Fill empty coolant reservoir?

Woodmiester · Dec 1, 2024

I checked the coolant reservoir on my ['09] bike before I went on a short (20 minute) ride today and it was bone dry (visual inspection). Post ride and letting the bike cool down, the reservoir was still bone dry. So, should I top off the radiator with coolant AND put a little coolant in the reservoir, or just put some coolant in the reservoir (hopefully the latter...much easier). Thanks in advance.

RossKean · Dec 1, 2024

If you put coolant in the reservoir, when the engine goes through a heat cycle, coolant should be pulled back into the radiator. That said, I would want to see how far down the coolant is in the radiator. Not that hard to access.

There is a fair chance that the plastic coolant reservoir is cracked and leaking. The one on my '07 got brittle, cracked, and leaked. Also, carefully check for radiator leaks - once filled and at full operating temperature.

Ignacio · Dec 1, 2024

I like RossKean's answer better than what I would have typed.

SkooterG · Dec 1, 2024

What that fart smeller above said. Also, I always fill my reservoir a little above the 'full' line. I don't think I have ever puked any out, but it may go down as the system purges itself of any air - or leaks.

You 'could' just fill the coolant reservoir and start it up and let it get nice and hot in your garage letting the cooling fans cycle on and off several times and see how much coolant is emptied from the reservoir when it cools. But RossKean's answer is the best practice.

RossKean · Dec 1, 2024

Note: Make sure that the overflow hose to the reservoir is directed to the bottom of the vessel and is not kinked. Make sure the cap to the reservoir is securely in place. (Radiator cap as well)

FJR Flyer · Dec 2, 2024

Might want to check the water pump weep hole, as well, just for piece of mind.

vzhq16 · Dec 2, 2024

^^What they said^^

art miller · Dec 2, 2024

Considering your bike is 15 years old and the plastic reservoir is likely the original it may be a good idea to replace it. All the other suggestions should also be observed.

SkooterG · Dec 2, 2024

art miller said:
Considering your bike is 15 years old and the plastic reservoir is likely the original it may be a good idea to replace it. All the other suggestions should also be observed.

I've never replaced a coolant reservoir on any of my FJRs. Including the 21-year-old one, and the two 15-year-old one's.......

Sure, it couldn't hurt. But if you start playing the 'replace a part that's working fine due to age' game that could be a very expensive rabbit hole to go down.

RossKean · Dec 2, 2024

SkooterG said:
I've never replaced a coolant reservoir on any of my FJRs. Including the 21-year-old one, and the two 15-year-old one's.......

Sure, it couldn't hurt. But if you start playing the 'replace a part that's working fine due to age' game that could be a very expensive rabbit hole to go down.

I wouldn't do it "just because" but the one on my '07 was like eggshells. Plastic was terribly brittle and it leaked at 6 or 7 years old. The one in my 2011 is still fine. I heard of a number going bad on Gen II bikes.

SkooterG · Dec 3, 2024

RossKean said:
I wouldn't do it "just because" but the one on my '07 was like eggshells. Plastic was terribly brittle and it leaked at 6 or 7 years old. The one in my 2011 is still fine. I heard of a number going bad on Gen II bikes.

Well, of course. If it leaks............ I would not classify that as my 'working fine' category!

Fill empty coolant reservoir?

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