Trumpet 216 Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 Just changed the coolant after four years of use and 8000 miles, Halfords OAT silicate free. It has come out very rusty and cloudy looking. It evidently has not lasted well. I did a full flush before I put it in four years ago. On closer inspection, Halfords claim, "Five year life" in one ad, then, "Up to five years life" somewhere else. Beware, mine hasn't lasted ! 1 Link to post
poldark 1,528 Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 (edited) So I'm now embarrassed to think I've never changed the coolant and it's 4.5 years old, though sharing the load with other bikes only at 15k miles. So what should I be using, clearly not Halfords but would appreciate solid recommendations please. P.S. Apologies for thread hijack, but it is on topic. Edited November 10, 2022 by poldark Link to post
fj_stuart 4,759 Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 I don't know if this will make you feel better but this is the coolant out of my SV650 after 3 years/18k miles. Looking very much like Heinz cream of tomato soup. That said it was kind of like that on the way in. 2 Link to post
Slowboy 20,540 Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 38 minutes ago, poldark said: So I'm now embarrassed to think I've never changed the coolant and it's 4.5 years old, though sharing the load with other bikes only at 15k miles. So what should I be using, clearly not Halfords but would appreciate solid recommendations please. P.S. Apologies for thread hijack, but it is on topic. Halfords is fine if it meets the spec.😁 1 Link to post
poldark 1,528 Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 https://www.that auction site.co.uk/itm/254938667443 So does the panel recommend this one? Link to post
Trumpet 216 Posted November 10, 2022 Author Share Posted November 10, 2022 The point is Don't expect Halfords OAT to last five years. Actually. it doesnt look too bad after three years.. but the point is that the OAT technolgy bit doesnt really give it much extra life. Standard Coolant is meant to be changed every two years and can be quite a bit cheaper, as long as you get the correct Silicate free stuff. Link to post
listener 11,223 Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 OAT? It might help stop the coolant freezing but does it not block the radiator? 1 Link to post
Trumpet 216 Posted November 10, 2022 Author Share Posted November 10, 2022 Keeps you warm in winter though 1 Link to post
dave 971 Posted November 11, 2022 Share Posted November 11, 2022 Don't mix colours, its also poisonous to cats. 1 Link to post
steelhorseuk 1,693 Posted November 11, 2022 Share Posted November 11, 2022 15 hours ago, Freeroader said: Halfords is fine if it meets the spec.😁 Totally agree and yes, it does meet the spec. OAT - High quality ethylene glycol antifreeze containing silicate-free corrosion inhibitors. I use it and change every four years. 1 Link to post
Grumpy old man 4,682 Posted November 11, 2022 Share Posted November 11, 2022 (edited) I use Halfords OAT but change it everytime I do the valves which tends to be every 18 months Edited November 11, 2022 by Grumpy old man 2 Link to post
skorpion 945 Posted November 11, 2022 Share Posted November 11, 2022 23 hours ago, poldark said: https://www.that auction site.co.uk/itm/254938667443 So does the panel recommend this one? Good products from Smith & Allen I have used their oils for years, Bike & Car. That antifreeze is concentrated and half the price of the Halfords version, I would have no concerns about it's quality. 1 2 Link to post
Steve Case 955 Posted November 13, 2022 Share Posted November 13, 2022 I changed to to OAT pink/orange from the honda blue non OAT but i've realised i need to pop the cam cover every 2 years so i could have stayed with the non oat as long as its has no silicates or the other additive which i cannot remember. Link to post
poldark 1,528 Posted January 6, 2023 Share Posted January 6, 2023 Appreciate it if someone can give me comfort that this is suitable for an NC (I think it is but want to be certain) - cheers 🍺 MANNOL 5L Coolant Antifreeze G12+ RED Ready Mixed -30°C / +125 German Hi Spec https://amzn.eu/d/2QesE94 Link to post
Slowboy 20,540 Posted January 6, 2023 Share Posted January 6, 2023 44 minutes ago, poldark said: Appreciate it if someone can give me comfort that this is suitable for an NC (I think it is but want to be certain) - cheers 🍺 MANNOL 5L Coolant Antifreeze G12+ RED Ready Mixed -30°C / +125 German Hi Spec https://amzn.eu/d/2QesE94 It’s what I used to use on mine and on a couple of others I used to service for mates. I owned mine for 6 years and 50 odd K miles with no issues. Good gear. 1 Link to post
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