How To Flush And Service Your Motorcycle's Radiator And Cooling System | MC GARAGE

[@MorryMoto]

As someone who is trying to learn as much as possible in way of motorcycle maintenance (mostly to save some coin) these videos help a BUNCH :) thank you

[@MorryMoto]

***** well I really appreciate it :)

[@MarkJones-gd3nt]

Ari Henning do you leave the radiator cap off when your warming it up to expel the air in the system?or does it come out via the breather?

[@awdeveau]

Mark Jones I re-watched this video today looking for the same info.

[@alexmvidal]

You can see that he first rocks the bike back and forth to expel any air bubbles and then when he turns the bike on and revs it both caps are on and closed @2:50 ;)

[@Zen0sa]

i dont see the cap on when he ran the bike.

[@Incursus07]

Thank you for not turning a 3min video into a 15min video.

[@lukechambery3135]

I appreciate these videos so much. This guy is direct, to the point, knowledgeable, and makes the maintenance very simple for a beginner who’s doing self maintenance on their bike, like I was. But after watching several of these videos, I’ve saved a ton of money in doing so. Thank you very much.

[@jsin22366322]

Ari. For the r1, there's a little bolt right on the cooling system pump that if you just turn it, it will get rid of all the air bubbles. Works very well. You don't have to turn on the bike or anything. It's even on the manual.

[@frosty-dogs]

Still dig this series, I really hope that the people that utilize their local shops watch these videos so they know just how much effort really goes into their services we perform. One step at a time.

[@frosty-dogs]

+Ari Henning I hope I can help, even if just a little, through the occasional input after one of Motorcyclist's well produced videos! I can tell you are as well, greatly experienced, and knowledgeable. I am glad to see that so expertly conveyed. Keep up the good work Ari!👍

[@MyMo689]

Fairly new motorcycle owner, and absolutely new to motorcycle maintenance, this video was very informational and helpful. Thanks!

[@CycleCruza]

Nice video but you forgot to mention that you should tighten the bolt to the torque value listed in the service manual for your bike. It's imperative that you do not over or under tighten any bolts on your bike. In the past I learned the hard way. lol

[@LJM2stepspain]

You might be settin yourself up for a real fucked up day if you don't read that service manual, right? lolol

[@wildwilco]

on most new bikes thats allright if you still have the owners manual. older bikes where the manual has gone missing (and online is nowhere to be found) usually a drain plug like that isnt such a problem, if you maintain lots of vehicles you will usually learn ''the right ammount'' of tention to put on the bolt, with your hands.

[@thatwolffe3802]

My bike is JDM from the 80s and there are no english service manuals or even good japanese service manuals anywhere to be found so guess im in for a fucked up day.

[@HalfdeadRider]

Such a low torque setting that it should not be an issue, over tightening only becomes an issue when you sheer the bolt lol

[@Milian89]

buy that chineeese scooootah !

[@triumphrider9796]

Good tips, as usual! These things can vary by bike; on my Triumph Daytona (955) the manual just tells you to remove the drain plug, but after I noticed the plug is several inches ABOVE the lowest point of the system (the pump; don't know why they did that), I always pull the hose from the front of the pump. This drains about a pint more than just pulling the plug. There's also a bleed screw atop the thermostat housing which you need to pull when draining the system, and don't forget put it back on before starting the motor to circulate the coolant! (Yes, I've left it off and started the bike; shoots coolant right out the bleed hole.) The Daytona seems pretty finicky on coolant level; a couple times I've replaced the coolant, everything looked ok in the garage when running it a bit, but once under load it ran hot. Topping off the reservoir tank AGAIN fixes it.

[@mayurkulkarni1990]

short and sweet, great vidro as always +Ari Henning also, pinching your hoses after filling up helps in removing trapped air bubbles.

[@spiteye7.62]

That ending statement was great!

[@BetaWolFGamer]

I appreciate these videos. I didn’t realize how simple and easy bike maintenance can be.

[@MattCantSpeakIt]

I love these videos, I'll do so many jobs myself from now on... I used to help out buddies working on their cars, but I'm always scared of working by myself... These will make me more confident I'm not doing stupid mistakes XD

[@Whitejesselink]

Thank you! So easy. I reckon I'll pour some distilled water threw because I have a ton of miles. I assume that's a flush?

