Are you a responsible bike owner who wants to know how to change coolant in a motorcycle? Good for you! Changing the coolant in your motorcycle is an important part of regular maintenance that can help keep your bike running smoothly and efficiently. It’s a relatively straightforward task that you can do yourself, but it does require some attention to detail.
In this article, we’ll explain how to change the coolant in your motorcycle safely and correctly. We’ll cover what tools you need, how to drain the old coolant, and when and where to add new coolant. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and easily so that you can enjoy riding again soon!
How To Change Coolant In A Motorcycle Quick Guide
Changing the coolant in a motorcycle is not a difficult task, but it is important to be aware of the proper steps in order to ensure that your bike remains safe and running optimally. Here are the steps for how to change coolant in a motorcycle:
- Remove the radiator cap
- Drain the old coolant
- Flush with a hose
- Use a flushing compound
- Fill the radiator with coolant
- Top up the expansion tank
How To Change Coolant In A Motorcycle Steps
Step 1: Remove the radiator cap
Before removing any fairing panels, allow the engine to cool down. Then, use a rag to cover the radiator cap and turn it while keeping it in place. Wait until the hissing sound stops before lifting the cap.
Step 2: Drain the old coolant
To drain the coolant, place a container beneath the water pump on the left-hand side and remove the coolant drain bolt and washer. Ensure that your container is capable of holding 2.3 liters of coolant. If your bike has any bleed bolts, keep them loose until you refill the system.
Step 3: Flush with a hose
To clean the system thoroughly, insert a hose into the filler neck and flush it with clean tap water. Make sure to remove the nozzle from the hose and use normal water pressure, instead of leaving the sprayer on.
Step 4: Use a flushing compound
Ensure compatibility of the flushing compound with aluminum engines before use. First, flush the engine with a hose and then reinstall the drain bolt using the old sealing washer. Subsequently, fill half of the system with tap water and pour the flush bottle into the radiator. Finally, top-up the system again.
Step 5: Fill the radiator with coolant
Before tightening the drain bolt for the final time, it is recommended to replace the sealing washer and ensure all hoses are secure. If the hose connected to the expansion tank is not reattached properly, coolant may leak out causing insufficient coolant level.
While pouring the coolant into the filler cap, avoid pouring too quickly to prevent air bubbles from forming.
Step 6: Top up the expansion tank
- Add coolant to the expansion tank until it reaches the upper level, and then put on the caps.
- Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes. Then give a few blips to bring the engine speed to 4,000-5,000rpm. Stop the engine afterward, as any trapped air should have bled back to the radiator filler neck.
- After allowing the engine to cool, open the radiator cap and inspect the coolant level. If the level has decreased, add more until it reaches the same level as the radiator’s neck. If needed, also top up the expansion tank.
Common Questions About How To Change Coolant In A Motorcycle
Can I change coolant myself?
Changing your coolant is a DIY task that takes around an hour. You’ll require an air-powered refilling tool to eliminate air pockets while refilling the cooling system. By doing it yourself, you can save up to $50 on your initial coolant replacement and around $100 on subsequent replacements.
What tools do I need to change coolant in a motorcycle?
Although you may have the confidence to try the task on your own, it’s important to keep in mind that a workshop guide that is specific to your machine follows the correct procedure. You will probably need the following tools:
- Spanner to remove drain plugs
- Engine flush
- Garden hose
- Protective gloves
- Bike coolant
When should I change coolant in a motorcycle?
The motorcycle coolant must be changed after every two years or after covering a distance of 24,000 miles. Please refer to your motorcycle’s owner manual for the recommended coolant replacement interval.
Do you need to flush the motorcycle coolant?
Yes, it is highly recommended to flush the system whenever you change the coolant. The reason behind it is that water causes corrosion within the system over time due to impurities and contaminants that result in scaling within the hoses, radiator, and water pump.
What happens if you don’t change coolant motorcycle?
If you don’t change your coolant, it will become weaker and more diluted over time. This can increase the likelihood of your water pump failing, which can cause serious damage to your engine.
How do I look after the coolant in my bike?
The coolant doesn’t require much maintenance other than ensuring the caps are tight, the hoses are undamaged, and replacing it at appropriate intervals. If you notice any milky deposits in the coolant, it might indicate oil contamination, which could indicate issues such as a blown head gasket or damaged block, or cylinder head.
To avoid problems, it’s crucial to flush the system thoroughly when changing coolant types. Even small amounts of the old coolant can mix with the new one and create sludge due to chemical incompatibility.
Video How To Change Your Motorcycle Engine Coolant
Are you looking to learn how to change the coolant in your motorcycle? In this video, we’ll walk you through the steps of changing the coolant in a motorcycle and answer any questions like “can I change coolant myself?”. So tune in for an easy-to-follow guide on changing your motorbike’s coolant!
Final Thoughts
Changing the coolant in your motorcycle is an important part of keeping it running smoothly and safely. With just a few simple tools, you can easily do this job yourself.
By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to drain and replace the old coolant with fresh fluid quickly and efficiently. Now that you know how to change coolant in a motorcycle, there’s no excuse for not making sure yours stays up to date!
