coolant/water ratio.

[norcal1]

I'm replacing the distilled water in my system with a water and coolant mixture. The specs in the shop manual are confusing and seem to be for someone riding a Grand Dink in Antarctica.
Any suggestions on the ratio?

[Dawsman]

If its already mixed you dont need the distilled water right? just fill it with the mix. Ive done this on my 86 honda elite 250 w/ no probs. later, daws.

[norcal1]

But it doesn't seem to call for a 50/50 mix. That's what is so confusing. The ratio is according to local temperatures.
Do ya think 50/50 would be okay?

[Dawsman]

Yes Sir. I used "Peak 50/50 Long Life Antifreeze and Coolant". The important part is the ingredients - you want to see "Ethylene Glycol". Honestly I dont remeber why (having sold the honda last spring - the honda owners manual said when choosing antifreeze you must use one with EG in it.) I changed the coolant when i got the bike at 1000 miles (Low mileage - I know) and ran it till just over 2000 miles with no overheating or corrroding. Hope this helps. Maybe someone can enlighten us further. Later, daws.

[Rudolf]

Total Coolant capacity: 1400±20cc
Radiator coolant Replace every year or at every 10000km
Use coolant of specified mixing rate. (The mixing rate of 425cc coolant concentrate + 975cc distilled water is 30%.)

Freezing Point         Mixing rate             Coolant (antifreeze) Concentrate              Distilled Water
-9°C                          20%
-15°C                        30%                         425cc                                              975cc
-25°C                        40%
-37°C                        50%
-44.5°C                     55%

[zombie]

50-50 mix is the accepted "norm" for north American climates.

[Rudolf]

Normally the water does the cooling, the concentrate only helps to raise the boiling point of the water to prevent boiling and lower the freezing point to prevent freezing.

[Vivo]

Depends also on...

1. If it's pre-mix or concentrated (on the label)... some read "do not dilute" on the label... hmmm... so you're buying water? some have mixing instructions...

2. Main ingredient: Ethylene glycol - high boiling point, very low freezing point
                          Di-ethylene glycol - higher boiling point but not too low freezing point (for hotter
                                                       climates).

[old geezer]

http://australiawidegenerators.com.au/files/Cooling%20System%20and%20Electrolysis.pdf

[jayocampo88]

So basically, regular 50/50 automotive antifreeze is OK?

[BettinANDlosing]

Don't use regular antifreeze!!!!!! These LC engines use a mechanical seal to separate the water pump from crankcase oil. Most regular antifreeze has sulfates in it, small but abrasive particles that can and WILL wear away the mechanical seal. Honda blue coolant is good, cheap, and also premixed. I use Belray motochill in my b&w, also premixed. Any coolant made for motorcycles will be sulfate free.

[jayocampo88]

Great....
Imma have to drain everything....
Last owner had regular green... Hence why I asked...

[BettinANDlosing]

The factory coolant is green, but its not normal glycol stuff. Come to think of it I think the Honda coolant blue bottle it's green too. A coolant flush never hurts and is easy to do.

[MaryK]

The last time we bought Preston premix 50:50 it stated sulfate free on the label.

scoot safely,

[BettinANDlosing]

Anything that says sulfate free is a ok