OK, I may be slow.

[LLSailor]

Temps have been up a little lately, course the air temps been up lately. Analog gauge hasn't made it to the danger zone, so wasn't too concerned. Finally pulled that little plastic pop rivet so I could check coolant level. All I see is a milk white tank. Should I be seeing some green fluid in that milk white tank? Thought I'd pop the top and insert a finger to see if I could feel liquid inside, but kind of afraid of breaking the plastic tank. How far does the cap need to turn to come off? Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[NancysToy]

A strong light, especially a narrow one you can slip behind the tank, helps a lot.

 

[BajaRon]

Not the best design. Hard to read coolant level but Scotty's approach is pretty much the accepted method. The tank does look empty unless you can back light it as described.

I'd like to see BRP address this in later production models.

 

[Dib52]

I checked mine a little while ago and noticed I was about 12-14 oz low. All I saw was that milky white bottle and just the hint of shadow on the bottom after backlighting like said above. Stole the wife's turkey baster to add the fluid I was low. After that, shadowed up nice on the full line.
Rad cap is a bit tight and turns almost 180 degrees to come off. Biggest problem for me, my fat fingers/hands and lack of room supplied by BRP. Forget getting a funnel into that space, that's why the wife needs a new turkey baster for nov dinner.

 

[donec]

I don't know if this will work with the Spyder as I haven't checked on mine but on other vehicles I have had in the past when I could not see the level of coolant on the white plastic holder I would shine a light down inside and it would show very clear where the level was.

 

[LLSailor]

Not the best design. Hard to read coolant level but Scotty's approach is pretty much the accepted method. The tank does look empty unless you can back light it as described.

I'd like to see BRP address this in later production models.

Not the best design, seems like I've seen variations on that statement all through these boards. Thanks for the responses, with my dainty little hands this could get interesting.

 

[LLSailor]

Got a light,

Like a mag lite with a flexible extension. Put the light behind the tank and still can't see any real change, almost looks like there is a very, very light green stain on the inside of the tank. Managed to get the cap off, switching hands back and forth a few times. I folded a piece of paper into a narrow strip and fed it into the tank. It appears that there is about 2" of coolant in the tank. That is not full, but is it low enough to cause issues? It has been hot here, and most riding is at low speeds on the way to work, so the amazing analog gauge has been hanging just above midpoint. When I can get out on the highway it does run cooler. I've seen the turkey baster option, any other ideas on what to use to get coolant into the tank?

 

[flybuddy]

I've used a very long funnel, it's about 30" long. Don't remember where i got it but it was at either pep boys or auto zone. In lieu of that, a conventional funnel with with a hose slipped and clamped onto the funnel and other end of hose into tank. Cap needs to come completetly off and pour coolant in very slowly as it's hard to guage where the level is till you remove funnel or hose and backlight the tank.

 

[rcturner]

All you need to do is pull the front panel and shine a light onto the resevore. Then, look up over the front suspension and there it is. You should be able to see exactly how much fluid is in the reservoir. Remember, this is only a catch can for the cooling system. As long as it has fluid in it, it will have no effect on cooling. If it is low, the system may suck air and that could have an effect.

 

[LLSailor]

Went back to the manual:yikes:, and although they like to neglect little things like, you'll need an inspection light to see anything, it does seem to say that if you can see any coolant in the tank, it's good. It appears that I've got coolant in the tank.