Coolant Level goes down

[pepelepua]

Hello:
After 500 miles of riding the coolant level went down to this:



Here it´s spring riding from 10 to 20 °C.
How often do you refill it?
Many thanks!

[detours]

Many of us have noticed the same thing. It seems that the radiator wasn't completely filled at the factory. Keep adding coolant until the level stabilizes. It will gradually replace the air and your engine cooling will improve.

Of course, you should check for any leaks just in case.

More info here - http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=15062

[SpudRider]

X2.

[pepelepua]

Many thanks, should I refill it directly into the radiator cap or there is any refilling cap in the plastic reservoir?

[Jay In Milpitas]

Originally Posted by pepelepua

Many thanks, should I refill it directly into the radiator cap or there is any refilling cap in the plastic reservoir?

Refill the reservoir.

[detours]

If you're careful, you can slowly fill the radiator directly. The overflow line will fill the reservoir.

[SpudRider]

It is easiest if you remove the fuel tank shroud on the right side of the bike.

I take a pair of pliers, and loosen the clap at the overflow tube from the radiator. I slide the clamp away from the radiator toward the overflow bottle, and pull the top of the tube from the radiator. Then I insert a small funnel into the open end of the tube. I pour antifreeze into the funnel until I fill the overflow bottle to the MAX line. Then I remove the funnel, and push the tube back on the overflow tube on the radiator. I slide the clamp back into place. Then I re-install the fuel tank shroud.

It's best to add antifreeze to the overflow bottle every time you adjust the valve lash, or otherwise have the fuel tank shrouds removed from the motorcycle.

[pepelepua]

Very clear directions, many thanks!
It´s a pitty the procedure is not friendly at all, it is not designed to be refilled frequently.
As a first approach I´ll try Detours easier way trying to reach at least the minimum, then while adjusting valves I´ll adjust properly.
Many thanks!!!

[SpudRider]

It is most important to check the level of coolant in the radiators first. The overflow bottle is probably empty because the radiators were not filled, and coolant was drawn from the overflow bottle into the radiators.

Remove the radiator cap, and inspect the coolant level. If the coolant is low, add coolant to the radiators until they are full. After the radiators are full, add coolant to the overflow bottle.

[detours]

The way I did it, you don't have to remove the side panel (although it's easier if you do). But you will need a funnel and tube to reach the radiator from the front of the gas tank.

1. Remove the radiator cap by reaching through the front of the bike.
2. Slowly fill the radiator until it reaches the level of the cap.
3. A small tube connects the top of the radiator with the overflow bottle. Slowly add coolant until the bottle is full.
4. Basically, you fill a little, check the level and fill again.
5. Put the radiator cap back on.

As you ride, air from inside the radiator will be pushed out the overflow and coolant will get pulled into the radiator. Add coolant every few rides until the level stabilizes.

And make sure your coolant hoses are secure and not leaking. I found a small leak in the right side main hose where it connects to the engine after about 2500 miles.

[ElectricCircus]

Hi.

Regarding the missing coolant issue, the Colombian fellows said it was a common situation among theirs RX3 version (dubbed "AKT TT 250 Adventour"): that would be originated by the relatively low boiling point of the factory provided coolant (plus a combination of hot climate and high altitude, I guess).
The local representative (AKT) issued a Service Note for their CST in order to replace it without cost:

http://www.moteroscolombia.com/foro/...rt=2280#153858

Regards.

[peperino]

I used Detours's way of refilling. I've added 250cc so far, and I'll need to add a little more soon.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by peperino

I used Detours's way of refilling. I've added 250cc so far, and I'll need to add a little more soon.

Your radiators were certainly not filled completely at the factory.

[peperino]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Your radiators were certainly not filled completely at the factory.

Yep
Also worth noting is that from full to low the reservoir has very little capacity, like 100-150cc or so.

[pepelepua]

Today I refilled with the funel and hose, very easy job.
I put around 300 cc.
By the way, which are the minimum and maximum marks?