How to do a Rad Flush on a Motorcycle

Flushing your motorcycle's cooling system is an important part of maintaining your bike. Additives in the coolant breakdown due to engine heat, and the detergents, additives and cooling agents can no longer do their job. Not only can this cause your motorcycle to overheat but it can effect engine performance as well. However, there is no reason to pay a mechanic to flush your motorcycle's cooling system. It is a straightforward and easy project you can do yourself. The following steps will walk you through the procedure.

1. Consult your owner's manual, or check on the internet for your motorcycle model to determine the quantity of coolant required for a flush. Also, check to see if your motorcycle has an aluminum core and if it will require a different coolant. Make sure when you buy your coolant you ask the counter person if the coolant has the correct glycol mix.

2. Ensure you have the equipment you need. You will want rubber gloves, safety goggles, a medium sized pail and pliers or a wrench.

3. Make sure the bike is turned off, is sitting on a level surface and has not been ridden for a couple of hours. This is very important because you must never open a radiator cap when still hot as the contents are under extreme pressure.

4. Put on gloves and glasses and open radiator cap.

5. Locate the peacock valve or plug on the underside of the radiator. Have pail ready and place under peacock valve. Open counter clockwise. You may need to use the pliers or wrench if the valve or plug is difficult to move.

6. Empty radiator completely, until no more coolant runs out. Set full pail in a safe place.

7. Close the valve clockwise until it is tight.

8. Fill the radiator from the top cap until it is full with the new coolant.

9. When full (cap still off) start the motorcycle. Coolant level will likely lower as it is running and may need to be topped up.

10. Once the vehicle is running and level stays stable, turn vehicle off and replace radiator cap.

11. If motorcycle has a separate overflow repeat steps 5-8 for the overflow compartment.

12. Dispose of coolant properly by taking it to a shop or garage.

A radiator flush should be done once every two years for the casual or seasonal rider. For an every day or year round rider, it should be done once a year. Maintaining the coolant system of your motorcycle is as important as changing the oil and checking the tire pressure and is an integral part to keep your bike running great.