GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

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Sidecar Bob
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing

#46

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I should have suggested throwing out the original clamps and buying modern stainless steel ones.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#47

Post by Hegel »

I have about a gallon of g12 coolant from my vw I would like to use this since its designed for the very picky diesel engines vw uses here's a link to it. it says specifically designed for aluminum engines http://www.amazon.com/Pentosin-Coolant- ... B001GRNS6Y

thanks,
Steve Hegel
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#48

Post by Sidecar Bob »

It is probably OK, I would contact the manufacturer and ask if it is safe to use in a brass rad too.

If in doubt, I would spend the few $ to get some coolant that I knew for sure was safe to use. It would be a lot cheaper than replacing a rotted out rad in a couple of years.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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Re:

#49

Post by mortiki »

Sidecar Bob wrote:Sounds like plan to me, but don't cheap out on the coolant.

If you mean 70% glycol/30% water you should be OK, but if you meant 30% glycol/70% water you might want to consider the possible results of a heating system failure or a power outage.

Image
Good to -80f? I do not think I am rated for -80f so the bike is on its own at that point. Actually it is on its own long before that.
There is never enough time to do it right but there is always enough time to do it over.
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Current Stable:
2008 Roketa Bali 150(Scoobie)
2004 Honda CMX 250 Rebel(Johnny)
1983 Honda GL 1100i Goldwing(Bella)
1983 Honda GL 1100i Goldwing w/Voyager kit(Trixie)
1981 Honda GL 500 Silverwing(Silver)
1980 Suzuki GN 400(skat)
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#50

Post by bubblerboy64 »

I've noticed a drip occurring from the little hole in the water pump housing (directly behind the drain plug) Usually just one drop or two at the most after the bike is parked. Do I have a problem? I have not added coolant and have no symptoms. Old original bike with very low miles. Just don't know what's "normal" or to be expected. It's definitely coming from that little weep or vent hole because I parked the bike and laid down on the concrete and watched it happen. One drop, wiped it off with a shop towel and no more formed. Just being paranoid.
John Heckman
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#51

Post by mortiki »

You may have a minor problem later but yours is just starting to leakby. Under pressure from running a very small amount of coolant is leaking past the oring but not bad. I am considering a water pump replacement this winter late and mine leaks 3 or 4 drops per ride. maybe a year or 2 before yours is a problem.
There is never enough time to do it right but there is always enough time to do it over.
Edmond Burke,"The only thing neccessary for the advancement of evil is for good men to do nothing".

Current Stable:
2008 Roketa Bali 150(Scoobie)
2004 Honda CMX 250 Rebel(Johnny)
1983 Honda GL 1100i Goldwing(Bella)
1983 Honda GL 1100i Goldwing w/Voyager kit(Trixie)
1981 Honda GL 500 Silverwing(Silver)
1980 Suzuki GN 400(skat)
1979 Honda CX 500 Custom(Streak)
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#52

Post by Whiskerfish »

I have had them drip a bit when sitting and it did not get bad for years. I would monitor it but not obsess over it unless you were getting ready to take a trip somewhere then I might fix it. New Pump last I checked was about 125 from crescent Moon and the gasket kit was like another 20-25.

My current Dresser has the original pump in it and it drips about 5-10 drops over about a week after every run. Someday I will fix it.
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#53

Post by bubblerboy64 »

Thanks a bunch guys. I leak a little now and then myself and I might need fixed before the bike then. Since changing to the new antifreeze the drops are about the same color. I'll have to check carefully now to see who's at fault.
John Heckman
Central Pa
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2010 Triumph Bonneville SE
2012 Vespa GTV300ie
2012 Harley Sportster Custom
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#54

Post by Roady »

How many miles have you put on since it was parked? O-rings will dry out and need some time to rejuvenate if the bike's been parked for a long time.

Is it oil or water?

Watch for oil in the overflow bottle and brown sludge in the oil.

I agree with the others ... keep tabs on it and ride it like you stole it.
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#55

Post by bubblerboy64 »

I've put about 600 miles since I took ownership. It's definitely just antifreeze coolant. No oil or sludge in the overflow bottle. I understand about the seals and such, I'll watch it a while.
John Heckman
Central Pa
jehdds@hotmail.com
2010 Triumph Bonneville SE
2012 Vespa GTV300ie
2012 Harley Sportster Custom
2014 Honda CTX700 DCT
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#56

Post by Sidecar Bob »

Don't just watch the drips on the floor. Every so often look at the bottom of the engine after a long run on a dry day. When my water pump's bearing failed I only had a couple of drops on the floor but the whole bottom of the engine was covered with a thin layer of oil & coolant.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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bubblerboy64
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#57

Post by bubblerboy64 »

I'll keep a watch on her. Thanks for the advice.
John Heckman
Central Pa
jehdds@hotmail.com
2010 Triumph Bonneville SE
2012 Vespa GTV300ie
2012 Harley Sportster Custom
2014 Honda CTX700 DCT
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#58

Post by gagIII »

Many thanks to Sidecar Bob.
Last fall while changing out my oil at the end of the season the threads for the drain plug inside the engine case came out with the plug.
While reinstalling the radiator after my thread repairs, I tore the upper radiator hose.
My search for a replacement hose revealed a used upper hose on E-bay for $15.00 + S&H
A new upper hose for $24.00 + S&H.
I found Sidecar Bobs recommendation on using a Dayco 71218 hose, I went to my local NAPA dealer and had them cross reference the part to something that they had NAPA part 8205 and for $14.00 plus local tax I have the new upper and lower hose in my hand.
I will be installing it this weekend.
1976 gl1000 134,000 miles+
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#59

Post by BigSwede »

One tip on the weep hole, mine was also dripping only once in a while, turned out the hole was clogged up with dirt and gunk. The bearing seals were shot and coolant was getting into the crankcase. :shock: The balls in the frontmost bearing were loose inside the pump!

You might want to use a piece of stiff wire or a drill bit to make sure the weep hole is clear.
Current:
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triwing
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Re: GL1000/1100 Cooling System Servicing/Silicate Free Myth

#60

Post by triwing »

several years ago i purchased a 81 standard with a bad water pump. when i left the dealer, had a new pump with all necesery parts in my pocket or on order. did the job,every thing was fine for about 500 miles. then noticed a squeal from the pump, but no leaks, went to the dealer, to show them my concern . when i got there, and they looked at it there was a slight leak. was given a new pump,and told to return old pump when work was finished, which i did. long story short, water pump was replaced 5 yes 5 times .silicate was blamed for failure, after replacement # 1 failed, used honda coolant, for following 3 pumps every one failed. last pump was not in a bag in a box like the rest. it was handed to me with a large scratch and oil leaking out. that pump still does not squeek or leak, the bike was sold to a friend so i know it still works fine. during this fiasico i spoke to honda, found all pumps had been recalled in entire country. i asked your telling me there's no problem with pumps??? he laughed and said no problems they will admit to.have been using texaco extended life coolant for years,before & after with no issues. my diagnosis is, pumps were farmed out to someone who did not support inner race of bearing when assembling, everything is a press fit so undue stress was placed on bearing, causing it to fail. hence squeel then leak.
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