Used GV should I drain and put new coolant?

[bunker buster]

Hello guys,

Should I drain the coolant and replace with a new one just like engine oil? Or it doesn't matter much?

What local brand of coolant do you guys use that I can get at pepboys, autozone or etc?

[MaryK]

The manuals say to replace annually, but I doubt that any owner does it that often.  Most motorcycle companies say replace every 2 years. 
Modern coolants are made to last 5 years. 

We use Prestone premixed 50:50 which has a "No silicates" label on it. 
We plan to change the coolant next spring using the Prestone and then wait 5 yrs before the next change.

If your cooland really looks bad when you drain it, you may want to change it annually until it looks good.

NOTE:  We have not changed the coolant in our GV 250 yet, so the information above is tentative.

Scoot Safely,

[JustWantToRide]

I'd second the Prestone at 50:50, and I would definitely change it.  You never know what someone else put into their radiator or cankcase...

[bunker buster]

Guys is this the Prestone that you are talking about?

http://www.amazon.com/Prestone-Antifreeze-Coolant-Af2100-Rediluted/dp/B000VDM0RC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1312909556&sr=8-8

[JustWantToRide]

That's one of many that will work.  I think only the Heavy Duty and flush ones have silicates (fine sand) now.  It used to say "no silicates, good for all engines including aluminum".  I see the mention of all engines is still on the bottle.  They also have an Xtreme now which is specifically formulated for motorcycles.

[bunker buster]

Thanks!

[MaryK]

I see that Prestone has changed labels since I bought my last gallon.  And they have a "new" product out
Prestone® Xtreme Sport™ Prediluted Motorcycle Coolant http://www.prestone.com/enca/node/423

So, we'llprobably buy this product the next time we change coolant in a scooter or motorcycle.

Scoot safely,

[bunker buster]

Boy Mary those are hard to find. Can't find it locally here at pepboys and autozone. Thanks anyway for the heads up!

[MaryK]

Yea, I haven't looked for it here, but I hope I can get the loacl parts store to order some.  I think it is fairly new.
Advance Auto carries more motorcycle stuff than the other stores here.

Lotaluck.  Probably we will have to use the Prestone premix or drop by the Honda dealer and buy Honda brand.

Scoot safely,

[bunker buster]

So I got me the prestone 50/50 and I Overfill the tank, how does one remove the excess coolant?

Will the liquid corrode/blemish the GV's plastic body? I know its mostly water but who knows?

[JustWantToRide]

The coolant won't hurt the finish if you rinse it off soon. 

Did you fill it through the radiator cap?  If so - then you shouldn't have a problem. 

If you filled the catch tank instead of the radiator then pull the hose from the radiator and hold it below the catch tank so it will siphon the fluid out (preferably into something).  Do it with a cold engine, then rinse everything off.

[bunker buster]

Is the plastic tank near the ignition the catch tank?