset too much and I didn't see the need to buy a whole to buy a bottle of coolant for that little bit.

[scr1be]

just keep the engine ice and when you're ready to flush your coolant you'll be all set...

mine was a half cup low and I just added a smidgin of distilled water since the water to coolant ratio wouldn't be upset too much and I didn't see the need to buy a whole to buy a bottle of coolant for that little bit.

when should i flush my coolant? is there a set mileage or something?

[scubasteveRR]

I think the service manual says check it at 10k.. I was going to do mine at the beginning of the summer but then realized that I'm not to far off for a valve adjustment and you need to take off the radiator to do this so I'm just waiting till I get the valves done around 18k or so unless I need it done sooner.

How many miles on your bike?

[Billy]

Yea check your manual but I think the norm is every two years. Use coolant branded for motorcycles!

[scr1be]

I think the service manual says check it at 10k.. I was going to do mine at the beginning of the summer but then realized that I'm not to far off for a valve adjustment and you need to take off the radiator to do this so I'm just waiting till I get the valves done around 18k or so unless I need it done sooner.

How many miles on your bike?

lol i have a ways to go then. i'm at like... 4000 miles. haha.

[toocrazy2yoo]

Use the Honda stuff, it has an additive for aluminum radiators wich car stuff doesn't...

Huh? What? It may not be what's spec'd for the bike, but...

"Prestone® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is compatible with ANY antifreeze/ coolant – regardless of color – for use in ALL makes and models of cars and light duty trucks. This patented formula provides a high degree of performance durability and carefully balanced protection against temperature extremes and rust corrosion of all cooling system metals, including aluminum"

Not to shill for Prestone or nuttin', but there ain't much difference between a bike's radiator and engine and a car's, especially these days. The engine-ice and wetters are another thing, but ya really need that stuff for the street? That said, why not just buy the "genuine" stuff and call it a day? But even Kawasaki, for 2009 recommends a "Permanant type antifreeze, Green stuff, 50/50 with soft water. ALL engines and radiators are aluminum anymore cars and bikes alike.. Geez, I guess cars are doomed. No aluminum protection. Shit! I better get to the Honda dealer for some coolant to protect my aluminum engine and radiator in my roller sakte Hyundai.

Just sayin'...

Those guys use the green stuff too!

[beet]

So why are you guys crazy about engine ice? Whats wrong with 50 50. & every thing now a days has aluminum radiators!!! You guys crack me up......

[Pigman]

Huh? What? It may not be what's spec'd for the bike, but...

"Prestone® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is compatible with ANY antifreeze/ coolant – regardless of color – for use in ALL makes and models of cars and light duty trucks. This patented formula provides a high degree of performance durability and carefully balanced protection against temperature extremes and rust corrosion of all cooling system metals, including aluminum"

Not to shill for Prestone or nuttin', but there ain't much difference between a bike's radiator and engine and a car's, especially these days. The engine-ice and wetters are another thing, but ya really need that stuff for the street? That said, why not just buy the "genuine" stuff and call it a day? But even Kawasaki, for 2009 recommends a "Permanant type antifreeze, Green stuff, 50/50 with soft water. ALL engines and radiators are aluminum anymore cars and bikes alike.. Geez, I guess cars are doomed. No aluminum protection. Shit! I better get to the Honda dealer for some coolant to protect my aluminum engine and radiator in my roller sakte Hyundai.

Just sayin'...

Those guys use the green stuff too!

Sorry but ur Wrong as u posted it....just as using Car oil in a Bike has no additives for the clutch..and people wonder why they slip with Mobile 1 in them>>>>Use the right fluid by the manufacture of the bike...and things will be all good...


Don't get me wrong you can do it but I wouldn't Ever....and I have many bikes that go 20-30K on oem clutch and chains with good service and I Beat my shit down....

[Jim]

lol i have a ways to go then. i'm at like... 4000 miles. haha.

change it in the winter...in 2 seasons from now

[DuncanMoto]

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Engine ice is track legal.
It does not however protect against frezzing like antifreeze.

[MotoFreak]

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Engine ice is track legal.
It does not however protect against frezzing like antifreeze.

It's also safer for the environment!

[DuncanMoto]

True that be, young Jedi

[Jim]

i was right! see Post #3. and yes, here's my cookie --->

[Doc]

SO does it HAVE to be distilled water? What if you use tap water?

For the record I have NEVER used distilled water, in any of my vehicles.

[MotoFreak]

SO does it HAVE to be distilled water? What if you use tap water?

Distilled water is the safest, or if you have soft water. I would assume you do not want a high mineral content in the water you are using for your coolant system, or if you are in B-Town or another large municipality, they add things like fluoride and chlorine to the tap water, which could cause build up or degradation over time in your system.

Correct? I'm just shooting from the hip.

[beet]

SO does it HAVE to be distilled water? What if you use tap water?

For the record I have NEVER used distilled water, in any of my vehicles.

distilled or DI Doc, & yes you need ice when racing not sure about all track days!
best protection is 50/50 h20 & AF