N3FOL Posted March 13, 2009 #1 Posted March 13, 2009 I did a search regarding this, but did not find one. I bought my bike last October ('08) with only 1 mile on the odometer. It is an '07. The Service Manual stated to replace coolant and brake fluid every certain # of miles OR 24 Months. I may be closing in on 24 Months, but I only have 3200 miles on the bike. Do I still need to replace Brake Fluid and Coolant this year or Wait until I reach my 2nd anniversary of ownership?
rod Posted March 13, 2009 #2 Posted March 13, 2009 Coolant is changed because it degrades over time/heat cycles. Brake fluid is changed because it picks up moisture and degrades a bit. I would change it for peace of mind but that is just me. I doubt there will be any big problems waiting to do the fluid change. Rod
N3FOL Posted March 13, 2009 Author #3 Posted March 13, 2009 Thanks, Rod. Since my bike will be almost 2 years old and sat at a dealership for most of the time, I may tackle the brake fluid replacement sometime this summer. The coolant may happen after that...before then, I will consult this forum before I go ahead and drain coolant.
skydoc_17 Posted March 13, 2009 #4 Posted March 13, 2009 I personally would not pay a stealer to change fluids on any of my bikes. With that being said, I think that maintenance items like coolant, brake fluid and brake pads are excellent opportunities for a motorcycle owner to "get their feet wet" on. In my younger days, learning how to protect painted surfaces from coolant and brake fluid helped me develop the patience skills needed to do more complicated maintenance on my motorcycles as time went on. Plus, I get a certain satisfaction from performing the more tedious maintenance chores on my scoots and now find them relaxing. Lastly, there is the cost savings, which during these tough times is always a benefit. Earl
N3FOL Posted March 13, 2009 Author #5 Posted March 13, 2009 Hello Earl. Yes, I agree. I do majority of my car maintenance as well and it has saved me tons of money. My main question on my bike is that it is an '07 and the coolant and brake fluid has been in there for almost 2 years now...but I bought this bike brand new last year and it has only 3K+ miles. In your opinion, would you change brake fluid and coolant this year being it has been 2 years already?
skydoc_17 Posted March 13, 2009 #6 Posted March 13, 2009 Hi Mike, I see we live in the same neck of the woods! Howdy neighbor! Because I own older bikes (2 First Gens. 1 86' Honda) I have seen first hand the ravages of old brake fluid and coolant on the older bikes. Not owning a Second Gen. myself, it's hard for me to say for certain, but I can say this, IMHO I think the cooling systems on the Yamaha V4 motorcycles are marginal at best, and I personally change the coolant in all three of my bikes every year. (remember, 20+ years old) I do work on a number of bikes both old and new and have more than once seen dealer preped bikes with all sorts of troubles. For my own peace of mind, I would change the fluids in any new bike bike I owned at a 2 year interval...MAX. I mean we are talking about a $9.00 jug of anti-freeze and a $6.00 bottle of brake fluid here! Plus, there is the "warm and fuzzy" factor I speak of often. At this point I know exactly when it was changed, the quality of the materials, and I have set a "Base Line" for future maintenance. I also keep a separate notebook for all three bikes with the repairs, up-grades and maintenance. This way, I can go back, at any time, and see if I have a problem developing, or see if I can "extend" a maintenance on each bike. To me, $15.00 seems like cheap insurance for such a large investment! Heck, stop over some time and we can do the deal in my shop, have lunch, go for a ride, and see if we can put a few more miles on that baby! Just my thoughts, for what they are worth. Earl
KiteSquid Posted March 13, 2009 #7 Posted March 13, 2009 Changing the brake fluid and coolant bi-annually is cheep insurance. I would rather change the fluids than have to rebuild a slave cylinder........... A lot less taxing on the frustration factor as well as the wallet.
N3FOL Posted March 13, 2009 Author #8 Posted March 13, 2009 I agree with you 100%. Looks like this will be in my agenda for the summer. I guess I can simply put in a 50/50 mixture of Anti-Freeze in the system, right? Prestone, maybe? Brake Fluid...maybe DOT 4 or DOT 5...not sure but I will have to check the manual first. Your offer sounds like a very nice idea:thumbsup2:. Where exactly is Duncansville? I will buy lunch and then ride...
N3FOL Posted March 13, 2009 Author #9 Posted March 13, 2009 Changing the brake fluid and coolant bi-annually is cheep insurance. I would rather change the fluids than have to rebuild a slave cylinder........... A lot less taxing on the frustration factor as well as the wallet. What do you recommend as far as Coolant and Brake Fluid is concerned? Tips on the Coolant change? (will have to consult the Maintenance Manual ) I've seen write-ups on Brake Fluid replacement somewhere...
