Coolant Changes on the 14'

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by Bubba Utah, Aug 16, 2017.

  1. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Has anyone drained and flushed the radiators on the 8th gen with less than 6,000 miles? I was thinking that I should even though the bike was not running since then but, it might be a good Idea with coolant 3yrs old now?
    Any thoughts?
     
  2. Samuel

    Samuel Member

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    When I worked at the shop back in the early 90's, the rule of thumb was all fluids every two years - dunno if that still holds true or not... ?
     
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  3. thtanner

    thtanner New Member

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    Shop manual says "Replace every 2 years, or at the indicated odometer interval (24k mi,) whichever comes first."

    Personally I think I'll do it at 8k (first inspection interval.)
     
  4. fink

    fink Member

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    Personally think it should be fine but get a tester and check it hasn't degraded.
     
  5. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    I'll be replacing the coolant in my 2014 VFR. Even though I bought it with only 1800 miles on it, Its still 4 year old coolant. Fortunately have a some Honda Type II in the garage that will fit the bill.
     
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  6. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    After starting this post last year. I had too a few weeks later . I overheated due to a failed original oem radiator cap on the bike since new with only 5,400 miles and boiled it all out 265 F. It felt sluggish and I looked down and found out why! Sucks that a $4-$15 cap could kill your new ride in essence. Nothing like seeing a newish Honda bleed out at the top of a canyon! I added some coolant that was questionable (Motorcycle vs. Car, additives for aluminum or not gold, green, red Cost etc.) I finally only rode it a few miles and took it into the local dealer to check it out. They tested the cap I bought not being Honda and it passed, but did put in what you did and put Honda coolant in it. That was the end of the season. Oil and coolant are the blood and life extending things and I agree with you. I will change the coolant- radiator cap every 2 years as well as the thermostat. the oil now full syth every 6,000 miles depending on riding conditions.
     
  7. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    I replaced my coolant last Friday. The cylinder drain bolt is in a pain in the arse location unless you want to disconnect the wiring to your starter motor and other parts. I chose to just drain at the water pump, refill, run the bike for a while, then re-drain and refill. I used the Honda Type II fluid which has the same specs as the Honda motorcycle equivalent. Bike runs fine.

    Sorry to hear about your boil over, hopefully didn't do any engine damage.
     
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  8. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Vulc, when I had the bleed out I was at the top of Little Cottonwood canyon in salt lake. Elevation- 8560ft. I looked down after it being sluggish trying to pass people that I was following at low speed all the way up and then seeing the warning indicator and temp @265- I killed the motor and about 6 secs after killing the motor the boil out occurred. I let it sit for about 15 mins and turned the key back on to see the temp dropped to around 235. Outside temp was 92F Luckily, having no help in sight (calls and being Sunday) I just literally coasted downhill at 40mph – 50mph all the way without turning on the motor more than a couple of times for a minute or two in a flat spot. I think that helped cool the engine down more quickly than sitting. I got it down to the bottom and luckily my parents live at the base. I Let it sit overnight and filled it with non-motorcycle coolant and cap that someone posted that would fit from O reilly auto parts due to being a Monday and dealers in Utah being closed. Started it up and waited to see if it came to temp without riding and just idling seeing if the thermostat was damaged. Came to 220f and the fan kicked in and did not go higher than 222f and then back down to 217 idling. So I don't think so. I hope not, and rode it a couple of hundred miles at the end. No other smoke other than the traditional white water vapors on startup so far so I think I dodged a bullet. Thing that sucks is I am now always looking down at the temp gauge and not riding with confidence. I have never had this happen to any bike let alone one that I bought new and at a low mileage. My confidence is still broken on this one. I want My Suzuki Sv1000s back. 26,ooo miles never ever an issue with anything. Oh well. I hope she is sorted out finally. I think it is Karma. She knows I miss the SV!;-)
     
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  9. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    I think you should put your mind at rest, especially as you know the cause of the boil over. As good as the Honda product is, even they have "off days."
     
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  10. PetePower

    PetePower New Member

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    Geez Bubba, hard luck fingers crossed you spotted it in time.
     
  11. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Yes, Thanks. It would suck to rebuild a engine at 5,000 miles. I forgot to mention that I did take it to the dealer to check it out. They put Honda coolant in and said that the aftermarket cap was holding and fine. Also no issue with the thermostat. In hind site I should have told them to just replace it, but initially I just told them to give it a pass and good to go. And I Fu...... Forgot to take that "tidy tail" for installation!!!!! Fricking plastic and I are always at odds!;-):deadhorse:
     
  12. PetePower

    PetePower New Member

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  13. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    I didn't see that and I don't have a bent screwdriver like that. Is this home made or can you buy one?
     
  14. PetePower

    PetePower New Member

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    Good morning Bubba, Homemade I just used a super cheap screwdriver and a bit of heat and bent it, probably bend without heat. Or use a short stubby screwdriver!
     
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  15. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Well that is the possible answer! thanks Bud! But I still hate Plastic!;-)
     
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  16. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    I don't have a vise, but I have a torch! Give me an oscillating cutting tool, any saw, chainsaw or a torch and LOOK OUT!;-) I turn into a 13yr old boy scout looking to f..k anything up!
     
  17. mikem317

    mikem317 New Member

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    I changed mine before winterizing it. Pretty simple job to do if you're mechanically inclined. Just make sure the engine is ice cold!

    Also, I didn't drain from the cylinder head because I didn't have a replacement crush washer.
     
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