View Full Version : Coolant and spark plug change on K9 - how?
Hey guys! This is my first time, ever!
Have been reading for awhile on how to get this done and I have come across a youtube video :
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNHqmGKqMdk
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-73lbw7eaMI
I was looking at spark plugs here and found the Denso Spark plug U24ESR-N:
http://spark-plugs.co.uk/index.php/products/details/U22ESR-N/1132
…as specified in the manual, and the U22ESR-N as well. I ride a lot in the wet, the rain doesn’t bother me, so:
1. Should I get the wet one or the standard one?
2. How many will I need?
3. Can I get engine coolant from Halford’s? I know I’ll have to mix it with distilled water in a 50:50 ratio.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_21 9480_langId_-1_categoryId_255224#tab4
4. Where does one buy engine coolant from usually? Ebay and online sites seem to have quite high shipping charges so I was wondering if a local pick up would be the best thing for me.
5. My chain is really tight. Will I be able to loosen it without a paddock stand? Where can I find instructions for this apart from the manual?
I’ve looked online but most people do it with a paddock stand!
I have the SV650 K9 Sport. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!](*,):p
Shawthing
11-05-13, 09:48 PM
1. I'd stick with standard U24ESR-N or NGK CR8E unless your bike's not running right hot or cold.
2. 4
3. Yes Halfords Red. You only need 1 litre of the concentrate if diluting with distilled water.
4. See 3.
5. Service manual is pretty explanitary. As long as you have the torge wrench and correct sockets this is the easiest job of the lot. Tight chain is bad, check chain condition and any reason why it's like this (it's usual for chains to go slack). Sort this first of all.
Or:
3&4. You can pick up pre-mixed stuff from your local bike store/mechanic. Lift up the tank and the reservoir access is next to it. Best to use a funnel to get it in. If you overfill, there a bleed screw on the right hand side, next to the engine cover. Don't overfill.
Chain - The manual says to measure the slack on the sidestand. Read the manual for the amount of slack and measure ... just read this thread - http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=183575
GagginForraPint
12-05-13, 09:48 PM
If the chain is tight, then it is probably gubbed and best to get it changed sharpish. You can adjust the chain on the padock stand, it will need to be slacker than on the side stand though. Or find the tight spot on the padock stand then adjust it on the sidestand.
@Shawthing: Wilco. Its been adjusted now. Did about 200miles, felt perfect before and after. :o
@Runako: I'm in Worcester, small place, I don't know anyone who i'd trust to buy from without overpaying ! :) I have the manual, will follow instructions from the vid as well. :o
@GagginForraPint: done :o
Will i have to remove my fairings to get to the bleed screw? And with regards to overfilling, it says to fill to the top and ensure no bubbles. How much more can one overfill?
Will post a pic for chain reference soon! :thumbsup:
aesmith
13-05-13, 11:22 AM
... You can adjust the chain on the padock stand, it will need to be slacker than on the side stand though. ...
Just wondering why you say that, or are you assuming the paddock stand takes the weight off the rear suspension? (Mine doesn't, it lifts by the swinging arm).
Tony S
@Shawthing: Wilco. Its been adjusted now. Did about 200miles, felt perfect before and after. :o
@Runako: I'm in Worcester, small place, I don't know anyone who i'd trust to buy from without overpaying ! :) I have the manual, will follow instructions from the vid as well. :o
@GagginForraPint: done :o
Will i have to remove my fairings to get to the bleed screw? And with regards to overfilling, it says to fill to the top and ensure no bubbles. How much more can one overfill?
Will post a pic for chain reference soon! :thumbsup:
Re coolant - Sure you can mix it. But I went to one garage and said "can I get some coolant for my bike". Answer: "Oh sorry, we only do coolant for Ducati ... I have no idea what an SV uses".
Went to a better garage. "Do you sell pre-mixed coolant?" Answer: "Sure, here it is. Its universal stuff and is just the coolant and de-ionised water premixed". Job done.
Right hand fairing. I have a K9 and there is a fill level on the reservoir (left hand side between frame and fuel tank). So in my case yes it can be overfilled. But you are right in the sense that you can fill incrementally and wait for it to settle. Or run the engine for a bit, leave it for a bit and top up as necessary.
