Coolant Flush - Honda CBR500R / CB500X / CB500F 2013-2018

[@C_Florida863]

You know; I have watched A LOT of your 500r play list, and saved most of these to my own private playlist for easy access for what I need. Moral is, not all hero's wear capes , so here is your 👑 king

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Hahaha thank you!

[@C_Florida863]

@@EndlessMoneyPitslol no , thank you ! 👑

[@MrBllade]

I own a 2014 CB500F and have been scouring the internet for a tutorial on how to do a coolant change. Notably, I was having troubling finding which bolts were the drain bolts. Thank you so much for uploading this!!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

That's really great to hear! I've been meaning to make this video for over a year and I'm surprised that nobody else got to it before me. I tried to find a way to explain how to remove the fairings on your bike, but wasn't able to without having one here, so I hope that part wasn't too hard yo figure out.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

Great video, thanks! It really helped to see someone else do it! Might be worth adding a warning that if you live in a hard water area do not use the garden hose or tap water in your cooling system - I’ve seen the inside of my kettle! I just went to the hardware store and got about 4L / a gallon of demineralised water for about 2 bucks. Also since the offical Honda coolant is bloody hard to get where I live in a Covid world, I’ll make it easier for the next person: you just need a silicate free ethylene glycol coolant. In Australia the easiest to get is Penrite blue, it’s everywhere. Buy the concentrate as it’s basically half the cost of the premix and mix it 50:50 with some of the demineralised water you got from Bunnings. If you live in a hard water area like me, you might want to do a flush with 50:50 cleaning vinegar to demineralised water if the bike is used, just in case someone else topped it up at some point with hard tap water and it’s getting a bit scaley in there. Just fill the system up with the water vinegar mix, (can reuse the old washers for this step) go for a 10 minute ride, let the bike cool down for a few hours and then proceed to drain that, wash out the vinegar with some demineralised water and then add your coolant.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I didn't think about hard water being a problem for some people. Thank you for bringing that up and for your suggestions on how to deal with it. I agree that you wouldn't want to flush the engine with hard water. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

[@justinclegg88]

finally figured out how to do this. thank you bro!!! my bikes in dire need of this lol😭she never got hot and finally after 3 years of never changing it she needs new juice. i have a 14 500F

[@dudechunky]

finally, after 9 years, a decent video on changing coolant :-) i got a 2013 cbr500

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Right? I couldn't believe nobody beat me to it. Ride safe!

[@dudechunky]

@@EndlessMoneyPits I was planning to do it, but winter started and I got lazy, you did a way better video, I would've missed the 2nd coolant drain

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Mine was 2 years overdue. I totally understand not wanting to do it haha

[@nombr]

Good diy! I’ve never done the coolant on my 13. She only has about 6k kms but the damage from old coolant makes sense!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Yeah, you'll want to replace it soon. I've even heard of old coolant causing weird electrical problems in vehicles because the molecules in the coolant loose ions over time and develop a negative charge. I put it off for too long too, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I thought it would be.

[@SaudPirzada]

Dude you have the best channel on KZbin. Thanks for the quality!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Thank you! Always improving.

[@TheGijason11b]

I Agree!

[@TheGijason11b]

I have a 2017 Honda cbr500r

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

You guys are too kind. Enjoy the 500r, I've had mine five years this fall. Great bike!

[@AnthonyJoh]

Excellent explanation and very well shot video!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Thank you. I just had to watch this video yesterday when I was flushing the coolant on my friend's cb500x. These videos help me too haha

[@AndyHawes]

Great video - the image in the Haynes manual does not really even show how to check the level, so this really helped thank you!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

The Honda manual isn't always very clear either. Happy to help!

[@jeffford5571]

Great tutorial video. I have the Rebel 500 and that engine, radiator and reservoir appear nearly identical. This video was a big help and the best I've seen for Honda coolant replacement. Thanks.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Wow, I didn't know the Rebel was so similar but that would make sense. Glad it helped!

[@dexlab7794]

Fun fact they have the same engine as the CBR's do.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I was wondering if it was exactly the same but it makes sense that it would be. Great engine.

[@kevinsaint20]

I appreciate it brother. I’ve got a 2017 that’s been sitting in a garage for 2 years. Going to flush out the coolant, brake fluid, gas (of course), clean up the chain, and anything else that comes up as important lol. I appreciate the video

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Happy to help! Make sure the tires aren't cracked and all the lights work, and it should be good to go. Have fun!

[@kevinsaint20]

@@EndlessMoneyPits Will do. I’ll do an inspection and see how it rides. They are still inflated to the right psi, surprisingly but I’ll still pay attention to any potential low spots and change the tires if I need to. Lucky to live in the great state of Florida and have the ability to ride all year long. Safe travels, brother!

