Opinions or ? - Do I have to use a HOAT coolant?

[rpeters549]

So I went and bought new rain gear at one of local MC shops.  I also asked for a gallon of HOAT coolant as I was going to change it at my 10k service since I would be in there and sooner is better than later.  This MC shop owner used to be a registered Triumph dealer but no longer is (financial reasons relating to showroom upgrades, etc).  His thoughts to me:

Dump the crap and use a good phosphate free coolant like Prestone and never go back.  Flush all the HOAT crud first of course.  He says there were several issues with the coolant gumming up and causing corrosion (like at the drainplug, etc).  The HOAT coolant is simply a mixture that meets some super stringent environmental requirements in Europe and the standard Prestone will do as good a job or better for as long or longer than the specified HOAT coolant.  He advises that his shop regularly flushed and replaced the Triumph coolant like this and never had issue one.

As long as does not damage seals and such (non phosphate) then the TTSE motor is a combo of iron/aluminum/etc like any other motor so his reasoning, and experience, seem to be reasonable.  He still owns the shop/dealership and has for better than 30 years so as far as I can see he speaks with authority on the issue.

Thoughts from the highly respected folks here?

[Coconut]

Having absolutely NO idea whether an alternative product would provide the same
or better protection, my only comment would be that if the Trophy is still under warranty,
then stick to whatever Triumph recommend ( in all respects ) to remove the risk of any future
warranty claim being denied for not following their recommendations ! 

[earthman]

I have wondered why the workshop manual only states the use of that coolant,......if I get to see/speak to someone whilst on a future tour of the Triumph factory, I'll try and find out.

[rpeters549]

I can respect and agree with that!  I also think a very good argument can be made even if there is an issue.  It appears HOAT is a dye colored thing, but different in that it might be partially recycled.  Like different grease types, it should not be mixed with non-compatible types.

For example: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi544rqsO7WAhWHilQKHecoDBwQFggwMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baldwinfilter.com%2Fliterature%2Fenglish%2F10%2520TSB%27s%2F05-2R1.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2URFKjG7fBnpnX7wEDcmlA

I get what this guy is saying, and have to agree from past experience. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi544rqsO7WAhWHilQKHecoDBwQFgg2MAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.underhoodservice.com%2Fcorrecting-coolant-confusion%2F&usg=AOvVaw0gD5DWa5vNEu23L1Ex9A3o

It appears the coolant (HOAT) specified by Triumph is a silicated version which is common as a 'Dex-Cool' branded/compatible antifreeze.

Also, it appears others are considered 'HOAT', just not advertised as such? (Below a copy/paste from a Chrysler PT forum, those vehicles specify HOAT).

Actually, Ford has been using a HOAT formula since 2002. There have been several others out there for about that same length of time.

1. Arctic blend G-Plus-------------------------------------Yellow
2. Daimler/Chrysler Mopar----------------------------------orange
3. Valvoline Zerex G-05------------------------------------yellow
4. Ford Motorcraft Premium Gold---------------------------yellow
5. Peak CF-EXL-------------------------------------------yellow


I've been told that, of course, Mercedes uses a HOAT formula also. Probably a few more out there.

Jerry

Basically, from what I am finding on-line, I can go to my local Ford dealer and get a gallon of HOAT coolant (the Ford Yellow) or NAPA/Carquest for Zerex G-05 and it is the same thing.  The local MC shops, to include a dealer of Polaris/Kawi/Honda/Suz, stock nothing of the kind.

I like this discussion.  It is good to pursue various ideas for those of us who do not go to the dealer for work.  Let's see what else pops up here on this awesome TTSE forum!

[rpeters549]

I should add, that part of the reason for HOAT, etc, seems to be replacement frequency.  At THIS point I think I will go with the Ford yellow (Premium Gold) or Zerex G-05 because I plan to change it every 10k service (still VERY interested in what others have to say about this).  Why so often?

1- It is cheap at less than $15 or so to do
2- Recycling the old coolant is readily available and near my home for free
3- It makes sense to do it since the fairing and body parts are off anyway for service
4- For me, this means every 12-18 months

I think ( ) my logic is sound...

In partial answer to my own question- Yes I should use HOAT.  BUT, the source of that HOAT might be a lot more readily available than I thought.

[swede 2]

just bought triumph branded coolant at the local dealer at $12 a quart it is kind of spendy,had a slow leak and i did not wan't to  mix coolant.i plan to flush the system and use ZEREX brand which is good for 5 years.also if you mix coolant use distilled water or better yet buy premixed 50/50 ready to use

[rpeters549]

Always distilled so you hopefully eliminate scale from minerals, etc. My closest dealer is 125 miles away. I am hoping a local source is just as good or better.  That is why at this point I am leaning towards the Ford yellow or the Z-05 since they are readily available, HOAT coolants, that should be more than up to the task of this bike. ESPECIALLY since it will be changed at furthest interval of 2 years/20k (if I flake or get lazy on the almost annual 10k service intervals, but I doubt it).

Has nobody else been in this situation? No nearby dealer and for reasonableness sake a suitable alternative?

So many things do cross over, even when the websites say 'no it won't fit!'. The same can be said for many fluids, too. Not all, but many. Guess this comes from decades of wrenching, not always being cash plush, and never having a related failure to a researched alternative.

You guys (generic, non gender term) are great!

[swede 2]

reading the owners handbook it calls for HD4X hybrid oat coolant and is green in color.coolant is like oil as long as they have the same specification it should not matter who made it