I have a K9 and there is a fill level on the reservoir (left hand side between frame and fuel tank). So in my case yes it can be overfilled. But you are right in the sense that you can fill incrementally and wait for it to settle. Or run the engine for a bit, leave it for a bit and top up as necessary.
I have a K9 too! :eek: Yea, I saw the reservoir...Yea, I suppose so... I'll do what you said anyways...
Fill, run, leave it, top up...!:bom:
See, I don't know where to go. Don't know any garages close by, Halfords want £9 for a litre of their coolant concentrate and £1.89 per litre of de-ionised water. The mixed stuff they sell is with normal water, according to the bloke in store. Asda do £0.48 per litre of de-ionised water. So I'm going there. Any cheaper place to buy the anti-freeze? Online is too expensive.
The manual specifies spark plug gap. How on earth will I measure this without that tool?
The manual specifies spark plug gap. How on earth will I measure this without that tool?
You are discovering what I did months ago, and no doubt many others. Halfords sell the gap tool you need. If following Haynes then get the one with the right clearance to measure the gap.
HOWEVER
Having read on the net that they are pre-gapped out of the Factory (in my case Iridium CRE's), the gap was inevitably correct. The tool is now gathering dust.
So my advice is, rather than buy one, ask a mate or someone closeby to lend you one. I'm sure there are other creative ways you can measure this but, truly, the only reason I bothered to measure is because the plugs were such a bugger to change I wanted to make sure it was done right first time and I'd not have to go back in there and take them out.
As for garages nearby:
http://www.suttonmotorcycles.com/
http://www.ams4ktm.co.uk/
http://www.skellerns.co.uk/worcester/
Are any of these in your proximity? They are dealerships but offer services as well so will have all the fluids and stuff.
I'll get the NGk from Halfords, works out a few pennies cheaper.
If the plugs are pre gapped, then why do I need a tool to measure it?
Is there a thread on here with step by step instructions for the spark plugs change?
I'll need to borrow a wrench from someone... Sigh.
I'll get the NGk from Halfords, works out a few pennies cheaper.
If the plugs are pre gapped, then why do I need a tool to measure it?
Is there a thread on here with step by step instructions for the spark plugs change?
I'll need to borrow a wrench from someone... Sigh.
The spark plug tool is in the standard OEM toolkit.
Haynes says check the gap, in case something like the packaging was damaged or the head falls on the floor etc. I would guess its not necessary in 99% of the cases from reputable suppliers, but as I said, I don't want to be in that one percent so I got the tool. I would send it to you, if you pay the postage. But its probably cheaper for you to pop to halfords and buy one or borrow locally.
Have a look for the thread using the search function, or youtube is a good one for that. Be very carefully when installing the new plugs. Because its so fiddly, you need to ensure you tighten but not overtighten or you risk stripping the threads, which would be a very expensive mistake.
Have the coolant (A-Z Parts, £4) and water from Aldi (£0.47 per litre). Cheapest so far! Will attempt to change it now, but I have a lot of tank in the fuel so will try to do it without removing the tank!
How do I drain the reservoir??
Have the coolant (A-Z Parts, £4) and water from Aldi (£0.47 per litre). Cheapest so far! Will attempt to change it now, but I have a lot of tank in the fuel so will try to do it without removing the tank!
Er, I take it you mean fuel in the tank.
Drain coolant (YOUTUBE IS YOUR FRIEND)
vNHqmGKqMdk
Also watch part 2 if needed.
Spark plug change
ddz0iUMFMgc
Ok. I got as far as TRYING to get the fairing off. I'm surprised that there aren't any step by step tutorials for a NOOB like me to do a coolant change!
I need to get the RHS fairing off to get to the cap of the radiator.
However, there's a bit at the bottom that just refuses to let me take it off fully. This is what it looks like.
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/211/20130517195909.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/211/20130517195909.jpg/)
Would I be right in guessing that this is what it looks like up close?
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/836/tus07kawstyriv6mm.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/tus07kawstyriv6mm.jpg/)
How do I remove this screw? What is it called/know as?
@Runako: Yea mate, ta, I found those videos already, they're in my OPost.
Or is this the screw?
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/853/screwk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/screwk.jpg/)
Ok. I got as far as TRYING to get the fairing off. I'm surprised that there aren't any step by step tutorials for a NOOB like me to do a coolant change!
I need to get the RHS fairing off to get to the cap of the radiator.
