[whit6419]

Hello Everyone,
Hope you are all doing ok through these trying times.
I'm planning on doing a radiator flush and coolant change and was wondering where I might find some good instructions.  I'm pretty sure I can handle it without any direction, but it's always nice to get some tips to make it go a little bit smoother...

Thanks.

[NMKawierider]

Hello Everyone,
Hope you are all doing ok through these trying times.
I'm planning on doing a radiator flush and coolant change and was wondering where I might find some good instructions.  I'm pretty sure I can handle it without any direction, but it's always nice to get some tips to make it go a little bit smoother...

Thanks.

For what machine?

[whit6419]

Sorry about that NKM.  2018 800 trail. 
While I'm at it, gonna add 1.5" spacers.  What's the most popular option?

[NMKawierider]

Sorry about that NKM.  2018 800 trail. 
While I'm at it, gonna add 1.5" spacers.  What's the most popular option?

On the coolant, be cold and on a level surface, take the radiator cap off. Then the one bolt on the bottom of the water pump housing that has the copper washer is the drain- take it out after you put a large pan under to catch all you can. Then on the top of both thermostat housings..one on each cylinder.. there are bleed ports..more bolts with washers..take them out. Take a break for an hour or so as it drains. You can dump some hot distilled water in the radiator if you want but it's not necessary. When all is drained, reinstall the drain plug and start filling at the radiator with 50/50 mix. If you are making it be sure to use distilled water otherwise bad things can happen inside the water jacket of aluminum engines. Fill until it starts coming out the air bleeds on the thermostat housing. Then reinstall those plugs. Continue to fill the radiator to about 1.5"s below the top. Start it and let it idle in neutral until the fan comes on. You can goose it a little to speed it up just slow-goose it...don't want to shoot any coolant out the top. Once the fan comes on continue filling it to the very top..no air gaps. Put the cap on. Don't forget to clear/empty and refill the overflow bottle.

On the spacers most of us use and trust these: Remember to re-torque all lugs after the first ride. It will mean taking the tires off to get to the recessed ones but..if you don't..you may regret it as aluminum cold-flows until it is compressed enough. 55-59ftlbs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4pc-1-5-ATV-4-110-Wheel-Spacers-for-Honda-Kawasaki-Suzuki-Yamaha-4x110-10x1-25/173159503769?hash=item28511c5799:g:GdYAAOSwbb5dliXN:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!87111!US!-1
   

[whit6419]

Thank you very much NKM!  That sounds easy enough.  One part I'm not sure about is "Don't forget to clear/empty and refill the overflow bottle".  Do you mean this is a separate step from draining the radiator and needs to be drained on its own? It sounds like flushing is not necessary at this point, just drain and replace.  I have read that the premixed Prestone is a suitable choice so that's what I bought. 

Spacers are ordered.

[NMKawierider]

Thank you very much NKM!  That sounds easy enough.  One part I'm not sure about is "Don't forget to clear/empty and refill the overflow bottle".  Do you mean this is a separate step from draining the radiator and needs to be drained on its own? It sounds like flushing is not necessary at this point, just drain and replace.  I have read that the premixed Prestone is a suitable choice so that's what I bought. 

Spacers are ordered.

The overflow..otherwise known as the Recovery bottle is that whitish tank or reservoir. Want to make sure none of the old coolant makes it back into the system.

Unless there is a reason like gelling or plugging, there is no need to do a flush. It's also hard on the mechanical seal which has trouble not leaking as is. In fact a little extra water pump lubricant in the new coolant helps it. Yes, either Prestone or Peak 50/50 premix is fine.   

[whit6419]

Thank you very much NKM!  That sounds easy enough.  One part I'm not sure about is "Don't forget to clear/empty and refill the overflow bottle".  Do you mean this is a separate step from draining the radiator and needs to be drained on its own? It sounds like flushing is not necessary at this point, just drain and replace.  I have read that the premixed Prestone is a suitable choice so that's what I bought. 

Spacers are ordered.

The overflow..otherwise known as the Recovery bottle is that whitish tank or reservoir. Want to make sure none of the old coolant makes it back into the system.

Unless there is a reason like gelling or plugging, there is no need to do a flush. It's also hard on the mechanical seal which has trouble not leaking as is. In fact a little extra water pump lubricant in the new coolant helps it. Yes, either Prestone or Peak 50/50 premix is fine.

Yup seen it and understand now.  Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with me.  It's very much appreciated.