Can I use this coolant to top off?

Jalequin · October 8th, 2017, 10:04 AM

Can I use this coolant to top off to the full line without flushing the whole system?
It's a 2011 250.

I've been reading conflicting info that you can never mix any coolant, or can only never mix colors and that mixing same color/different brands is fine. The linked one reads that its compatible with everything because of a "Cor-Guard" thing.

I already bought that gallon because it says it can be mixed. However I don't fully trust it so I'm asking here if it really is ok to use this to top off- has anyone used this one specifically or is the mixing an absolutely no-go.

csmith12 · October 8th, 2017, 10:29 AM

Your question is best answered by asking what type of coolant is currently in your bike? If it is the normal green ethylene glycol coolant, then you are just fine mixing or "topping off" with this premix, sometimes even if the color doesn't match. The color comes from the different mix of additives put into the coolant.

Ultimately, even if you make a mistake and mix the different types of coolants, even with a near 50% mix of types, all that happens is it becomes less effective (normal street usage) and the life of the coolant is compromised. You will know... just run the bike close to home in case you have to do a flush and fill. If you are running the bike on track... then the safer bet is to assume it will not cool properly.

Worst case of coolant mix I have seen is, the two coolants mixed together formed a very thin type of gel (like hot maple syrup from McDonald's). But even this... still cooled the bike normally. It was just a pain in the arse to flush. We ended up just running the bike with a water hose stuck to the radiator and the coolant drain bolt out to flush. Took forever. :\

Triple Jim · October 8th, 2017, 10:34 AM

Being that you're in Florida, if your coolant is currently a 50-50 mix, you can top off with water. If you wonder about the coolant concentration, you can get a hydrometer at an auto parts store and check it.

cbinker · October 8th, 2017, 04:14 PM

Your in florida, top off with Distilled water.

DannoXYZ · October 8th, 2017, 08:01 PM

Colour is non-related dye and varies by manufacturer. Never use it as an indicator of anything. Different formulations came about due to different water available around the world.

Mostly you can mix stuffs except for Dexcool. That stuff is unstable and never lived up to its billing as 100k-mile coolant. In fact, even by itself, it will coagulate into gelatinous goo that'll clog your radiator and lock up your entire cooling system. Will do it even faster if mixed with other types of coolant.

Dexcool was major contributor to GM's bankruptcy, having already paid out +50-million in damages and repair payments with many hundreds of millions more in queue at court.

DannoXYZ · October 8th, 2017, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Being that you're in Florida, if your coolant is currently a 50-50 mix, you can top off with water. If you wonder about the coolant concentration, you can get a hydrometer at an auto parts store and check it.

Jim's right on. Never assuming anything without sufficient supporting data. Measure and test to come up with concrete numbers.

Triple Jim · October 8th, 2017, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JacRyann

Jim's right on. Never assuming anything without sufficient supporting data. Measure and test to come up with concrete numbers.

Billy Bob, back around the early '80s a good friend bought a 1970 Cowl Induction Chevelle with a 427 (not stock) and a Muncie M21. It ran really well. The first or second night he had it, it got down in the 20s, and the next day we discovered the block was ruined. There were cracks everywhere, outside and in the vally. I guess the previous owner kept it in a warm garage. Too bad he didn't mention that to my friend. Anyway, that's why I check unknown coolant concentration before the cold season starts.

choneofakind · October 9th, 2017, 03:22 PM

The other thing with coolant; a healthy engine doesn't treat coolant like a consumption fluid. If you're low on coolant, it's a good idea to attempt to figure out why.

-Do an oil change and see if the oil is milky and thick with coolant emulsified into it.
-Send the oil sample to an oil lab; does it have potassium and sodium in it in levels that are beyond normal?
-Open the radiator cap to check for oily coolant because a leak can go both ways.
-When the bike is hot, take a (cautious) whiff of the exhaust; does it have a sweet smell and/or does it appear to have a white steamy/smokey look to it?

Quick checks like that can be cheap insurance for your sanity.

October 8th, 2017, 10:04 AM	#1
Jalequin ninjette.org newbie Name: J Location: FL Join Date: Mar 2017 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250 Posts: 8	Can I use this coolant to top off? Can I use this coolant to top off to the full line without flushing the whole system? It's a 2011 250. I've been reading conflicting info that you can never mix any coolant, or can only never mix colors and that mixing same color/different brands is fine. The linked one reads that its compatible with everything because of a "Cor-Guard" thing. I already bought that gallon because it says it can be mixed. However I don't fully trust it so I'm asking here if it really is ok to use this to top off- has anyone used this one specifically or is the mixing an absolutely no-go.

October 8th, 2017, 10:29 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Your question is best answered by asking what type of coolant is currently in your bike? If it is the normal green ethylene glycol coolant, then you are just fine mixing or "topping off" with this premix, sometimes even if the color doesn't match. The color comes from the different mix of additives put into the coolant. Ultimately, even if you make a mistake and mix the different types of coolants, even with a near 50% mix of types, all that happens is it becomes less effective (normal street usage) and the life of the coolant is compromised. You will know... just run the bike close to home in case you have to do a flush and fill. If you are running the bike on track... then the safer bet is to assume it will not cool properly. Worst case of coolant mix I have seen is, the two coolants mixed together formed a very thin type of gel (like hot maple syrup from McDonald's). But even this... still cooled the bike normally. It was just a pain in the arse to flush. We ended up just running the bike with a water hose stuck to the radiator and the coolant drain bolt out to flush. Took forever. :\ __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

October 8th, 2017, 04:14 PM	#4
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	Your in florida, top off with Distilled water. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

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October 8th, 2017, 10:34 AM	#3
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Being that you're in Florida, if your coolant is currently a 50-50 mix, you can top off with water. If you wonder about the coolant concentration, you can get a hydrometer at an auto parts store and check it.

October 8th, 2017, 08:01 PM	#5
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	Colour is non-related dye and varies by manufacturer. Never use it as an indicator of anything. Different formulations came about due to different water available around the world. Mostly you can mix stuffs except for Dexcool. That stuff is unstable and never lived up to its billing as 100k-mile coolant. In fact, even by itself, it will coagulate into gelatinous goo that'll clog your radiator and lock up your entire cooling system. Will do it even faster if mixed with other types of coolant. Dexcool was major contributor to GM's bankruptcy, having already paid out +50-million in damages and repair payments with many hundreds of millions more in queue at court.

October 9th, 2017, 03:22 PM	#8
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	The other thing with coolant; a healthy engine doesn't treat coolant like a consumption fluid. If you're low on coolant, it's a good idea to attempt to figure out why. -Do an oil change and see if the oil is milky and thick with coolant emulsified into it. -Send the oil sample to an oil lab; does it have potassium and sodium in it in levels that are beyond normal? -Open the radiator cap to check for oily coolant because a leak can go both ways. -When the bike is hot, take a (cautious) whiff of the exhaust; does it have a sweet smell and/or does it appear to have a white steamy/smokey look to it? Quick checks like that can be cheap insurance for your sanity.