Coolant

[cef2lion]

Does HDL sell the Honda coolant for the Valk? IF so is there a part number? Stopped at Dealer today and they wanted over 8 a quart for 50/50. Some suggested using Honda Car coolant. Would save shipping. I know to stay silicate free.

Craig

[F6Viking]

Check out this link: http://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm
Has a lot of options available other than OEM

[Davemn]

Why wouldnt you go to any auto parts store (or gas station) and get Prestone 50/50 silicate free? Its like $8 a gallon.

[JetDriver]

Discovered this just the other day:  Toyota Long Life Factory Red Fluid.  On the back of the bottle it says, among other things, "Does not contain silicates that may harm water pump seals."  Also, "Does not contain borates that may cause aluminum corrosion/pitting."  The Honda service manual states, "Use only distilled water and ethylene glycol...." (pg 6-2)  Toyota's is ethylene glycol, it is not pre-mixed, and it comes in gallons.

[joefromperry]

Last time I got coolant for the bikes (Valk and Wing) I went to the Honda car dealer to get it by the gallon. I don't remember the price, but it wasn't as expensive as from the bike dealer.

[Tundra]

Does HDL sell the Honda coolant for the Valk? IF so is there a part number? Stopped at Dealer today and they wanted over 8 a quart for 50/50. Some suggested using Honda Car coolant. Would save shipping. I know to stay silicate free.

Craig

Yes, part number HO-3922614  Here's the link...http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=1416&str=2 You can get this at your local Honda shop and they should match HDL's price.

[shortleg]

  By all means go to the local Honda car dealer
and buy it there. Much cheaper.
           Shortleg[Dave]

[cef2lion]

I stopped at a few auto parts stores after stopping at Honda Bike dealer. I saw nothing clear on the label saying silicate free. Thanks for that HDL link and part number. That price is half of the dealers cost. There is a Honda car dealer close. I will stop there.

[Davemn]

I just purchased 2 gallons of Prestone 50/50. It clearly says Silicate free.

[Craig N. AZ]

Just changed mine last weekend with the Honda pre-mix Type 2 I got from the Honda car dealer for about $16 a gal.

[Mildew]

I probably should change mine this weekend after 52k

[F6Dave]

A few years ago, many auto coolants contained silicates so you had to shop carefully.  Back then many of us used Havoline Extended Life, as it was one of the first that was silicate free.  I've used it for over 200,000 miles in my 2 Valks with no trouble at all.

These days, most coolants, including the basic yellow jug Prestone they sell at my local WalMart, have no silicates.  I'll probably switch once my Havoline supply runs out.  Just read the labels and save lots of $$ over the high priced Honda stuff.

[valk2128]

I bought  a gallon at the local Honda car dealer last year, same stuff and much cheaper than the Honda motorcycle dealer.
I also suggest you go to your local Honda car dealer.

[Davemn]

So why do we think if it comes from a Honda dealer its better stuff?

[F6Dave]

I was at a friend's place today, helping him put an air filter in his new (to him) '98 Valk.  We noticed that his coolant overflow tank was low, and in his garage was a jug of Prestone 50/50 .  Like Davemn said, the label clearly stated SILICATE, PHOSPHATE, and BORATE FREE, and it costs about $8 for a gallon.  In the past the basic Prestone contained silicates, but it seems that newer automotive cooling systems have the same requirements as the Valk.  Why waste money on the Honda stuff?

[JetDriver]

I was at a friend's place today, helping him put an air filter in his new (to him) '98 Valk.  We noticed that his coolant overflow tank was low, and in his garage was a jug of Prestone 50/50 .  Like Davemn said, the label clearly stated SILICATE, PHOSPHATE, and BORATE FREE, and it costs about $8 for a gallon.  In the past the basic Prestone contained silicates, but it seems that newer automotive cooling systems have the same requirements as the Valk.  Why waste money on the Honda stuff?

The Prestone sounds great.  They've updated their label (maybe their antifreeze, too).

Just a thought.  I'm not sure I'd mix brands.  (i.e. just add to a low reservoir)  I've read nothing about the interchangeability of these new coolants.

[1FAST6]

I got the Prestone Long Life, I think $12 for undiluted and a Gallon of distilled H2O.  Mixed it 50/50 myself, put 1/2 in the bike and poured the rest back into the bottle for next time.  Probably change it again in 2 or 3 years...

[Craig N. AZ]

So why do we think if it comes from a Honda dealer its better stuff?

For me, it’s more peace of mind to buy something that is made for my engine vs something I’m not sure about. While there are probably all good, I’m not taking the chance to save a few bucks.

[98valk]

www.evanscooling.com