[@Rolandus42]

That is a short but very clear/transparent explanation. 👍👍👌👌👌Thank you!!! 👏👏👏😁

[@motoridesaz]

Probably one of the best videos out there such great explanation of everything

[@AudreysKitchen]

Thanks for making a video that is quick and to the point. Just wanted to make sure I'm not forgetting anything.

[@forthcoming-d8694]

I bought 6 half gallon Containers of Engine ice coolant to stock up & store them as emergency in case the industrial world goes for a long sleep. I will store them for at least 6 years for My brand new 2019 CB1000-R 😎

[@88namiller]

My single cylinder bike is air cooled, but I enjoyed the video any way.

[@Domowoi2]

When he says: "Don't let your dog drink it" He is totally serious! Apparently it tastes pretty good, so animals like to drink it.

[@SAViNGLiVE5]

Coolant has a bitterant exactly for that reason. But some dogs and people are still really dumb

[@AleXander-eo3iz]

I'd imagine it would have a very minty flavor to it, like a spearmint-flavored spray

[@user-hs2hd7wp9g]

@@UnsungThermidor It smells quite good tbh, I was tempted to take a sip

[@thepoastman209]

Yup my dog died like this left coolant out after draining it from a car and couldn't catch him quick enough

[@Mike-ps8dx]

72 Iraqis die every year from it....

[@iRidez650]

Thanks for the vids! They have saved me a lot of money on maintenance and service costs!

[@makehondagreatagain5467]

thanks for the very informative videos from the MC garage. Its wonderful that you put these videos out to help us riders that aren't very mechanic savvy.

[@bkboii24]

I've been putting off replacing my coolant for a couple months now thinking it was much more complicated than this lol I'm getting by thanks to the winter season in my area. I'll do my coolant and brakes this weekend then. Well, my oil to since it's time to flush it again. ...funny how things work themselves out.

[@maxguterres6267]

Do I always have to use distilled water to flush or can it be just a normal bottle water?

[@joecamel6835]

Distilled

[@alexanderson5749]

Thanks man I was stressing about doing this because I had to do a rebuild on my engine and in turn replacing all fluids and this is my first liquid cooled bike so I was terrified to do the radiator but it seems easy

[@HawkGTboy]

LOL, I liked the joke at the end.

[@b.hermann2520]

These videos are awesome! You explain everything and you are smiling always. Good luck! I

[@GatsuRage]

I SURE needed to watch this video even if I currently have an aire cooled bike... next one wont be so good stuff to learn early!

[@JGNotla]

I needed this yesterday, when I changed the cooling fluid on my bike, but good that you made this video for the next time:-D

[@omaraslam8537]

Can you please make a video on aftermarket air filters and how they affect the engine and should they be installed?

[@bccapone837]

The screw directly about the drain bolt at 12.00 o'clock is the air bleed bolt on that model 👍🏼👌🏼

[@sirloinMR]

Hi, the motorcycle manual stated that coolant reservoir capacity is 0.25 L and radiator capacity is 2.25 L. My question is for coolant flush, I need to prepare 2.5 L of fresh coolant? It is because engine ice coolant comes in 1.89 L per bottle. I am thinking is it sufficient to use only 1 bottle? My bike is Yamaha FZ1-N 2014. Thanks

[@ruth133123]

Hi! I am a new rider and have a question. Can I just top up the reservoir and the coolant tank without draining them?

[@YABUKIJOE2077]

You’re already there with the fairings off, just flush the whole thing

[@BeriNaked]

Great video on how to change coolant. I want to see a video on how to get them arms though! More powerful than the R1!

[@DJMotoVlogs]

I have been very hesitant to change the coolant on ZX6R because I was afraid I would have a hard time bleeding the system but this video makes it seem like its really as simple as doing an oil change.

[@URBANENGINEER]

You can do it fine. Just make sure to download the Kawasaki manual specific for your bike. If to anything like the other big 3 it has 2 drain locations (engine and water pump) to get it ALL out.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

aircooled biker here haha

[@Rocketninja200]

I'll have the last laugh if you get stuck in traffic! :P

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

hmmm, thinking bout contering that... i'll just turn off my bike when the road is stuck?! haha

[@AfonsodaMataSlam]

I also ride an aircooled bike. Traffic jam? I'll just split lanes ;)

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

or that

[@lalnuntluangachhakchhuak5767]

In a traffic jam, we just turn the engine off. Simple.

[@UmarAlAsad]

I really like your video and instruction coz it is easy to follow. Your explanation is easy to understand as well. Good job.

