Are you meant to check the coolant with the bike on the side stand or level like when you check oil? The manual doesn't say either way for checking coolant but it does explicitly state the bike has to be level when checking oil. How do you guys do it?
With the bike level, I assume. In all reality it does not matter. Make sure the bottle is about 1/2 full and you're good to go.
I'm tempted to go with level too but the difference is not insignificant. If the coolant shows to be full with the bike upright, it drops down as much as 70% towards the MIN mark when you drop the bike onto the sidestand. Given that the temps over here are getting to 40°C, I'd like the coolant to be at the correct level.
If it's too low, it can be a problem. If it's too high, it will simply leak out when it gets really hot.
Hope that helps.So there is an overflow hose? I was under the impression that the cooling system was sealed which is why you shouldn't open a radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Joined Apr 2016
6 Posts | 0+
Phoenix, AZ
Measure the coolant level in the window when bike is level. If it is overfilled it will exit the overflow hose that is connected to the top of the coolant tank fill cap. The overflow hose drains on the left side of the bike along with other drain hoses like the gas tank overflow into the belly pan.
Thanks for the advice guys. Wish the owners manual would be more specific on the coolant checking like it is with the oil checking instructions.
The radiator and plumbing is under pressure, but if that pressure gets too high (hot), it overcomes the spring on the radiator cap and flows into the overflow, which is vented to atmosphere.
Joined Apr 2017
244 Posts | 1+
California
Old thread but just checking something else in owner's manual.
Coolant. Ducati say to only use their branded coolant and NOT to dilute but to use it straight, 100%.
This sounds like pure BS to me. Can I top up my coolant res with a bit of distilled water as I've done on 20 liquid cooled bikes before? ... or is there something I need to buy at the dealer?
I normally (like the whole world) do a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Or ... 100% if using a pre-mixed coolant. I assume the Ducati product is just a high priced mix. Anyone know about this?
Thanks guys!
Patrick
Coolant. Ducati say to only use their branded coolant and NOT to dilute but to use it straight, 100%.
This sounds like pure BS to me. Can I top up my coolant res with a bit of distilled water as I've done on 20 liquid cooled bikes before? ... or is there something I need to buy at the dealer?
I normally (like the whole world) do a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Or ... 100% if using a pre-mixed coolant. I assume the Ducati product is just a high priced mix. Anyone know about this?
Thanks guys!
Patrick
You can indeed top up with distilled water. The "AGIP Coolant Permamanent Special" is just premixed with water.
Don't use another coolant though. I read about the aluminum alloy ducati uses getting eaten up by certain types. The pink AGIP stuff is what you should use during a coolant change.
https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7331
Don't use another coolant though. I read about the aluminum alloy ducati uses getting eaten up by certain types. The pink AGIP stuff is what you should use during a coolant change.
https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7331
Last edited:
Joined Apr 2017
244 Posts | 1+
California
Thanks much!
I'll pick up a jug at the dealer next time by as a coolant change will be done later this Summer.
Getting prepped for a 4 days Trinity Alps ride this weekend. Hoping I haven't missed anything on the Strada. Just checking over the bike.
Verified today that my year ('13) has no oil cooler. (duh, I know!)
I was confused as I'd seen other bikes (newer?) with a cooler hanging down in a vulnerable position.
I'll pick up a jug at the dealer next time by as a coolant change will be done later this Summer.
Getting prepped for a 4 days Trinity Alps ride this weekend. Hoping I haven't missed anything on the Strada.
Just checking over the bike. Verified today that my year ('13) has no oil cooler. (duh, I know!)
I was confused as I'd seen other bikes (newer?) with a cooler hanging down in a vulnerable position.
Joined Oct 2015
545 Posts | 0+
Minnesota
Thanks much!
I'll pick up a jug at the dealer next time by as a coolant change will be done later this Summer.
Getting prepped for a 4 days Trinity Alps ride this weekend. Hoping I haven't missed anything on the Strada.
Verified today that my year ('13) has no oil cooler. (duh, I know!)
I was confused as I'd seen other bikes (newer?) with a cooler hanging down in a vulnerable position.
Yeah, those are the 939's. Talk about a bad spot for anyone that likes taking their hypers on gravel roads.
But yeah, another vote for being able to use distilled water. I was able to get 3 bottles of the AGIP coolant for $45 on ebay for when I did my last major service. The horror stories of other coolants made me stick to the recommended stuff.
Joined Mar 2013
3K Posts | 161+
Naples, IT
Well, my radiator is leaking bad enough that I just went with a locally sold brand. Wasn't aware it could eat the core but I'm probably gonna replace it anyway. I caused the leak, so nobody freak out.
With that, I obviously have to check my coolant level often. It's awful. The darker colored coolant I used helps slightly with seeing the level, if it's in direct sunlight and I rock the bike a little to see the fluid move. **** design.
With that, I obviously have to check my coolant level often. It's awful. The darker colored coolant I used helps slightly with seeing the level, if it's in direct sunlight and I rock the bike a little to see the fluid move. **** design.
It's actually the engine cylinder head that they had corrosion issues with, not the radiator. Due to the alloys they use and dissimilar metals, it creates a type of galvanic corrosion which led to corrosion between the water jacket and engine oil.
Were you ever able to fix the radiator? https://www.jbweld.com/products/j-b-weld-radiatorweld
Joined May 2015
268 Posts | 1+
Denver, CO
Second that. Distilled water is okay, mixing coolants is not. I've seen a car or two with different coolant mixes in it, usually orange and green, you end up with a weird vomit colored sludge after time. And this should go without saying but NEVER use that radiator leak seal ****. It's awful and will totally **** your motor.
