Works just as good or better as the OEM and a lot cheaper ! "Cheap" is my middle name.
Coolant options
- Thread starter Nolan-GA
- Start date
I've been using silicate antifreeze for about 18m now without realizing. what should I be worried about? I have been topping up with water so the the solution is weaker as there is a slight leak from the carb area.
What is the brand name ? Where did you buy it ? It is my understanding that all anti-freeze available today is non-silicate. But maybe that's only in the US.
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The silicate will destroy the water pump seal. I found that out many years ago and had to replace the water pump. Drain it and get it out of there. Your leak from the carb area is rather vague, but it could be coming from a loose hose clamp on the hoses in the engine valley.
How long dose it take to screw? Its from the elbows, the orings were like gunk
You mean the water pump seal, I take it. If it isn't leaking yet, you should be OK if you get the old coolant out. Those elbows, if you have removed them, need to be replaced as well as the o-rings. Historically, the pot metal doesn't take kindly to being disturbed and those that don't replace them, often find they break, after the job is all buttoned up again.
On replacing the elbows. Don't chance it.OldWingit
Ed Wing
The silicate in anti freeze is bad for our motorized toys. I have a couple Yamaha 700 triple sleds. Years ago I changed the coolant with
regular Prestone. Within a year or two both had leaking water pumps. I had to pull the motors out to access the pump. Bummer.
Ed
regular Prestone. Within a year or two both had leaking water pumps. I had to pull the motors out to access the pump. Bummer.
Ed
Regular Prestone doesn't have silicate in it - read the container. It was probably just a coincidence.
OldWingit
Ed Wing
Yes, my 700 Mountain Max is a 2001 now with 9,000 miles, ( and the heads have never been off). Changed the coolant a couple years later so that would be fifteen years ago.
Ed
Ed
Looks like my elbows been replaced at some point as no wear on them, and no cracks at all.
Again ! Simply don't take a chance. It's cheap insurance so you don't have to go thru removing the plastic & carbs again.
Cleaned up my elbows yesterday, and yep! despite looking ok, when crud removed, both were cracked. So deffo change, $60 later
Now be nice Doug ......
Yeah, go figure. A few years ago I was over there and picked up an OEM 1100 rear brake rotor from David Silver Spares. It cost me $125 CDN, where that part was selling here for around $400!!
Just teasing you, Doug. Have a nice trip.
Yes Doug £21+ Vat @ 20% each. I have just had to buy the top and bottom rad hose as well, as they were not in the chinese kit! These cost £30 for the 2.