[@TheStig43and199]

My bike has a bleeder bolt on the radiator; as far as bleeding the system, how would the process be different? Just take the bolt off while I'm bleeding it?

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Daaang it ! , No thanks for letting me know I don't need to do these on my air cooled motorsickle ! at the very end of the videoooooooooo , I need my 4 minute back................... :D

[@agamurtuza8963]

My 08 R1 is running kinda hot ( I feel ) around 180’F normal riding conditions come to a stop light it’s shooting up way too fast previously I owed 06 R1 that thing ran 165’F normal riding condition I had used motor coolant in this 08 R1 is this the issue? Shall I use half distilled water and half different coolant. Please leave helpful comment. Thanks

[@peterpl2105]

I want to hear this man says "alright alright alright"

[@ahmadi4853]

Thanks for uploading this video, keep up the good work. Now i can do this by my self.

[@laktoweiz]

valve adjustment please

[@ridersblockv306]

Those are fun. Especially if your bike uses shim under bucket to adjust the valves.

[@drivermagz1813]

especially on a v twin with two banks of cylinders!

[@robhalpin]

As always, great vid. I have a question: How does one best dispose of old coolant? Is there a way to recycle it?

[@robhalpin]

FWIW to anyone ... I found this site which will tell you where to bring it: earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-automotive-fluids/

[@gbart7857]

Check your county haz waste drop-off locations, many places will take oil & coolant

[@austinbradley3227]

Just curious when you are blipping the throttle do you still have the radiator cap off or sealed back shut? Just asking bc I don’t want to some how mess up if it’s something super simple

[@stevensteel8617]

This is the question I am trying to find the answer to. Alas I don't yet know. The workshop manual only tells you to replace the cap at the end but as it doesn't specifically tell you to leave it off I don't know.

[@kristiangurholt59]

Question: Are you supposed to fill the reservoir up to the upper line when the engine is HOT or COLD? This makes a difference as the level rises when the engine heats up, meaning if you do it when its hot the level will drop when it cools off, and if you fill it up when its cold the level will exceed the upper line the bike's hot and running.

[@A6Legit]

My service manual says check it when cold and bike is upright. After a change you should run it and check again to make sure the level is still correct.

[@rigo6333]

So after flushing the coolant you fill the radiator to top, start the bike to remove air bubbles,top up radiator if necessary then fill the expansion tank to max mark. Just need to make sure as im doing this for the first time on my honda sh300 2017. Thank you

[@haryudha1993]

Always helpful! Thank you Ari and Motorcycle Magazine...

[@megapet777]

So the reservoir does not need to be air tight like brake liquid? I want to check if there is liquid in my system, because I saw some red liquid under my dirtbike. I just dont want to mess anything up by opening the reservoir. Am I good to check it?

[@rolandvenne7419]

So do i need to flush if I'm at a hair over 16000 in less than a year?

[@joecamel6835]

Yes

[@NCHAAK]

I have one of those cruisers that you have to remove the gas tank to change or flush the system. My question is: You said to run the bike until operating temp.....That means putting my bike back together running it letting it cool then taking it back apart again, then draining it, filling it with distilled water, putting it back together again running it, letting it cool then taking back apart again to drain and fill???

[@davidmandl]

Good job Ari. Always like your vids bro. Just a tip for you - that R1 has an air bleed bolt just above the drain bolt. It's on the water pump. Crack it next time to purge the air out. Yamaha makes the job slick for us new R1 riders. Cheers partner!

[@jjohnson8733]

Is that air bleed bolt on the mt10 as well?

[@TiberiusStorm]

Does the overflow cap have to be on the reservoir when you start up the bike and rev it to push the fluid through?

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

The reservoir cap doesn't need to be on as it's open to the air anyways via the overflow tube. I'd leave it on anyways though as that's a place where contaminants can fall in and cause damage.

[@bilal_waheed]

Actually i do ride air cooled,but i still watched it ..great Ari

[@hivizhonda9486]

Just bought my 300R and was wondering, if I know how to perform the 600 mile initial service mostly thanks to your how-to's and my owner's manual, is it still a good idea to let the dealer do it?

[@grevierx]

Another awesome video. Can you guys do one on spark plugs replacement? Thanks.

[@Bongalicius]

If I go on track days, can I just put in destilled water, or is the coolant mandatory? It's pretty slippery once coolant is on the ground.

