Water cooled engines include radiator, pump, thermostat, fan and connecting hoses and pipes. In doing the cooling, one thing that a rider must not forget is the use of motorcycle antifreeze. If you have forgotten to put it and things freeze that will redound to the disadvantage of the engine. To lessen the mineral salts build up inside the radiator, you can use distilled water.



Check the thermostat if it is already running hot and the fluid is fine. Aside from the thermostat, also check on the pump if it is functioning. Take the radiator cap and peep in the fill tube. You will know that it does when there is flow. If the temperature goes up and the fluid is still fine, check on the fan. If it does, replace the sending unit. If the flow turns too fast, it means that the water does not stay in the radiator long enough to cool off. However, when it started from cold, it is possible to keep the engine too cold. When you refill your radiator with a new coolant, check on the coolant level and allow it to cool off. After that, check on the fluid again. Run the engine until the engine and the coolant get warm. Be cautious not to induce cold seizure. This is the aftermath when you push things hard with a cold engine.

Mineral salts can build up in the radiator as well as in the internal engine passages. As a result, it cuts down heat transfer. In addition, the heat coming from the engine to the coolant and from the coolant to the radiator is reduced. As a result, the engine gets too hot. In order to remove the salts, you must drain the radiator and fill it up again with tap water. Now, mix in Oxalic acid. If your coolant can takes in a gallon or two, use a pint of Oxalic. If it takes less, six or eight ounces would suffice. Then, let Oxalic do the job for you. Let it stay for an hour or more then drain the solution. After that, fill in water and add baking soda for about ten to fifteen minutes. This will neutralize the acid. Drain, flush with fresh water and replace contents with 50% distilled water and 50% anti-freeze. Add some baking soda to neutralize the acid up to ph 7. Finally, you can dispose of it in accord to the EPA rules.