Coolant replacement

[FJRBluesman]

More maintenance today on the FeeJ.

After much searching on this site etc, for coolant types, etc, I really came to the decision to go with jestal's and Warchild's pick of Havoline Dex-cool. The problem, I can't locate any in SoCal. The Havoline website says Kragen carries it, but after a few phone calls I found out they no longer stock it at any Kragen's in SoCal. AutoZone also was a no-go. None at Wal-Mart, etc.

I did learn from jestal that you do NOT want any silicates or phosphates in the coolant. I was torn between Prestone's Extended Life 5/150, their Dex-cool and Peak's Extended Life. After researching both I decided to use the Prestone Extended Life 5/150. Per the Prestone website FAQ it contained NO silicates or phosphates and it worked with aluminum parts. The peak website did not say it worked with aluminum. It may work just fine with aluminum but, since it didn't mention it, I went with Prestone.

Yamacool prediluted was $6/quart, the Prestone I bought was the 50/50 prediluted on sale and with rebate at Kragen for $6.99/gallon.

Now the bummer part after reading all about jestal's expertise on this, I believe the previous owner used the crappy silicate stuff in my FeeJ. The coolant was green like the old days. I'll just have to change it a little more often.

Another easy job, the nastiest part was removing the fairing panels. Oh and the coolant does squirt out of the drain hole like a fire hose.

 

[Zorlac]

Whatever AF you use, after it's been in use and mixed well through the block, you might want to give it a check with a specific gravity float type tester to insure a 50/50 mix (-34F, but mainly for anti-corrosion properties), you might be surprised that the solution is weaker than you think, at least I was.

 

[bramfrank]

Many schools of thought on NERPT threads of this type

You don't want silicates in an all-aluminum system - but the radiator isn't aluminum, so you want a general line antifreeze and those have silicates. The green stuff is what the bike ships with.

I went with a coolant that changes color as the additives get used up - whooptie-doo. It takes all of an hour to do a coolant change, so it has been on my spring ritual list.

If you change it every year it doesn't matter so much . . . but note if you change chemistry, you should make certain you flush the system properly - some of the newer formulations react with the older ones, creating a sludge that can lead to problems.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Whatever AF you use, after it's been in use and mixed well through the block, you might want to give it a check with a specific gravity float type tester to insure a 50/50 mix (-34F, but mainly for anti-corrosion properties), you might be surprised that the solution is weaker than you think, at least I was.

Per jestal, the specific gravity tester with the little floating balls are not very accurate.

You have a good point though. Is Prestone mixing at a true 50/50 or trying to save money and giving you mostly water.

I only chose the premix because I didn't want another half gallon of the stuff laying around, and after a couple years it would be crap too. I used over 3 quarts of the premix so not much to dispose of (at the toxic waste place), I'll keep some around to use for topping off.

 

[FJRBluesman]

If you change it every year it doesn't matter so much . . . but note if you change chemistry, you should make certain you flush the system properly - some of the newer formulations react with the older ones, creating a sludge that can lead to problems.

jestal also mentions this is not accurate. Read all his posts on the thread, it's interesting. I've heard it both ways.

But you're right, if you change it yearly there should be no issues. I think I may end up doing that.

 

[Zorlac]

Well My 04 Dodge Ram truck with the factory mix was dead nuts -34F with my tester.

My tester has no balls. Looks like this.

It's the remaining solution/water in the block that potentially queers the premix.

 

[odot]

I like masterbating to oil threads.......coolant threads, too. They rock.

 

[FJRMGM]

TMI, Odot.....way TMI.......

 

[roadhammer]

fwiw, I used the Havoline dex-cool. before filling I completed the FJR "********" as found in FJRTech. I was pleased with the result and I like the idea of a 12 month cycle as a periodic service. The bike seems to run cooler than before and this with La Florida heat. Normally two bars at speed and three bars in town. Yes I have done a BMJ on the icu and worked a la WW receipt for the air box ( many thanks to WW and all those who contributed to that thread) and finally follow up with iridium plugs. I am a happy camper. Regards Roadhammer https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//style_emoti...lt/clapping.gif

 

[SkooterG]

Honda pre-mix coolant. Good stuff and SO much easier.

 

[angus]

You can buy the Honda premix at A Car (Honda) dealership way cheaper than at bike shop.

 

[dbvolfan]

Honda pre-mix coolant. Good stuff and SO much easier.

+1. Easy to use and has served me well for 4+ years on 2 different bikes.