Coolant change procedure

[Kevin 16587]

Greetings, I have found the information here extremely valuable for performing a variety of maintenance procedures. However, I’m having difficulty finding a “how to” step-by-step procedure for draining and refilling the cooling system. I don’t have a service book...yet. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

[Coconut]

The process includes :

DRAINING :

1.  Disconnect & remove the Battery
2.  Remove the Fairings
3.  Remove the Fuel Tank
4.  Remove the Radiator Coolant Pressure Cap ( Engine cold )
5.  Position a container to catch the fluid
6.  Remove the drain screw from the lower left side of the radiator and allow the coolant to drain
     ( Note that a small amount of coolant will remain in the system )
     ( Note that care should be taken when removing the drain screw.  A least one Member has reported
       it being very tight, and the threaded part of the radiator broke off requiring a new Radiator !
7.  To drain the Crankcase, remove the drain screw ( on the left side of the engine ).
     Discard the sealing washer.





FILLING : ( Pre mixed Hybrid OAT Coolant / HOAT x 2.8 Litres  )

1.  Refit the Radiator drain plug, and tighten it to 9Nm
2.  Using a new Sealing Washer refit the Crankcase Drain Plug and tighten it to 8Nm
3.  Remove the Bleed screw from the top right of the Radiator ( again taking care not to break it off ! )
4.  Slowly add the new Coolant mixture through the Radiator cap opening until full
5.  When correctly filled Coolant should be visible through the Bleed screw opening
     and the Radiator Cap filler opening
6.  If the Filler side appears full but Coolant is NOT visible at the Bleed Screw opening,
     attach a clear tube to the Bleed Screw spigot and syphon Coolant into it
NOTE : The Service Manual recommends use of a hand operated syphon pump
to syphon the Coolant through the system
7.  If necessary top up the Coolant via the Radiator Cap Filler opening, then refit the Radiator Pressure Cap.
8.  Refit the Radiator Bleed Screw and tighten to 9Nm
9.  With the aid of an assistant ( or two ! ) lean the motorcycle fully over to the right hand side,
     and then the left hand side, to remove any air that might be trapped in the system
10. Remove the Radiator Cap and top up the Coolant
11. Refit the Radiator Cap and repeat the Leaning over and topping process as necessary
      until all trapped air has been removed
12. Refit the Fuel Tank, but do not replace the Fairings yet
13. Refit and connect the Battery
14. Start the engine and allow to run for 20 to 30 seconds
      Briefly raise the engine speed a few times to assist in expelling any air from the system
NOTE : With the fuel tank fitted a suitable funnel will now be needed to add further Coolant
15. Stop the engine, Remove the Radiator Cap, check and top the Coolant level as necessary
16. Refit the Radiator Cap
17. With the aid of an assistant ( or two ! ) lean the motorcycle fully over to the right hand side,
     and then the left hand side, to remove any air that might be trapped in the system
18. Start the engine and allow to run for 20 to 30 seconds
      Briefly raise the engine speed a few times to assist in expelling any air from the system
19. Allow the engine to run until the Cooling Fans operate
20. Stop the engine and allow to cool
21. After the engine has completely cooled, remove the Radiator Cap and top up the Coolant
22. Check the level of Coolant in the Expansion Tank and top up / adjust as necessary
23. Refit the Fairings
24. Monitor the level of Coolant in the Expansion Tank during the next few rides



I would recommend buying a Service Manual ( from any authorised Triumph Dealer )
if you are going to be performing such maintenance tasks on your Trophy. 

Cheers 

[Kevin 16587]

Thank Coconut! I knew I could count on you. I have already ordered a service manual. I figured I’d get this done while I have the bike apart (just changed the air filter). 

[earthman]

A least one Member has reported it being very tight, and the threaded part of the radiator broke off requiring a new Radiator !

Yes, I remember that being reported. Dunno what the rest of you feel about that but maybe it's safer to leave that drain screw alone and just pull the bottom hose off.

[Kevin 16587]

I had also read the issue about the radiator drain plug and bleeder plug. I just completed the job and I’m happy to report that I did not have any issues with those. It appears that the factory painted the radiator AFTER the plugs were installed. Thanks again!

[Canes1]

OK, so checking on Triumph Hybrid OAT coolant, seems easy to find on UK's Ebay site, but at Bike Bandit they only sell it in 12/1 liter packs...$128 bucks!
Would like to use the Triumph brand, if I can find it at reasonable price.
About to pull all the bodywork to install accessories and figured while I was at it an oil/air filter change.
Have less than 8000 miles but, have seen where the coolant should be changed every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

So....any alternatives regarding coolant? 

[digital]

I've been using this for years and it's actually pretty cool, plus being red makes it easier to see the liquid level in the expansion tank.

[Coconut]

The Coolant is scheduled for replacement every THREE years, not every two !