Coolant

[j4eric]

Can I use automobile coolant? The ready mix green stuff for my f4i?
I ran out and just need to add like half a quart....

Tks

[Stromper]

I do

[The Snowman]

I've used it on the 900RR since I've had it (annual changes for the past 5 years) and put 21,000 on the bike and the old stuff comes out as clean as the new stuff that goes in.

The inside of the radiator still looks new as well.

[rbrais]

Just make sure the bottle states that it can be used in aluminum.

[Pigman]

NO.....I would use the Honda stuff since it has some additives for aluminum and such

[greenmonster]

Funny this subject has come up...there is a discussion on this subject in the latest-April-issue of Consumer News Magazine. A great mag, imho. The bottom line is, that the use of bike-specific coolant is recommended. Regular auto coolant has silicates (sand) and "In the past, there have been water pump wear problems in bikes using coolant with silicates." Since most bikes have aluminum engines, the need for silicates is unnecessary. There have been service bulletins from bike manufacturers recommending "silica free" antifreeze. The editor recommends bike specific coolant. That's what I use. Anyone else who gets this mag, check out the column in the "Downtime Files" section.

[DuncanMoto]

Eric. above all else do not mix different types.

[j4eric]

i read the owner's manual, and it says any good ethylene glycol coolant with NO silicates.

I found the Prestone one and it says silicate free....it also states that most coolants now adays are aluminum safe.

Thanks everyone

[Alvecchio]

Eric. above all else do not mix different types.

QFT

I work with heavy equipment and this is a HUGE problem when people go to add coolant as most of the major manufacturers use their own "special" type of coolant. They have all colors now to help identify them.

[CBR929RE]

QFT

I work with heavy equipment and this is a HUGE problem when people go to add coolant as most of the major manufacturers use their own "special" type of coolant. They have all colors now to help identify them.

problem is some say "can be mixed with all types/colors" I know the common Prestone one says that. I've never done it though.

[KB]

If it is only half a qt low just add distilled water.

KB

[Alvecchio]

If it is only half a qt low just add distilled water.

KB

This is always a safe bet when in doubt. If ever purchasing a new (to you) vehicle its a great idea to change the coolant to a known type if you have the means to. Just to be safe.

[greenmonster]

If it is only half a qt low just add distilled water.

KB

+1. Always distilled.

[Danz19899]

Mixing Coolants is also horrible with Audi's. Audi has its own brand of coolant. Its pink. The red stuff mixes ok but not recommended and if you put green in it well then you just bought yourself a new heater core. Sludges up the whole cooling system

moral of the story here dont mix shit

[TheIglu]

I use silicate free automotive stuff. Never had any issues.

[burtonboarder23]

i usually just pee in my radiator... /problem