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Mixing Coolants?

5K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  Jimding 
#1 ·
Hey, haven't ridden in a week but I notice my coolant overflow tank is quite low. Radiator is at the correct level though. I have some engine ice on me but the coolant in the bike is obviously not engine ice as it's green. Looks good just don't know what it is (bought the bike used last fall). Just wanted to know if I can just add some engine ice into the overflow tank to bring it up to the correct level? or if mixing is bad news and I'm making a fool of myself. Would rather not do a flush. Anyone know what was used?
 
#5 ·
The color is not determinative in any coolant. Austin, just add a little distilled water, or even tap water if it has a low mineral content.
 
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#6 ·
I wouldn't



Adding water will raise the freezing point. In my opinion, probably best to change your coolant every 5 years or so. While some manufacturers claim to provide 'lifetime' coolant, I tend to believe that the anti-corrosive chemicals tend to decline over time. If the age of the coolant is unknown, best to dump and replace it. And considering how little capacity the cooling system has, always, always use distilled water rather than tap. Locally a gallon of distilled water is about a buck. It could save you hundreds in cooling system damage.
 
#7 ·
As stated color is no indicator what type or who's brand the glycol is. It can be blue, green, pink, clear or any numbers of other colors that are available to dye glycol.

There are two types of glycol ethylene (alcohol) base and propylene (vegetable oil) base. If you mix them together the fluid can gel up. Also ethylene glycol is poisonous whereas propylene is non-toxic and you probably consume it on a regular basis in a myriad of foods or if you vape.

Adding a bit of water (distilled is best) is going to alter the freezing/boiling point but not drastically. 50% glycol/water solution if good to about -308F and boils at about 220*F. If you reduce it a 40% solution you are still protected to around -5*F and boiling point of 215*F.

If you decide to change the fluid you do not have to get antifreeze with the buzz words "motorcycle specific" antifreeze you need only head down to the nearest auto parts store or even wally world and buy antifreeze that is "silicate free" and "safe for aluminum blocks". I typically use Prestone 50/50 premix.
 
#8 ·
Austin,
change the antifreeze. Like you, I made some assumptions when I brought my new-to-me Vee home. I didn't change the fluid (manual says do it every 4 years max) and had it overheat a number of times, leaving me almost stranded hours from home or help. It was the original antifreeze and well past 4 years. It is a quick, painless and inexpensive process to change the antifreeze. As suggested above, "motorcycle specific" isn't needed but make sure it says it is good for aluminum. I use Preston in my vehicles and same stuff in my Vee. Every since changing the fluids that first time, and regularly there after, I have not had overheating issues. Don't get stuck out there somewhere with a problem because you didn't want to spend an hour and a few bucks to ensure the antifreeze was up to snuff.
 
#9 ·
Thanks for the help guys, I will just swap it - start fresh is probably best in my case for sure. Haven't changed coolant on a strom yet. Drain - flush with distilled water - drain - flush again - drain - fillerup with the juice. I have the factory service manual I found online but it's for the 2002 model, I assume the procedure is basically the same? Any tips for getting the air bubbles out?

Thanks again guys.
 
#11 ·
This is close to being an "oil" thread.

I use Honda (green), non-silicate car antifreeze at 60 coolant/40 distilled water. Or Toyota (red), non-silicate at same ratio. I am capable of mixing my own coolant and its cheaper to buy pure.

If 2+2=4 is tough for you, buy premixed.
 
#12 ·
Safer than sorry

Read a lot about the coolants with 'wetting agents' that seem to work pretty well in the high-stress MX engines. Probably not necessary in our bikes, but since the bikes don't hold much coolant, I use it anyway. I figure it can't hurt, and if I get in a situation where the cooling system is marginal (failing pump, obstructed radiator, fan down) it might make the difference.
 
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