Radiator Drain

Ron Major 'procedure' -

For a coolant change, drain the radiator. Leave out the drain plug. Then, rather than screw with those diabolically placed engine block bolts, get a 12" section of garden hose which gets put into the top of the radiator, stuff a moistened rag around the hose to better seal the top of the radiator, and blow into the hose. Not too hard at first or it makes more of a mess than necessary. This gets most of the left over coolant that the drain plugs get.

Warchild's explanation:

The only thing you need is about 18"-24" length or so of old garden hose, and some lung power.

Instructions:

1. Remove side panels, top shelter, and right grey (lockable pocket) fairing.

3. Place one end of hose into the radiator opening, and form a seal around the hose and radiator opening using both hands (obviously, this will not be a perfect seal, but it will more than suffice for our purposes).

4. Now blow long. Blow hard. Repeat many times until no more fluid emerges from the radiator drain, or you pass out, whichever occurs first.

5. CAUTION: You will be *amazed* at the volume of coolant that comes streaming out the first 3 or 4 huff-n-puffs. In fact, for the first blow or two, ENSURE you drape a rag over the drain opening, or be prepared to wipe down a substantial amount of coolant that was blown all over your front fender/brake caliper/wheel! (DAMHIK) Avoid this situation, as coolant is bad ju-ju on painted surfaces.

Obviously, it goes without saying that there will be a small amount of coolant still trapped in the engine in low areas, water jacket passages, etc. Still, ASSuming you haven't smoked 2 packs of unfiltered Pall Malls everyday for 20 years, your own lung power is going to blow out all but just a smidgen of coolant.

Now perform a system flush with pure distilled water, and you should pretty much remove all traces of the old stuff.

Another item often overlooked in a coolant flush/refill job is the overflow reservoir (located adjacent to the rear shock on the right-hand side of bike). Over time, this reservoir gets extremely dirty inside. (You snow-bound dudes oughta go out to the garage and look inside your reservoir, and you'll see what I mean). You should take the time to completely remove this reservoir, drain the old nasty fluid, and thoroughly clean the inside.

The best method I have found to clean the inside is to simply fill the reservoir about 1/3 full of hot soapy water, and throw in several strips of old terrycloth. Cut and bend a wire coat-hanger such that you can reach inside the reservoir and swirl the terrycloth around to clean all the old dirt out, then use that same coat hanger wire to "hook" and remove the terrycloth strips.

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