coolant replacement

[95magna]

hey guys

been a little while,hope you all had a good holiday!

im looking to change out my coolant in the radiator,since i don't know when the last time it was done.

whats are the proper steps of doing that,and whats the coolant recommended,anything i need to lookout for?

i was trying to post a pic of my bike with no avail,could you help me out on that,when i figure that out i will do it 

thanks in advance

[roboto65]

PM sent

[Curtis_Valk]

I've used Prestone "Dexcool" made for GM vehicles with good results.  The "MUST HAVE" criteria for any coolant you use is 1.) safe for aluminum engines (most are nowadays) 2.) must be SILICATE FREE (if it doesn't specifically say that on the jug, it's NOT).  If the coolant is not silicate free, it will take out your water pump seal in short order.

I don't have my '99 any more so I'll leave the specifics to someone else.  However I remember emptying the reservoir under the left side cover to be a particular pain.  I think I sucked the coolant out with a turkey baster to keep from having to pull the reservoir.  For the coolant system basically it is: drain, fill with plain water to flush, run motor to circulate, drain then refill with fresh 50/50 coolant.

Curtis

[95magna]

thanks curtis,my project for the day

I've used Prestone "Dexcool" made for GM vehicles with good results.  The "MUST HAVE" criteria for any coolant you use is 1.) safe for aluminum engines (most are nowadays) 2.) must be SILICATE FREE (if it doesn't specifically say that on the jug, it's NOT).  If the coolant is not silicate free, it will take out your water pump seal in short order.

I don't have my '99 any more so I'll leave the specifics to someone else.  However I remember emptying the reservoir under the left side cover to be a particular pain.  I think I sucked the coolant out with a turkey baster to keep from having to pull the reservoir.  For the coolant system basically it is: drain, fill with plain water to flush, run motor to circulate, drain then refill with fresh 50/50 coolant.

Curtis

[Damn Yankee]

IIRC, if you are not using a 50/50 mix straight from the bottle, you need to use distilled water as the minerals found in straight tap water will play hell with the cooling system if the not the engine itself.
That's why I've used with the Honda 50/50 mix in the blue quart bottle. More expensive that way, but peace of mind usually is.

[Cannon]

According to service manual; There are 3 drain bolts to be removed; 1 on the water pump housing (hidden behind the drive sprocket cover) and 1 on each of the front cylinders, close to exhaustpipe connections.
I'll be doing the same thing this winter.

[roboto65]

No need to remove the 2 on the heads just pop open the radiator cap and go on !!!!!

[Lurkin]

It's not a huge amount, but when I popped the drain bolts in the block, I did get more of the old coolant out.  I didn't replace the crush washers either.  Figured if they leaked afterwards, I would replace 'em then.

Rod...