First coolant change

[rhino65]

Did my first coolant change today. Removed the tank underneath as well and emptied it. After refilling the tank to lower level I reinstalled tank not spilling any. When I checked level I couldn't get any on stick. Added till it was a bit below halfway mark on stick. Is this normal?

 

[W3JNP]

Did my first coolant change today. Removed the tank underneath as well and emptied it. After refilling the tank to lower level I reinstalled tank not spilling any. When I checked level I couldn't get any on stick. Added till it was a bit below halfway mark on stick. Is this normal?

I do not remember exactly where the coolant came up to but I do remember adding some additional. I no longer remove the tank when doing coolant changes.

Just a suggestion. Instead of removing the overflow tank just use a MityVac type pump and pump out coolant. Harbor Freight sells their version on sale for around $10.00. It saves quit a bit of time and effort.

 

[FRR]

Absolutely, pumping sure simplifies matters.

 

[lgjhn]

+3 on using the Mitey Vac for pumping out the overflow reservoir.
I use 4 quarts on a change. After draining and reinstalling the drain bolt/washer, I try to slowly trickle in as much coolant as I can. The trick here is to go real slow until it's full. Then crank the bike and give 2-3 good blurps of the throttle and immediately shut it down. Trickle in some more, then blurp it again. I do this several times till it just won't take any more. That will get something over 3 quarts in there. The remainder is then added to the overflow tank. I then run the bike thru a couple of heat/cool cycles and check the level in the overflow tank. Usually, it's about half way if all is well.

Sometimes, I've had to add a little. Most of the time, it's pretty much half way. BTW, that copper washer on the drain bolt: There is no torque spec that I have ever found for it...and Honda gets a little over $2 for its replacement. Holding it with needle nose pliers, I will heat it with a propane torch till it just starts glowing red. This anneals it a little bit and then I re-use it after it cools off. Once I do this to the washer, it is replaced the next time the coolant is drained. Basically, I replace it every other coolant change with this approach. Been doing this for a long time and haven't had an issue with any drain bolt leakage.
Hope this helps.
LJ