coolant question

[Motorrad]

I'm suspecting that there is really no difference between regular auto coolant and something made for bikes...or is there? I've seen some high dollar coolant at the bike shop, but that seems like it would only be useful if racing. I also read that coolant with silicates in it can damage seals. anyone have input on this? should I just go to the auto store and pick up a jug of coolant, or is there something more to motorcycle-specific coolant?

[themeatmanlandry]

I'm guessing, so . . .

It would seem to me that ethylene glycol and water (50/50) would be the preferred coolant for all autos, so I would tend to think that cars and bikes use the same stuff. I've never heard of any special additives for motorcycle coolants.

[DrBob]

I have used distilled water and good old Prestone car antifreeze in my Intruder 800s for 12 years and nearly 200,000 miles. No problems.
However, it does need to be changed and the system flushed every couple years. The high-dollar stuff they sell for motorcycles generally is considered to be 'lifetime' coolant that you never need to change. Personally, I'd rather drain, flush, and fill every couple years just so I know what kind of condition the system is in. But some people like the lifetime stuff.

[themeatmanlandry]

I had the orange "lifetime" stuff in my wife's '99 Monte Carlo. It failed before 100,000 miles, taking the transmission with it.

Thass'okay . . . I was getting tired of Chevys anyway.

[omegajim]

Way back (when my 1984 Honda Magna vf700c was new) not all coolants were "aluminum radiator friendly."

In the time since, now nearly all radiators are aluminum and it isn't an issue.

[Rockhead]

Well thats good to know for the next time around. The stuff I got earlier this year came with a premium price tag. Ohh well it's done............

[shelby322]

I believe the biggest thing is to be sure and mix your antifreeze with a distilled water. If you use a "hard" water the minerals tend separate from the water and they will be throughout the cooling system then.

[omegajim]

I believe the biggest thing is to be sure and mix your antifreeze with a distilled water. If you use a "hard" water the minerals tend separate from the water and they will be throughout the cooling system then.

Yeah, that too.

Although if you have a dehumidifier, that water should be pure enough.

It's also water that's good enough to add to a battery, failing distilled water.

Remember, he said "distilled" and not "filtered". Big difference.

[themeatmanlandry]

I'm usually el-cheapo about everything that I do (I recycle used underwear to use in workouts remember!! ), but for some reason, I buy the pre-mixed anti-freeze. That's one area in life where I'm willing to pay a premium price for water. There's just something about not having to screw with adding any water that makes me willing to pay.