Adding / Checking Coolant

[Fire34]

Out checking on my baby today and took off the little access panel under the frunk that had the coolant picture on it. OK, I know some of you guys have to have bigger paws than me how do yo get the cap off to add coolant or how many more panels have to be taken off? 2013 RTL Thanks guys

Dave

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Hey Dave. If you ONLY want to check coolant level like a go-no go check, most have adopted the technique of holding a flashlight up against the plastic reservoir from inside the right front wheel well. You'll be able to pick out whether you see green or not and about where the level is.

If you remove that facia panel from around the headlights, you can get much better access to the reservoir cap in order to remove it and replace it. Be careful when replacing it as sometimes the tab on the backside of the cap doesn't catch in the groove on the plastic. And be sure to turn the cap all the way to the end, not just when it starts to get tighter. And as long as that facia panel is off, there are a few bolts and fasteners back in there that can be checked for tightness.

To check the level more accurately with the cap off, I've adopted to using a pipe cleaner bent into an L shape. Stick it into the reservoir and use it like a dipstick. There's a very clear line where it is wet and dry. And since you've removed the cap, and let the air pressure equalize inside the system to outside, there is usually one little burp out the overflow the first time engine temp comes up nice and hot to release that extra air bubble.

[Little Blue]

The Flashlight TIP is the Better way to Check.

[Eviltwin]

I've got mine apart right now because after I changed the coolant, I checked and couldn't see any color in the top of the tank. Had to pull the R side panels off in order to see that the tank was half full. Most likely air that was trapped inside finally burped out and lowered the level since I have seen no evidence of a leak. My plan is to take some LED strip lights and tape it to the side of the tank facing in and wire it to the lighting circuit. That way I will at least see if there is a glow of Pink (new coolant color) in there or not. Still a very poor design but you work with what you got.

[MR. H1956]

The Flashlight TIP is the Better way to Check.

I agree this is a good way. Then use a funnel and a piece of rubber pipe to refile the tank while the flash light shines on the back side of the tank.

[PW2013STL]

I agree this is a good way. Then use a funnel and a piece of rubber pipe to refile the tank while the flash light shines on the back side of the tank.

I did it that way until I went to the dollar store and picked up a turkey baster - works great!

[SilverFox1]

Thanks for posting Snowbelt Spyder! I did not know about the “burp” but every year when I do my complete check up and after checking coolant canister area, I noticed that after I opened the canister cap I always get the burp and got a little bit worried as to what it was. Now I know. Thanks a bunch!!!

SilverFox

[ponchatoula]

How far down the pipe cleaner in inches is a full tank? Thanks

[Snowbelt Spyder]

PM sent.

[Revalden]

I did it that way until I went to the dollar store and picked up a turkey baster - works great!

I got a new battery bulb type filler upper(most of ya'll aren't old enough to remember those, the Turkey Baster is probably easier to find and probably cheaper) and put a piece of plastic tubing on the end. I keep it plugged while it's hanging on the wall in shop.