[@billlang64]

Silicate free antifreeze recommended for my Honda and most Japanese bikes as apparently the silicate type eats water pumps.

[@johndoe-ny6ub]

Very informational and well put together video thank you

[@anthonyadams9520]

My klx 150BF is air cooled.. Btw, thanks for the tips and tricks.. Might be useful if I purchase a new bike one day

[@Dzmaestro]

Hi can you explain how liquid cooling system works? And how it should behave when throttled or high temperature? And the parts involving the cooling system.

[@ΖαχαριαςΚαστρινος]

very nice video ! But air or liquid cooler is the best???

[@suzuki600ish]

What is the purpose of the reservoir and why do we fill them? I have a fireblade and mines in between the engine and swingarm. Was thinking of putting a motion pro bottle there.

[@johnelazer1691]

I bought a 33% (33/66) premixed coolant. Is it ok to use or do I have to buy the 50% (50/50) premix coolant. I'm living in south east asia where it is hot and humid all year long.

[@AkuangxD]

Great video, just curious but I have seen people run mineral water until the thermostat opens in order to fully flush the system. Is it insignificant enough to skip that step?

[@AkuangxD]

+Ari Henning Sorry I didn't see the other comment. Thanks for the clarification!

[@URBANENGINEER]

Hey Ari, what about going from green street bike coolant to blue/pink track coolant? Is a typical 3 time flush good enough?

[@Mark_Estelle]

Do I fill my coolant reservoir to the fill line on the side stand or with the bike straight up in the riding position?

[@Alphapunk2]

straight up in the riding position

[@Tonyymacc]

Any videos On Switching Out A Radiator On A 21' CBR600RR & Disconnecting The Fan Fuse

[@TheGeohart]

Does painting an air cooled engine decrease its thermal cooling efficiency or should the cooling fins on the cylinder be kept paint free

[@keaponlaffin6737]

makes no difference as long as its nice and clean before you (spray)paint.

[@dirtbikeaction77]

There is a handy bleeder bolt on the top of the water pump to easily bleed the system. Running these bikes with the rad cap off will spill all coolant everywhere.

[@headcharge871]

Must the bike be upright when doing this? Can the bike be on its side stand?

[@kj9219]

no! Lay the bike down first.

[@sriharsha7461]

hey great videos! what about oil cooled bikes? could you tell me what are the do's and don'ts with them.

[@keaponlaffin6737]

replace the oil, and check after riding if the oil cooling radiator has gotten good hot all over.

[@philiphowell2242]

Rookie question ahead: I ride a 2017 Yamaha XSR900. I bought some Maxima 50/50 Coolanol. I'm not sure what coolant is currently in my bike and my dealer closed so I can't ask them. Am I OK to just top up with the new coolant I bought or does the whole system need to be flushed. I'm only at 2k miles so i figured I'd have a while more to go before I completely flush it.

[@chrissimpson9754]

Do you blip the throttle with the rad cap off?

[@PilatuS23]

Always check the bike's manual to see how to bleed the system. On my RC8 bleeding the air out is a pain in the ass. The front of the bike should be lifted up 50cm to get the air out. Even with that it is still a hard job and there are bikes that are even worse. I like the video, doing stuff yourself is always good. But doing it like you said would give alot of problems on certain bike models.

[@alistairbrown4730]

My new motorcycle coolant dropped just above minimum level. I have hardly ridden my bike 80 miles. Is it okay to ride if coolant is just above the minimum level as indicated on the reservoir? Please advise. Thanks.

[@janbojarski004425]

If my workshop manual says to use ethylene glycol, am I fine using propylene glycol instead or would that cause any damage? Thanks in advance.

[@c1fi364]

quick question, what is "a ton of miles on your bike" in number terms?

[@bufftankington7349]

What about the expansion tank after everything is done ? Fill it up too I guess ?

[@chazphot]

How many miles is a ton for flushing the rad? I just had the 16000 mile service on my CBR600 and the coolant was tested during the service, which came back fine but the bike is a 2011 and I know it's never been changed. Worth changing it?

[@akupehsluarketatAR]

Tip.. if your engine is running hotter than usual even after you've flush your coolant and checking that the radiator and thermostat and water pump are ok, that's most likely your o2 sensor isnt working properly. i disconnected mine, and the engine temperature are back to normal. I now run with the o2 disconnected.