However, there's a bit at the bottom that just refuses to let me take it off fully. This is what it looks like.
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/211/20130517195909.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/211/20130517195909.jpg/)
Would I be right in guessing that this is what it looks like up close?
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/836/tus07kawstyriv6mm.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/tus07kawstyriv6mm.jpg/)
How do I remove this screw? What is it called/know as?
Dude, all you need to do is use something to gently tap the tip of the pin from the bottom and the head should pop. Or you may have the other type of rivet that allows you to press from the top. Looks like the former though but try what I said and you'll figure it out.
You'll get use to taking the fairing on and off, its really not hard but just take your time. You really don't want to be pulling at anything. If you have a bit of patience then it all comes off bit by bit.
Oh, and by the way . My fairing had a zip tie at the front of that section with the rivets so have a good look to make sure you've located all the fastners before trying to take the fairing apart.
Bike didn't come with the toolkit unfortunately.. Nothing under the seat.. :(
Runako, mate, I really appreciate all the help, time and effort you're putting into this! Thank you so much for your input!
Yes, there was little black screw and that just popped off, just like that. I'll try pressing from the top or tapping from the bottom. Its only the long one on the bottom right that I need to get out.
No such luck. The bottom of the thingy is FLAT and the top was super point and I hurt my finger trying to pushing it down. So I used the other end of a screwdriver and applied downward pressure and that chipped the top off, making it more sharp! I'm rubbish! :)
Now what?
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/838/20130517211832.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/838/20130517211832.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/560/20130517211809.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/560/20130517211809.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/827/20130517211623.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/20130517211623.jpg/)
That's it. They're called fairing clips or rivets (call them this when you talk about them to avoid confusion).
Spark plugs - I recommend you don't try changing those plugs unless you have some help or the right tool (i.e. OEM toolkit). Seriously. If you're not sure, stop what you're doing re the plugs and leave this until you can get a bit of help or the right tool.
The problem is that on the front cylinder especially, its hard to get to the plugs and you risk dropping stuff in there or damaging the plugs.
Btw, toolkit isn't stored under the seat. Its below the battery box, here (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=sv650+toolkit&aq=f&qscrl=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=fZGWUYrND8i8PaabgbgL&biw=1600&bih=813&sei=gJGWUZTOG5D70gXJ44GAAg#um=1&qscrl=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=sv650+toolkit+location&oq=sv650+toolkit+location&gs_l=img.3...25830.27849.0.28088.9.9.0.0.0.0.161.8 52.4j5.9.0...0.0...1c.1.14.img.iyl6Yxi3ojA&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.46751780,d.d2k&fp=b8cfdc7049b327f9&biw=1600&bih=813&imgrc=Nq_zq32v0H9p1M%3A%3BdVMVDUl8NQAdIM%3Bhttp%25 3A%252F%252F2wheeltuesday.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2009%252F06%252FIMG_1051.j pg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F2wheeltuesday.com%252F2009 %252F06%252Fsv650-project-bike-update-installed-wheel-tape-and-tested-frame-sliders-literally%252F%3B3648%3B2736) (black box between rear hugger and rear shock).
Coolant - when you do it once, it will seem like a piece of **** ( no pun intended) :)
No such luck. The bottom of the thingy is FLAT and the top was super point and I hurt my finger trying to pushing it down. So I used the other end of a screwdriver and applied downward pressure and that chipped the top off, making it more sharp! I'm rubbish! :)
Now what?
So is the pointy bit on the inside of the fairing or below on the outside? Lol, I said use something to press on it, not your finger :D
Spark plugs - I recommend you don't try changing those plugs unless you have some help or the right tool (i.e. OEM toolkit). Seriously. If you're not sure, stop what you're doing re the plugs and leave this until you can get a bit of help or the right tool.
Coolant - when you do it once, it will seem like a piece of **** ( no pun intended) :)
Righto, will have a look, don't recall seeing anything there. Of course not, I don't even have them yet, I've ordered them off eBay finally, will be here next week. No rush for that! Just wanted the coolant to be done before my trackday on the 24th!
The pointy bit is on the inside, its flat on the outside, I thought the pictures were clear, sorry, I should've mentioned that!!!
Ok so this is a short vid showing this person putting a clip in
HxYLe3B3deo
Note how it "pops" in. So to get a clip (rivet) like this out, you simply tap it from the pointy end and the head will pop up the other side. Then just pull it out.
