Coolant question

[T-boss 410]

What type of coolant is required for these engines? Is it the same as a car or truck? I would expect that it would be specific to a vehicle with aluminum heads and radiator.

Thanks!

[Travis]

Have you looked in your owners manual?

 

[T-boss 410]

In fact I have. No particular type, just one that is compatible with aluminum heads and radiator. I thought maybe someone here may recommend something, since I am quite new to this. A particular brand, maybe?

[Travis]

Did a quick search for good coolants to use On Aluminum head engines,

a lot people seemed to like Prestone green coolant. Or the Prestone 50/50

We run prestone in our 70HP tractor, Dodge farm truck, and any other liquid cooled engine.

[T-boss 410]

Thank you, sir. I did a search of my own, and located numerous types of coolant, some being specific to powersports. Without being very experienced in the field of powersports, I don't know if the powersports-specific coolant is just a rebranded automotive coolant, or a good product. Most carry a hefty price compared to automotive coolant, and I'm not sure if it's any better of a product. 

[Travis]

One thing i forgot to mention. i saw alot of people mention to stay away from the Orange Dexcool coolant, specifically when using in ATV's or other small equipment.

[T-boss 410]

Yeah, I'm somewhat familiar with Dexcool from the automotive side. Never read or heard anything good about that stuff. I believe it was a GM favorite for some of their vehicles. Caused some major headaches for mechanics and owners. I can't believe that crap is still on the market!

[kenfain]

The high dollar stuff that's specifically made for powersports, are generally for high rpm engines, like water cooled dirt bikes n such. They're special formulated to supposedly disperse heat better. Seems like they changed the boiling point, or something.  I can't remember, but it doesn't apply to normal engines. Its supposed to make these engines run cooler.

As I'm sure you're aware, regular coolant is only made to resist freezing, and of course rust. IIRC the benefit was only a few degrees, but while that difference might help in competition. Not so much on a trail ride.

Just use the 50/50 automotive mix. Or if you're cheap like me. I get the full strength from o'Reilly's, and mix it myself. 

[Joe Breaux]

My  mechanic recomends 50/50 Prestone ..  Hes the only authorized Massimo tech within 200 miles of me ...

[kenfain]

It's the type that's important.  ethylene glycol is the most common. That's the green stuff. Although I'm sure it comes in other colors too.

So you can look at the ingredients on the one he recommends. Then get the cheap version. Or you can get the full price stuff. 

[T-boss 410]

Thanks. I wonder if Water Wetter would add some cooling to the equation?

[Joe Breaux]

doubtful

[kenfain]

When all this special coolant thing started many years ago. It started as an additive. Might've been the one you mentioned. I've never tried it, so I couldn't say what the benefits might be.

Except to say that those water cooled racing 125cc dirt bikes were the target market. Mostly because of the design of their naturally undersized radiators. They run hot!

I really don't think that a s×s would see any real benefits. Whichever coolant you choose, just remember to drain, and flush the system every 5 years or less.

As long as you use the right type of coolant, the rest is mostly marketing. Most of that is about their anti corrosion, anti rust or whatever they're calling it. That's just marketing bs, because even with the best, highest priced stuff. It'll still need to be flushed regularly.