To Flush or not to Flush?

[Hook#3287]

Did a search for "flushing coolant system" and nothing really came up that addressed whether we should flush our system or not.  Opened the water pump cover and fan blades have a little chaulk like coating.  Seems like a flush might be in order, but nothing is mentioned in the coolant section of the sevice manual.  Has anyone done one and what did you use?  Thanks.  Bill

[Bobbo]

It probably won’t hurt it to flush with water, but you will have some residual water that will dilute the 50/50 premix.  Flushing a cooling system was primarily done to remove rust and scale from cast iron engine blocks.  Since our Valks are aluminum, you might get a little corrosion (the white powdery stuff), but not enough to plug up anything.  I’ve changed the coolant 3 times in 13 years without flushing.

[Hook#3287]

I've done the same on my black ct that I bought new, but this one has someone elses 33K on her and I don't know her history.  Wondering if the chemical flushes would be a little harsh? Thanks

[Bobbo]

I would think a chemical flush would be unnecessary, unless something has really gunked it up.  If you decide to do it, make sure it is safe for aluminum.

[Jess from VA]

If your drainage looks relatively clean, why bother?  If it is nasty, run a hose thru the system for a few minutes.

[98valk]

I use www.evanscooling.com 

lifetime coolant or (limits of coolant life have not yet been found. Some vehicles have been tested up to 500,000 miles). no flush required.

http://www.evanscooling.com/maintenance/

[Hook#3287]

Which evanscooling product do you use for the valk?  Would it be the same for a car or diesel truck?

[98valk]

NPG+  use their prep flush.
http://www.evanscooling.com/npg/

[Sodbuster]

I think I'd be a little concerned of ruining the water pump with any kind of chemical flush ....

[98valk]

who said it is a chemical flush?
to save u the trouble of having to go to the website which u could have done without typing your negative post which took more time than going to the site.   
 
"Evans Prep Fluid is a waterless cooling system flush designed to seek out remaining water after draining the cooling system of an engine. Prep Fluid should be used when block drains are unavailable or cannot be removed. It is not a substitute for thoroughly draining the cooling system and related components. A minimum of 2 gallons of Prep Fluid is recommended for heavy duty diesel engines and 1 gallon of Prep Fluid is recommended for all motorcycles converting to NPG+ or NPG. Prep Fluidis NOT intended to be a stand-alone operating coolant, but as a flush only."

[Sodbuster]

who said it is a chemical flush?
to save u the trouble of having to go to the website which u could have done without typing your negative post which took more time than going to the site.    

Sorry if I rained on your parade but I wasn't referring to the evanscooling specifically .... I was reffering to many of the car radiator flushes that are on the market.

[98valk]

who said it is a chemical flush?
to save u the trouble of having to go to the website which u could have done without typing your negative post which took more time than going to the site.    

Sorry if I rained on your parade but I wasn't referring to the evanscooling specifically .... I was reffering to many of the car radiator flushes that are on the market.

I apologize. Lets ride. 

[alph]

i flushed my system when i got my bike, mainly because it had 50K miles on it, and an ounce of prevention is worth two in the bush....  or, what ever.....  it's a horse a piece.....

anyway, just make sure that when you replace your fluid you get an aluminum safe antifreeze, and don't just use tap water, use distilled water if you have to dilute your antifreeze.  distilled water has no minerals in it.

[Hook#3287]

Hey Alph;  When you flushed what did you use?   I learned the "Use the right Coolant" thing on my first Valk back around 2002 when I used regular Preston.  Did my water pump in, but Honda replaced it on warranty.  At the time, I swore I'd never use another Preston product again, cause no where on the label did it say there was Silicone in it.  I called Preston and they would not admit their product would harm our bikes, it was unproven, they said.     But they admitted silicone was in the -1% of "Other Ingredients".  Not in the list of ingredients.  ???  Seems since then, having no silicone has become on issue, cause they list their new product as "Silicone Free".  Guess it did matter.
 

Thanks;  Bill

[Sodbuster]

Hey Alph;  When you flushed what did you use?   I learned the "Use the right Coolant" thing on my first Valk back around 2002 when I used regular Preston.  Did my water pump in, but Honda replaced it on warranty.  At the time, I swore I'd never use another Preston product again, cause no where on the label did it say there was Silicone in it.  I called Preston and they would not admit their product would harm our bikes, it was unproven, they said.     But they admitted silicone was in the -1% of "Other Ingredients".  Not in the list of ingredients.  ???  Seems since then, having no silicone has become on issue, cause they list their new product as "Silicone Free".  Guess it did matter.
 

Thanks;  Bill

I think you meant to say "Silica" and not "Silicone" ....

[Hook#3287]

Details!  Some (most) times I'm not that good with them.

Thanks.