Changing Coolant.

[johnsmith222]

Hi guys.

I have never changed the coolant on the ZZR600E in the 3 years that I have owned the bike. I would like to do it this week.

I know it should be a relatively easy job, but I have never done it before and I don't want to get air into the system. Can anyone help me in telling pretty much exactly what I should do. For some reason the haynes doesn't say the process.

I have heard you should use deionised water to mix with the antifreeze. It tap water fine? I live in Glasgow.

Should I flush it out with a hose as well or should I not bother?

Thanks for any tips and help.

[Livefast123]

Not experienced with the ZZR but it's normal to remove the lowest hose to let all the coolant drain out then look for any drain plugs on the coolant system and open these.

Make sure you have enough 50/50 coolant to fill in one go then pour the coolant in at a steady rate to avoid air bubbles. If the bike has drain points then close these after you can see a stream of airless coolant coming out. Fill the bike to capacity.

With the rad/expansion cap off run the bike up to temperature which should hopefully get rid of all the air in the system. Wait for the bike to cool then top up.

I've always used boiled tap water and not had any issues. I would get a manual for the bike because although it's generally an easy procedure it can go wrong easily and can cause major damage if you get air pockets in the head etc that cause localised overheating.
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Current ride - Yamaha MT-07

[stirlinggaz]

I've used tap water in emergencies but normally used distilled water, as its supposed to be better than tap water, due to the additives & it also prevents corrosion,supposedly.
easy job, though i would definately seek out bike specific instructions, as different bikes have different bleed points.
some bikes dont have any bleed points & you just run the engine with the radiator cap off for a few minutes, whilst squeezing the hoses.
cheers,
GAZ