Coolant level

[andyb]

I have searched previous posts but cannot find the answer to my question. I checked my coolant level last night and cannot see anything through the 'sight glass' thingy.

Now do I add more coolant and hope it is below the L and risk overfilling if it is already above the F or do I drain the system and start again? Will there be problems is I overfill it or is there some kind of overflow pipe?

Thanks
Andy

PS Its a curvy (cant remember if its in my signature.)

[Sid Squid]

The header tank does often have a rather opaque quality about, - which is nice, except it's hard to see if there's coolant in it or not, often a hard stare* while gently wiggling it, (the bike that is), will give away the level, or if you look at it with a torch in the dark it can sometimes be more easily seen, remember to wiggle.

There is an overflow so don't fuss about overfilling it.

*Think: Paddington Bear.

[5v5 rider]

I've found it impossible to see the level through the opaque cylinder as well (thought it was just me!), and bein I couldnt see how full it was Ive been avoiding topping up the level, but good to know about the overflow so not gonna worry too much. But I did notice that either the haynes manual or the instructions on my coolant bottle (cant remember which) suggests that I shouldnt 'top it up' , I should drain the system and refill with the new stuff, is this really necessary? And 1 last question, the bottle says mix with distilled water, do I just boil kettle, leave it overnight and thats it??......Noob questions I know but best to check. :?

[jambo]

Coolant either comes as pre-mixed in which case as long as it is of the same type just bung it in untill the level is correct, or concerntrate in which case mix with distilled water (This is not the same as boiled water - it removes impurities that can lead to limescale etc) You should be able to buy Distilled water as "battery water" or "steam iron water" from garrages or hardware stores.

I *think* it's the same as de-ionised water (or at least if they are different, not to the extent you can't use it) though you really shouldn't drink that :wink:

You only need to change the coolant every 2 years according to the service schedule so topping up should be fine if it's been done in that time.

[andyb]

Thanks for the advice sid, I got my torch out and stared as hard as I could but still couldnt see the level so I decided to drain the system and start again. Got some ready mixed stuff from halfords and did the job. Really easy (even for me with no mechanical experience!!!) Just hope I've done it right now. What would happen if there were air bubbles in the system?

[Miss Viking]

Ha. so it's not just me.
Been riding my K2 curvy for over a year now and I've never been able to see the coolant level... just been hoping it's ok. :? Haven't had any probs. But I don't know when it's been last replaced nor which type of coolant there is. :(

[Biker Biggles]

Bloody Vikings. :D

[Tim in Belgium]

Try in the dark with a bright inspection lamp behind and shake the bike, this may let you see the level.