How to check the coolant level

[captainrandy]

I have a 2000 Honda Shadow Sabre VT1100C2
Does anyone know how do you check the coolant level?

I have ordered a Factory Manual, but it will be 2-3 weeks before it arrives.

Thanks, Randy

[tubes_rock]

Well, to do it properly, you need to check in two places.

First, you want to check the overflow bottle. It's a semi-clear bottle usually located near the bottom of the bike, often just behind the engine. You want to be sure the fluid in there is between the min and max levels.

Second, you need to check the amount of fluid in the radiator.

With the engine cold and the bike on the side-stand, pop the radiator cap off. It is usually located in front of the fuel tank on the right side of the bike. The coolant should be to the very top.

If those both check out, you're good to go.

Of course, if you don't know the last time it was changed, not is a great time to change it. Use something silicate and phosphate free, like Prestone Extended drain. If you use silicate coolant, it will eat your water pump.

--Justin

[SHADOW 1100T]

The drain bolt is at the lowest point on the water pump that locted on the left lower side,,,look for the hose.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by tubes_rock

First, you want to check the overflow bottle. It's a semi-clear bottle usually located near the bottom of the bike, often just behind the engine. You want to be sure the fluid in there is between the min and max levels.

If you've got a small flashlight handy, turn it on and stick it under the bike to light up the insides of the bottle -- that makes it MUCH easier to read the fluid level. You'll probably be down on your knees to look at the bottle so it isn't too hard to reach under the bike with the flashlight.

[MarineCorpsFlorist]

The level in the coolant bottle means nothing I found out. If there is air in the system the bottle level will still go up and down with the pressure. I couldn't get to the radiator cap and had to pull the tank off. Just changed my thermostat, wasn't too hard to get to the system with the tank off.

The radiator should be full to the top with the bike on the side stand.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by MarineCorpsFlorist

The level in the coolant bottle means nothing I found out.

It only means nothing in certain circumstances. Most times, it is meaningful and should certainly be checked. But you can never count on it to provide the whole story.

[MarineCorpsFlorist]

Originally Posted by adlowe

It only means nothing in certain circumstances. Most times, it is meaningful and should certainly be checked. But you can never count on it to provide the whole story.

Ok you're right. I check mine and my oil everytime I start the bike. But it no longer gives me a warm cozy feeling based on what happened to me last August. I check the radiator every time I have the tank off. About once every 2 months.

[captainrandy]

Thanks to all you guys for your input. I had no idea there was a radiator cap, but found it behind the black plastic piece in front of the tank. I also can now see the level in the overflow tank. I am good to go for now. I will change the fluid as soon as I can. Oil change was a snap, except I didn't know how much it held. I did it the hard way, and over filled first, then drained a bit. It's right on the mark now.

It will be nice when the Original owners manual arrives. It was hard to find, but I found one on Amazon for $20 plus $15 for shipping which was a rip, but what can you do. I heard of a place that has reproductions of the manual, but I wanted an original, don't know why, just did.

Thanks again guys,
Randy

[maurice1]

[quote="MarineCorpsFlorist"]

Ok you're right. I check mine and my oil everytime I start the bike. But it no longer gives me a warm cozy feeling based on what happened to me last August. I check the radiator every time I have the tank off. About once every 2 months.[/quote ]

Just curious, why do you take your tank off every two months? maybe I am missing something needed.

maurice

[MarineCorpsFlorist]

[quote="maurice1"]

Originally Posted by MarineCorpsFlorist

Ok you're right. I check mine and my oil everytime I start the bike. But it no longer gives me a warm cozy feeling based on what happened to me last August. I check the radiator every time I have the tank off. About once every 2 months.[/quote ]

Just curious, why do you take your tank off every two months? maybe I am missing something needed.

maurice

Seems like I'm adding a power cord for my GPS or new horns or something else every few months... LOL

Next is heated hand grips!