Squidley Posted March 13, 2009 #10 Posted March 13, 2009 What do you recommend as far as Coolant and Brake Fluid is concerned? Tips on the Coolant change? (will have to consult the Maintenance Manual ) I've seen write-ups on Brake Fluid replacement somewhere... Mike, Use a good quality anti freeze Prestone, Peak ect.... and use ONLY brake fluid that is either DOT 3 or 4, NO DOT 5! here is a pic of what I use in my bikes that I have to change fluid on.
N3FOL Posted March 13, 2009 Author #11 Posted March 13, 2009 That is exactly what I put in my cars and the same size bottle is available at our local Autozone store here in SE PA. Thanks, Squidely.
Sleeperhawk Posted March 13, 2009 #12 Posted March 13, 2009 I agree with you 100%. Looks like this will be in my agenda for the summer. I guess I can simply put in a 50/50 mixture of Anti-Freeze in the system, right? Prestone, maybe? Brake Fluid...maybe DOT 4 or DOT 5...not sure but I will have to check the manual first. Your offer sounds like a very nice idea:thumbsup2:. Where exactly is Duncansville? I will buy lunch and then ride... do NOT USE DOT5 Dot 3 or 4 only
Squidley Posted March 14, 2009 #14 Posted March 14, 2009 That is exactly what I put in my cars and the same size bottle is available at our local Autozone store here in SE PA. Thanks, Squidely. No problem Mike, glad to help What about DOT 5.1??????? I have heard it's somewhat compatable, but I haven't researched it for all the facts. For all the driving in all kinds of weather conditions, the Valvoline I have been using is top notch.
dragerman Posted March 14, 2009 #16 Posted March 14, 2009 Would I be correct in saying that one should use distilled water to mix with the anti freeze?
Squidley Posted March 14, 2009 #17 Posted March 14, 2009 Would I be correct in saying that one should use distilled water to mix with the anti freeze? You could, but I usually dont hear of folks doing that. Anything that is in tap water wont do any damage to the inside metals as thats what the corrosion inhibitors are for in antifreeze
KiteSquid Posted March 16, 2009 #18 Posted March 16, 2009 The problem with tap water is the minerals tend to plate the insides of the radiator etc lowering the efficiency of the cooling system Using distilled water is better for your vehicles in the long run, and it is not too expensive.
N3FOL Posted March 16, 2009 Author #19 Posted March 16, 2009 I work at a facility that manufactures Diagnostic equipment for healthcare use and DI water is abundant. I agree, it is a good idea to use DI water in the cooling system to prevent rust build up internally. Did a search on Speed Bleeders. I may go ahead and order Two (2) SB8125; 1 for the Rear Caliper and 1 for the Clutch (not sure of the term) and Two (2) SB7100 for the Front Calipers. I hope I got the part numbers correct for my '07 Venture.
Squidley Posted March 16, 2009 #20 Posted March 16, 2009 Did a search on Speed Bleeders. I may go ahead and order Two (2) SB8125; 1 for the Rear Caliper and 1 for the Clutch (not sure of the term) and Two (2) SB7100 for the Front Calipers. I hope I got the part numbers correct for my '07 Venture. Those #'s sound right as the fronts are different than the other 2
N3FOL Posted March 22, 2009 Author #21 Posted March 22, 2009 Now that I am certain that I will need SpeedBleeder part # SB8125 (Qty:2) for the Rear Caliper and Clutch and SB7100 (Qty:2) for the Front Calipers, I went ahead and placed the order. For my coolant, I've been reading more about coolant replacement in the forum lately. Can someone point out where the drain plug is on my '07? I see a square bolt just underneathe the water pump area...? Pic will definitely help. Looking at the bike, the only way to get to that coolant cap is to remove the tank (Right?).
saddlebum Posted March 22, 2009 #22 Posted March 22, 2009 Would I be correct in saying that one should use distilled water to mix with the anti freeze? Most definitly use either distilled or deionized water to mix with your antifreeze or try one of the premixed types. Tap water has minerals in it that can build up in the system coating surfaces and blocking passages in the radiator over time. Also make sure the antifreeze you use is approved for aluminum engines. AVOID DEXCOOL antifreeze there is some contriversy over its compatibility wth certian head gasket materials.
N3FOL Posted March 22, 2009 Author #23 Posted March 22, 2009 My Prius uses the Pink colored anti-freeze...I don't plan to use this in my Venture. Prestone is on top of my list for anti-freeze.
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