[@rhemyis]

Is it necessary to keep the engine running until fan kicks in and thermostat opens after filling the system with coolant? Watched some videos where they recommend doing that and don't know what is the correct procedure. Thanks

[@michaelmcmillan8814]

rhemyis did you find this out? I done my rc8 but seem to have a bit of air in the system but I never let it run until the fan come on and thermo opened

[@saladking2370]

So, you do Not want to use Automotive Coolant such as Preston, in an atv, right?

[@jamiehowarth3570]

Hello mate what's a ton of miles haha I'm on 14k and wanting to swap to engine ice coolant as my mum likes to get hot would you suggest flushing with distilled water first?

[@tinotino1882]

Hi this is MARCEL from Argentina, I want to ask you about what coolant is better for my KTM Duke 200 2014. Sorry for my bad English, thanks.

[@iamnateee]

I've heard from a mechanic that the coolant reservoir should not be full/maxed. Is it really much more recommended to fill it up to the max level?

[@darrinwilliams9904]

My coolant is a milky green. I thought blown head gasket but my oil looks black. Any suggestions?

[@JonttuzTV]

Short informative and easy to follow! Great job :)

[@Mojo545]

What about a bike that uses vacuum in the cooling system? (BMW K1200S for example) System didn't start pumping when I used your method. Just after sucking on this little thingy (hehe) of the pump, it worked again.

[@tonyynot484]

My coolant is pink but based on ethelene glycol. Contratry to what you just said

[@michaelmcmillan8814]

I've done this to my ktm rc8 but seem to have air in the system, should I keep the cap off until the fan comes on and the thetmo opens?

[@Mihalyofficial]

The coolant will eventually cycle through your system and release any bubbles into the reservoir.

[@sennsir]

Any opinions on Evans waterless coolant!? I've been running it in my fz6r for almost a year now & would like to know if you guys have used it before.

[@cagarro_cumplice]

How do I bleed the air in the cooling system after filling new cooling liquid?? I mean, there’s gotta be some air inside, since the system is closed.

[@pulsarloverCG2444]

Can we use car coolant in Motorcycle . And Motorcycle coolants in cars

[@helicopter234]

Refueled And Boosted Depends, the coolant needs to be designed for aluminium engines, since most bikes have them, but it depends on the bike which coolant is required. Ask your dealer or look in your maintenance handbook if you have one

[@ricardoviolanti5780]

Mate thank you 🙏 love you videos.

[@jordanhoyle577]

ive done 20,000 miles on my 2011 honda cbr 125r do you think i should do this? i like in the north of england so it cold anyway.

[@imranahmed1542]

Is there anything else you can use then standard coolant if your riding in temps in the late 30's early 40's and with dry air all around you as I have an r6 2008 model and I'm going to Pakistan this summer where it will be very dry and hot 40degrees, anything else that I can do to stop the bike from overheating and having any of the coolant stopping from leaking out, what about a larger radiator and silicone hoses instead of rubber hoses?

[@phil_aesthetics]

I wonder if there is a nice convenient drain bolt on my k4 gsxr 600.

[@shenight8293]

My Honda CB650F has a coolant leak lately so how do I fix that? And is it bad to drive around like that for longer time?

[@Tekitremble]

It is most likely a cracked hose. If it is the radiator itself it may need a replacement. As long as you keep the reservoir at the fill line it is not an issue. My old honda 700 sabre used to leak, , it was cheaper to ride with a bottle in my bag if i was going on a weekend trip (it didnt leak much) than tearing apart and fixing and old bike that i was only keeping for 1 or two seasons.

[@pasanchathinthaka1574]

can you do a video on how to flush engine oil.

[@satriosukarnoatmosudirjo9722]

Is "engine ice" coolant really worth it? I heard it makes your bike really cool

[@Domowoi2]

Not worth it in general.

[@SAViNGLiVE5]

It's good especially if you go to the track. Almost every track you're only allowed to run water since it's not slippery but engine ice isn't slippery either when it spills. Obviously other than just being wet.

[@onoff314]

What kind of trackday is that? No one runs straight up water in their cooling system you are just asking for trouble doing that

[@SAViNGLiVE5]

Onoff314 nearly every trackday organizer. running water at a track day will not hurt. street riding and sitting idle for too long you will want actualy coolant. as said before. you can run engine ice or water wetter. anything not glycol based usually.

[@zainjee7259]

Can i use car coolant in motercycle its yellow colour liquid

[@Ojeramup12]

yes, I always have. I have been riding since 1965.