What Anti-Freeze To Use?

[Steve K (IA)]

I think it is time to change the anti-freeze in both bikes and can't remember what I got in the past.  I know it has always been said to use silicate free coolant.  What brand can I get at Walmart that will meet this requirement?

[OverdueBill]

The cheaper Prestone in the yellow jug states on the label that it is silicate free.  They had 4 brands when I went and this was the only one that stated it plainly.

[Grandpot]

"Old Yeller" (Prestone) meets the requirements.

[Steve K (IA)]

Thanks for the replies.  I have a partial bottle of anti-freeze in the garage from O'Reilly that say's on the front..."safe for all metals including aluminum", then I looked on the back at the ingredients and it clearly stated silicates.  I know I never used that in the bikes.  I'm thinking it was a Havoline brand.
 
Anyway, my wife thinks the fan has been coming on frequently on the '97 Std that she rides.  More often than I think it should.  She might be hearing things?  I know the fan on the I/S doesn't come on unless I am in stop and go traffic on a hot day.  I guess maybe I should take it out for an extended ride and see for myself.  But it has been 3 years since I changed out the coolant, so  that's on my to do list in the next few days.

[Grandpot]

Steve:

The problem with the silicates is that they wear the seals and bearings of the water pump.  That was a good catch you made by reading the label.  Although it said safe for aluminum, it really wasn't safe for the Valk.

[sandy]

One gallon of Prestone Dexcool and a gal of distilled water will make 2 gallons of coolant for both bikes. If you need anymore, just top them up with more distilled water.