[@johnofypres]

Very good indeed. Thank you for posting.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@walterlichter4781]

The water comes out looking like almost new, so, in my opinion it is enough to do this extensive procedure every 10 years.😎

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Chemistry over color.

[@jeepyb]

Very clear and well done video ! Thanks a lot !

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

You're very welcome! I'm happy to help.

[@edwinlujan508]

Aw ye this was a cleeeeeean educational video

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Thank you, I'm trying my best.

[@codyhiatt7983]

Thank you! Did an amazing job explaining it

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

You're welcome, and thank you too.

[@YourfavoritesalesG]

No need to take all the covers off or the shifter! Drain bolts are easily accessible. Only fairing you need to loosen is in the coolant cap side. If you’re only doing cooling flush, don’t do the extra steps

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I took off the front sprocket cover and left fairing to inspect the cooling system hoses and water pump. You will need to remove the right side fairing to reach the radiator cap but the rear is just for inspection purposes.

[@jbean530]

Thanks man. I thought it was possible to not remove the sprocket cover. And shifter.

[@noeljbosco]

Really well done. Thank you!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Sometimes I feel like I'm putting too much time into these videos. Thank you for the comment.

[@james.d.8044]

Very informative and complete videos 😀

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Thank you. It's what I enjoy doing for some reason.

[@yellowsheeps]

Nice video BUT one error....you should use "distilled water" to flush radiator (a gallon at Walmart for less then $1). Depending on where you live, tap water has minerals which can be bad for the cooling system.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I wouldn't mix coolant with tap water but flushing the radiator with it shouldn't be a problem. It's also what most people do. Not a bad idea to be extra safe by using distilled water if you live in an area with hard water.

[@yellowsheeps]

@@EndlessMoneyPits Just to clarify, in your video, when you were topping up the reserve tank. you just poured anti-freeze without measuring and the reserve tank just over-flowed...is my description of video correct? So after over-flow, where did the reserve tank anti-freeze level sit? Was it at the top level mark? Thanks.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Yes, that is how I did it. The coolant should end up at or near the top mark after warming up and pushing out the overflow. The fluid will contract once it cools but I don't remember exactly how much it settles.

[@jrgab2404]

Just bought 2021 cbr500r 1 month ago.. 2 weeks i have noticed a leak from left side and it is coolant.. I am wondering why because i bougt it brand new

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

It's probably just a bad gasket or something simple. I don't think that's a common issue, but Honda should be happy to fix it for you under warranty.

[@mixtania4859]

Very nice I'm a biker from mauritanian I have a cb500f

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Wow, that is a country I have never heard of! The world is so big. Do you enjoy the cb500f? I have never ridden one. Thanks for watching!

[@psychopigeon8973]

You didn't drain the backup reservoir, do you know where the drain bolt is for that? If not, is it then ok to mix different brands of coolant?

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

There is no drain bolt for the reservoir. There isn't much coolant in there, so it shouldn't matter to mix it with new coolant. You could always suck out the old fluid with a hand pump if you want to get rid of all of it. Hope that helps!

[@psychopigeon8973]

@@EndlessMoneyPits Another Q: I was thinking of ways to drain the reservoir without taking anything extra off - if I run the engine and leave the drain bolt off will that flush out the excess coolant? Otherwise I think I will unhook the pipe that runs to the radiator and lower it below the tank to drain excess.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

@@psychopigeon8973 Did you find a way to remove the radiator cap without taking off the fairing? Now that you mention it, you might be able to drain the reservoir by disconnecting its lower hose, but that won't drain the radiator and engine. I'm not sure if running the engine with drain bolts out would work, but you won't be able to get coolant back into the bike if you haven't gotten the radiator cap off yet anyway. If the radiator cap is off, the coolant will drain out. Removing the fairings really wasn't that bad. I've done it twice now and it seems I've only broken one small clip that hasn't made any difference.

[@ctgottapee9020]

@@EndlessMoneyPits The trick I used was pressure. If you remove the small supply line from the top of the radiator near the cap leading to the reservoir, hold the reservoir's rubber fill cap on tight and blow hard into that little hose, you'll force the rest of the coolant in the reservoir out through the overflow tube - just like the radiator would if overfilled and running hot. you can also run a little bit of water through it too to flush it, but can't get much flow.

[@ctgottapee9020]

@@EndlessMoneyPits if you have small wrists, you can work the cap off with the fairings on. not easy as you have to put pressure down and while twisting with only grip on one half the cap. you can also endure less mess by draining from either hose connection to the water pump rather than the weep hole. you still have to get the small hole under the engine as it's in front of the thermostat. Probably a good time to check the thermostat housing for corrosion and test it still operates as expected.

[@stannedev1280]

Helpful, thanks.

[@arrowtransport3837]

THX

[@pg41226]

I see you have a clip type chain master link. What’s your experience with that type? Ever lost the clip?

