Draining Coolant

[Burke]

I need to drain my coolant and put in some water wetter. Problem is... I commute on my bike, have never done it before and I can't afford to screw it up. Plus I don't know what to do with the coolant after I drain it. Help PLEASE!!! I need to do it tomorrow so I'll have the bike for my Monday commute. Any instructions would be greatly appreciated. BTW, if this subject is covered somewhere else on this forum just post me the link and I'll go there to get the job done. Thanks guys.

[racinteach]

A small bleed screw is located on the water pump...you can drain it form there..a nice bucket would help as well to catch this stuff..then you can take it to a shop or pepboys and ask if they can take it...let teh stuff drain then refill...run it then bleed the system through that small bolt you can also take the lower hose off the rad as well to make sure you got it all out...see the downloads section in the manual it will give you some of the details good luck

[Burke]

Is the bleed screw on the bottom? I have 2 black bolts on the water pump. On towards the top but on the side and one towards the bottom. Or would it just be easier to take the hose off of the bottom of the radiator?

[T140]

Step by step instructions for the drain and fill (the motorcycle in the pictures is even an SV): http://motorcyclistonline.com/howto/replace_motorcycle_coolant/

Coolant Flush (from the founder of Water Wetter): http://www.gadgetjq.com/coolant_replacement.htm

As for flushing the system, we recommend a very simple and cheap radiator flush. Go to your local grocery store and buy "White Distilled Vinegar" and mix that 50/50 with some distilled water. Fill the system with the 50/50 mix, run the bike until warm, let cool, drain and then run clear water through to wash out the vinegar. It's the same idea as cleaning your coffee maker. The vinegar is acidic enough to remove any scale or impurities, but not so harsh that it will harm your delicate seals and gaskets.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND AUTOMOTIVE RADIATOR FLUSHES...they're too harsh.

Disposal: Auto parts stores will not take in used coolant like they do used oil. Call your city hall for recycling information.

[chinkee]

is it bad to leave water wetter in your system? i know theres mixed reviews just wanted to know peoples opinions

[NiteQwill]

No, I leave it in all year 'round.

[NukleoN]

Burke, from what I've read, California water treatment plants are well-equipped to deal with flushed coolant in the system. So, as far as I know it's legal and safe to put drained coolant in the toilet.

Something to check on. Water Wetter + distilled water is the way to go, is track safe (and preferred in the event of a coolant leak) and is fine year round in this CA climate. You won't have the anti-freeze protection but just avoid freezing areas for too long....so you *might* have a problem going to Willow Springs in the dead of winter....others here might know more about that like Kurt.

Otherwise, you're gonna run cooler with Water Wetter and Distilled water and you can leave it in year round.

Oh, you can also recycle the anti-freeze now if you're so inclined.

[T140]

Had it in for several months now now problems...I was at Mother's when it was 25 degrees, but the engine and coolant were hot when I arrived so it was still warm after I had my break.