Stupid little plastic clips! Well, I'll give it a go, but its really dark now. Will have to leave it till daylight. Don't have a garage or else I'd stay up all night! Lol...
OK, just tried again. Really gave it my all with the screwdriver end, pressed down for all its worth but to no avail. Will get my mate to have a look at it in the morning! I'm guessing its been in there for so long, its buggered!
If you've tapped the pointy bit and the head doesn't pop the other side, you may have the other type that you have to push down the head, like a button. Whatever you do, try not to destroy em. Little buggers can cost a fortune for what they are. If you can, post a pic of your actual fairing so we can get a look at the problem.
I already posted so many pictures! Can you not see them? I can see them! Page 1 & 2(even the last post on p.2)? They're really that expensive? ****. My plumber used a flat screwdriver and pried it out, intact. He used to ride. Bless him! :) He's 70 something! Also gave me a solution for my pillion screws.
I've taken it all out and apart. Now, my coolant reservoir on the LHS, below my riders' seat still shows that there's stuff in there. But I've drained out all of the green. What do I do now? How do I get to that reservoir?
He means the pictures don't really show us very clearly what clips they are. It would help if you wash it all first then take a couple of closer pictures. It doesn't matter its done now!
I have a curvy so the reservoir is in a different place. I don't want to confuse things so I won't say anything, someone else will have to chip in.
Once you have drained and refilled the system at the radiator cap, give the fat hoses to the radiator a few squeezes with your fingers, it will help clear air out and you will need to add more coolant.
My bad! :(
Yea, its done now, will post pictures for others when they come to this thread.
I didn't touch the reservoir, I just emptied the coolant, flushed it a about 5 to 6 times, then put the nut back on.
1. Filled in 850ml of coolant.
2. Tried to fill in 500ml of de-ionised water (my measure was a 500ml jar)
It got full right away and I only got to put in about 250ml of water before it overflowed. Ran the engine, moved it around, kept topping up a few drops at a time, but right now, I dont' even have 400 mil of water in there!
Squeezed the big fat tube as well
The old coolant was green. The new one is red.
This is what it looks like now.
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/856/20130518133006.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/856/20130518133006.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/809/20130518132937.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/809/20130518132937.jpg/)
I followed this video and tutorial to the T!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-73lbw7eaMI
http://www.everydayriding.org/2010/03/sv650-radiator-coolant-flush-and-change.html
I'm sure something is wrong here. I need to get a lot more water in there!
Did my overflow tank/reservoir have the old green stuff in it and did that mix with the new red stuff? And is that why I don't have place for another 500ml of water?
The figure you are quoting is probably including the reservoir as well and as u didn't empty it that's where you are losing a couple of hundred ml.
And don't worry I'm sure it will be fine, just check the reservoir level. that is filled from a different place
OK, lifted the tank and topped up the reservoir tank with water, about, 350mil. That's about an equal proportion. It overflowed with the old green coolant.
People need to know how to drain the reservoir tank! no instructions in the manual! Jobs done now, put her back together, will do a test ride out tomo and see if everything is ok!
Cheers for all the help, I'll post back here soon!
OK, lifted the tank and topped up the reservoir tank with water, about, 350mil. That's about an equal proportion. It overflowed with the old green coolant.
People need to know how to drain the reservoir tank! no instructions in the manual! Jobs done now, put her back together, will do a test ride out tomo and see if everything is ok!
Cheers for all the help, I'll post back here soon!
Hi, been riding all day so just saw this. Couple of things.
Generally, you combine the cooland and water before putting it back in. That way you don't have to worry about getting the same amount of water and coolant in when pouring separately.
Flushing. If you flush the whole system it should include any coolant in the reservoir.
Serdna was right, I meant post a pic of the exact type of clip/rivet. At least now you know how they work. Yes they can be costly if you order them from Suzuki (so look elsewhere if you lose or damage any).
That video was more to show where everything was located and is one way of doing it. Another is to run the bike when flushing the system to ensure every part is reached.
Here is another example (see 5:44):
WVVLIcddNac
I wish there was a thank you button on here Runako!
I wish there was a thank you button on here Runako!
Lol :D No worries, that's good enough. Only returning the favour many forum members on here have provided to me in the past. That't the beauty of this place.
Enjoy the bike!
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