GL1000 Coolant Reserve Tank Question

[Willwll313wll]

Good evening everyone!

I'm unsure if I have posted here before but I bought an 78 GW last year that wasn't running. I've ridden it for the first time just a couple weeks ago. So as it goes, this is my first bike and I have been working and learning as much as I can to get it back on the road.

I am looking to flush the coolant system and noticed that the reserve tank has two hoses. One goes to the radiator of course and the other leads towards the back of the back but not connecting to anything. Obviously this isn't correct but I can't seem to locate exactly where it connects to. I've searched online and service manuals.

Can anyone help with this? It would be greatly appreciated!

[Willwll313wll]

Pictures are always nice! And I'll upload some pics of the bike in the coming weeks. I'm trying to get it on the road so I can at least ride for Sturgis. Anyone attending this year?

[pjlogue]

The tube that isn't connected to anything is correct. It is the overflow tube if the bike overheats. It should discharge behind the engine on the right side. The tube running from the radiator to the expansion tank should be connected to the cap nipple that goes to the short tube inside the expansion tank. The expansion tank should be filled to the lower fill level line when the engine is cold. If your system is working properly the level of coolant inside the expansion tank should rise to about the upper line on the tank when the bike is fully warm. If your expansion tank is over full or the bike is overheating the excess should discharge out the unconnected hose and onto the ground.

-P.

[Whiskerfish]

Yep what he said!!

[ericheath]

Wise to ensure it is positioned such that it doesn’t spray on or under the rear tire.

[desertrefugee]

Wise also to ensure that the end of the overflow hose does not become plugged with debris or melted closed by the exhaust. Pressure can build inside the overflow tank and coolant finds the path of least resistance.

Makes a mess.

[Willwll313wll]

Thank you much guys!

And thanks for giving me the idea of a naked gw! Looking foward to sharing with you guys.

[pjlogue]

Just a note on Ethylene Glycol. It is VERY toxic to animals. A teaspoon amount will kill a dog by destroying its kidneys so be very careful when working with it and disposing of it. I know everybody knows this but it doesn't hurt to mention it. It's a very unpleasant way to die.

-P.

[rcmatt007]

funny thing how that extra "-oh" attached takes it from just being alcohol. It will cause renal failure in all animals, and it is sweet so "drinkable". The fix is actually give IV ethanol.... go figure

[Whiskerfish]

Yep know someone that had that treatment. like 4 days of IV alcohol to clean it out.

[rcmatt007]

and often dialysis

[desertrefugee]

Hmm. IV alcohol. What a concept...

[digschopper]

One of my neighbors did that deliberately to my collie. He died a horrible death on my couch while I sought help.

[Willwll313wll]

This just turned dark...

[rcmatt007]

well, how bout dem cubbies......