Coolant type

[Wazoo]

Has anyone successfully used non BRP coolant to attempt to address heat issues? If so, what brand(s)?

 

[Wazoo]

I have a 2011 RT

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I have only used BRP branded coolant, but i will caution you to not mix different coolants (even if they are the same brand), they could coagulate and screw up your system. If you decide to change your coolant ...... flush the old coolant out at least three times with clean water prior to putting new coolant in.


Cruzr Joe

 

[MikeinGA]

I have only used BRP branded coolant, but i will caution you to not mix different coolants (even if they are the same brand), they could coagulate and screw up your system. If you decide to change your coolant ...... flush the old coolant out at least three times with clean water prior to putting new coolant in.


Cruzr Joe

The water you need to use is distilled water, the water can not have any minerals in it, or it will destroy your cooling system.


Mike

 

[Chupaca]

Depends..!

I run 75% water and 25% coolant with water wetter. Most brand name aluminum safe coolants work. If you live and ryde in colder climates this may not work for you. You could vary the mix. As mentioned if your going with some of the coolants out there other than those recommended, read lables well or flush your system well then use theirs. If your a backroads traveler remember your not going to find designer fluids out there, use blends that way you can use what you find till you get to a bike shop or autoparts store...:thumbup:

 

[jcthorne]

What 'cooling problem' are you trying to solve with 'better' coolant. Its very rare that spyder engine cooling systems overheat. They are actually well designed for the required cooling capacity.

 

[bmccaffrey]

Depending on your year. They used 2 different types.
Orange and green. You should not mix the two diferent colors.
You can mix the same color as long as it's designed for aluminum.
Prestone makes a good 50 /50 mix that works.
Plenty of threads on here that talk about it.Don't belive BRP holds the edge on coolant

 

[PMK]

I run 75% water and 25% coolant with water wetter...:thumbup:

Ironic, miles apart and this is exactly the ratio plus water wetter I just mixed fresh and replaced in the KTM.

Spyder will likely get the same pretty soon. I used Peak brand Conventional Green, not long life.

Many people do not realize that antifreeze in the coolant makes the engine run hotter. 70% Antifreeze and 30% water runs very hot, but is great for a North Pole winter.

I have never mixed more than 50/50 and as I mentioned often run less since freezing is a non issue but corrosion is. Water Wetter is also brings temps down for not much money.

PK

 

[bmccaffrey]

Ironic, miles apart and this is exactly the ratio plus water wetter I just mixed fresh and replaced in the KTM.

Spyder will likely get the same pretty soon. I used Peak brand Conventional Green, not long life.

Many people do not realize that antifreeze in the coolant makes the engine run hotter. 70% Antifreeze and 30% water runs very hot, but is great for a North Pole winter.

I have never mixed more than 50/50 and as I mentioned often run less since freezing is a non issue but corrosion is. Water Wetter is also brings temps down for not much money.

PK

You are correct. The more antfreeze the higher the boiling point.

 

[jcthorne]

Depending on your year. They used 2 different types.
Orange and green. You should not mix the two diferent colors.
You can mix the same color as long as it's designed for aluminum.
Prestone makes a good 50 /50 mix that works.
Plenty of threads on here that talk about it.Don't belive BRP holds the edge on coolant

Just FYI, my 2015 has gold coolant which is a long life glycol based coolant. Ford has used it for years. DO NOT mix it with orange or red coolants. Green will not harm if mixed but the mix will no longer last the stated change interval.

The gold coolant is available from BRP, Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant and Zerex Z-06, perhaps others. Stick with what your spyder came with. Changing is not worth the troubles that can be brought on.

 

[AY4B]

Depending on your year. They used 2 different types.
Orange and green. You should not mix the two diferent colors.
You can mix the same color as long as it's designed for aluminum.
Prestone makes a good 50 /50 mix that works.
Plenty of threads on here that talk about it.Don't belive BRP holds the edge on coolant

I bought a coolant at the auto parts once that will mix with either color. I still have it in my shop.

 

[bmccaffrey]

I bought a coolant at the auto parts once that will mix with either color. I still have it in my shop.

Your machine. I would not mix. Like jthorne said stick what came in it

 

[PMK]

You are correct. The more antfreeze the higher the boiling point.

Sorry my friend, I did not mention boiling point. My post indicated that antifreeze at 100% undiluted or at the bottles recommended ratio of 70% antifreeze and 30% water will have the engine run hotter, compared to 50/50 or 30/70. Small cooling systems generally prefer more water than antifreeze in the mix.

For whatever reason, the Water Wetter just makes it all work better. My old YZ426f was always dumping coolant when it got hot. Added Water Wetter instead of topping it off with mixed coolant, the system stopped running hot and dumping coolant.

PK

 

[bmccaffrey]

Sorry my friend, I did not mention boiling point. My post indicated that antifreeze at 100% undiluted or at the bottles recommended ratio of 70% antifreeze and 30% water will have the engine run hotter, compared to 50/50 or 30/70. Small cooling systems generally prefer more water than antifreeze in the mix.

For whatever reason, the Water Wetter just makes it all work better. My old YZ426f was always dumping coolant when it got hot. Added Water Wetter instead of topping it off with mixed coolant, the system stopped running hot and dumping coolant.

PK

30/70will boil at 235
50/50 Iess

 

[DrewNJ]

Water conducts heat better, Antifreeze not so much.
Also, the system is pressurized so that raises the boiling point. Straight water will cool the best. However, antifreeze helps with corrosion prevention and lubrication of the waterpump.

If your looking to change up you mix to help with an over heat condition your trying to put a band aid on a broken leg. Find the real problem.

 

[PMK]

Water conducts heat better, Antifreeze not so much.
Also, the system is pressurized so that raises the boiling point. Straight water will cool the best. However, antifreeze helps with corrosion prevention and lubrication of the waterpump.

If your looking to change up you mix to help with an over heat condition your trying to put a band aid on a broken leg. Find the real problem.

Exactly

PK

 

[jtoro1]

Has anyone successfully used non BRP coolant to attempt to address heat issues? If soSLEEP what brand(s)?

If you are going to replace the anitfreeze you should disconect the lower radiator hose I have I read on SL the drain braking off from the radiator

 

[jcthorne]

30/70will boil at 235
50/50 Iess

Boiling point has nothing to do with heat transfer capacity.

 

[bmccaffrey]

Boiling point has nothing to do with heat transfer capacity.

Know the difference. Not my first rodeo.

Was just noting the difference in boiling points.
Wish I was a mind reader!!!