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Yes, the clip did go missing once. I replaced it and twisted wire around it to keep it from coming off again, which actually seemed to work. In a more recent video, I replaced this chain with one that has a rivet style link so I don't have to worry about it anymore.

[@morphlinqc]

Thank you! Great quality video! How much are the copper washers in your area? Around here the dealer wants 2$ each, seems overpriced to me.

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I ordered the copper washers from the partzilla website. Part number 90463-ML7-000. They are $2.57 each plus shipping, and shipping can be expensive so I waited until I was ordering other parts at the same time. However, I bet I could find something very similar at the local hardware store about ten cents. It was worth the extra price to make sure I had the right part and didn't have to wait around if I couldn't find it locally, and I like to use the proper parts in my videos when I can. If it's copper and the inner and outer diameters match the factory washer, it should work.

[@krispysweekendgarage6892]

Now they are 5.50$ each. Just bought two from the link in the description!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Holy cow, those are BMW washer prices! lol thanks, Honda...

[@PaPoo13]

Hey, I was wondering if you knew the size and dimensions of the lower drain bolt, mine snapped in half while I was tightening it. I'd really appreciate it because I just need a replacement. Thanks!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

It looks like #8 in this diagram, which is listed as 6x25 www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/2016/cbr500ra-2ac-cbr500ra/water-pump

[@PaPoo13]

@@EndlessMoneyPits Thanks so much! I really appreciate the help!

[@hbzx636r]

Can't this be done without removing the fairings or other caps, lids etc? I can see and reach almost all of the drain bolts and radiator cap without removing anything (of course its harder but doesn't seem impossible). What are your thoughts? one more thing. wouldn't it be possible to drain the whole anti-freeze only by opening the bottom drain bolt and radiator cap then flushing the system with garden hose, then adding some concentrate antifreze?

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I wish! You have to remove the radiator cap to drain and refill with new coolant, and I couldn't get to the cap without removing the right side fairing. I could reach the cap without removing the fairing, but couldn't find any way to twist it off. Getting it back on would be even harder. I tried, but let me know if you come up with another way that works.

[@hbzx636r]

@@EndlessMoneyPits I'll try to flush the coolant without removing the coolant. If I can, I'll let you know. Hope I can because I pretty sure that I would break the fairing while removing it. Thank you for your reply :)

[@royalempirex7555]

Nextttt

[@andrebaudoind]

Sorry i got my 2014 honda cbr 500 today, how do i check my fans ? I know im late

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Many people have noted the fans do not kick on unless sitting in traffic on a very hot day. I wouldn't expect them to be malfunctioning unless the wiring has been damaged.

[@louisbrown3128]

Does anyone know if the radiators are the same on all these years of bike? I’ve got damage to my 2016 cb500f, I can only find replacement radiators for 2014 models. Thanks

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

If you don't find the answer quickly, just call your local Honda motorcycle dealer and they should be able to tell you.

[@louisbrown3128]

@@EndlessMoneyPits thanks mate

[@solooutlaw6382]

I thought over filling the reservoir with coolant can hurt the bike?

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

On these bikes there is a drain hose just above the full line on the reservoir, so you can't really overfill them. It's not a pressurized system, so any remaining excess coolant will drain from that hose as the bike gets to operating temperature. Hope that helps!

[@SyncoRides]

Does it matter what type of coolant I use. Does it have to be the Honda brand or can I use universal?

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

There are different types of coolant, so I would not go with anything that claims to be universal. Honda brand, Engine Ice, and Kool Guard MEG are the only ones I've seen recommended for these bikes.

[@furkancimen4964]

Hi. I cant find honda oem coolant flush in my country. Which type coolant i should use on my 14 Cbr 500r

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I've seen Engine Ice and Kool Guard MEG recommended for our motorcycles but I haven't used them myself. From what I've read, I would go with one of those if I couldn't find HP Coolant at my local Honda dealer.

[@Mastermartin507]

hi ,What is the model of the anti-fall bars?

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

I got them on eBay 5 years ago. They are called frame sliders and had no company name. The most similar ones I can find now are made by SATO Racing on ebay but the price is 4 times what I paid. I'm not sure they are worth $200 plus shipping, honestly.

[@danieljankovic4700]

Honda cbr500r 2020? Is it the same or?

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Should be the same procedure. I'm not aware of any major changes in the motor.

[@danieljankovic4700]

​@@EndlessMoneyPits thankkkk youuuuuuuu

[@maxiormchw]

Do not use water from a hose, use distilled water ONLY !!

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

It's perfectly fine to flush the engine with water from the hose if you let it drain out, but don't mix coolant with it for refilling the system. You should only mix coolant with distilled water, but the coolant used in this video was premixed so you don't even have to worry about it ;)

[@krytosblank797]

I win im like 420 while smoking a blunt

[@EndlessMoneyPits]

Dang you old af