Tech: How to replace your coolant on a Predator

redneck2725 · 03-28-2010, 09:38 PM

First off this will be my first tech write-up, so be gentle. I decided to drain, flush, and replace my coolant in my 07 Predator today, and thought I would document the steps for my fellow riders.

1) First off, I got my coolant, distilled water, and white vinegar together. After reading tons of positive reviews, I decided to go with Engine Ice. I also read that the system should be 100% purged of any old coolant prior to adding Engine Ice.

2) With the engine cool, I uncapped the radiaitor cap and found the drain screw (it is the bottom bolt on the water pump, I included a pic of the exact one to unscrew) It is a 8mm bolt, and was a little snug, but be careful not to be to hard, these bolts are easily breakable. As soon as I got it loosened, the green fluid started pouring out quickly. Since I have nerf bars, and a skid plate placed a little funnel to let the fluid flow nice into my drain pan.

3) This step may not always be needed, but since it was probably never completed on my Pred before I decided to pull off the lower radiator hose and clean it up/install for any issue. I also cleaned the overflow lid, cap, filter and radiator cap.

[IMG]http://i248.photob]

4) I replaced the 8mm bolt into the water pump. I took the water, and put it into the vinegar with a 50/50 mix. I proceed to fill the radiator with my mix until it was full, and started up the bike for approx 15 minutes to warm up.

5) After letting the Pred cool down for 30 minutes or so, I repeated the everything in step 2. I actually decided to repeat the whole process again to insure that all of the old coolant was 100% out. I also tipped the quad over towards the water pump drain hole and probably got another 2-4 oz out. At this point, I also unscrewed the overflow bottle, and dumped out any fluid that made its way in during the 2 flushes.

6) I tightened up the water pump drain bolt, and started to fill the radiator with Engine Ice. As my friend was filling, I squeezed the upper and lower radiator hoses to help "burp" the system and purge out as much as air as possible.

7) Last step, I swear!! I filled it until it started to overflow, replaced the cap and ran the Pred for 10 minutes. I it cool a little, and filled the radiator again until it was topped off again. I also filled the overflow bottle to the line on the back. I used most of the bottle of Engine Ice, with just a little left over. I plan on running it for 30-45 minutes the next day or so, and check the fluid level again, fill as needed.

H everyone got something good from this, if you have any questions/comments please feel free to ask. Also, for a quick tip if your chain has any light rust on it, take it off and place it in some clean oil for a day or so. It will really lube it up well!!

rkalbiar · 03-29-2010, 08:31 PM

Looks nice.
THX!!!

kjsmolik · 03-29-2010, 11:15 PM

Good wright up Redkneck

redneck2725 · 03-30-2010, 06:30 AM

Thanks guys!!

lilsprite · 03-31-2010, 02:56 PM

Great post! I have one question and sorry if its a dumb one but I have to learn somehow right? I am replacing my radiator and hoses do I still need to flush the new set up before I put the Engine Ice in?

redneck2725 · 03-31-2010, 09:36 PM

lilsprite >> I dont think it would hurt to do it honestly. Just in case anything is in. Just my 2 cents

lilsprite · 04-01-2010, 07:46 AM

Thanks

rkalbiar · 04-02-2010, 04:56 PM

How's that Engine Ice treating ya?

Noticably cooler engine?

03-28-2010, 09:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
redneck2725 Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Weirton Posts: 74	Tech: How to replace your coolant on a Predator First off this will be my first tech write-up, so be gentle. I decided to drain, flush, and replace my coolant in my 07 Predator today, and thought I would document the steps for my fellow riders. 1) First off, I got my coolant, distilled water, and white vinegar together. After reading tons of positive reviews, I decided to go with Engine Ice. I also read that the system should be 100% purged of any old coolant prior to adding Engine Ice. 2) With the engine cool, I uncapped the radiaitor cap and found the drain screw (it is the bottom bolt on the water pump, I included a pic of the exact one to unscrew) It is a 8mm bolt, and was a little snug, but be careful not to be to hard, these bolts are easily breakable. As soon as I got it loosened, the green fluid started pouring out quickly. Since I have nerf bars, and a skid plate placed a little funnel to let the fluid flow nice into my drain pan. 3) This step may not always be needed, but since it was probably never completed on my Pred before I decided to pull off the lower radiator hose and clean it up/install for any issue. I also cleaned the overflow lid, cap, filter and radiator cap. [IMG]http://i248.photob] 4) I replaced the 8mm bolt into the water pump. I took the water, and put it into the vinegar with a 50/50 mix. I proceed to fill the radiator with my mix until it was full, and started up the bike for approx 15 minutes to warm up. 5) After letting the Pred cool down for 30 minutes or so, I repeated the everything in step 2. I actually decided to repeat the whole process again to insure that all of the old coolant was 100% out. I also tipped the quad over towards the water pump drain hole and probably got another 2-4 oz out. At this point, I also unscrewed the overflow bottle, and dumped out any fluid that made its way in during the 2 flushes. 6) I tightened up the water pump drain bolt, and started to fill the radiator with Engine Ice. As my friend was filling, I squeezed the upper and lower radiator hoses to help "burp" the system and purge out as much as air as possible. 7) Last step, I swear!! I filled it until it started to overflow, replaced the cap and ran the Pred for 10 minutes. I it cool a little, and filled the radiator again until it was topped off again. I also filled the overflow bottle to the line on the back. I used most of the bottle of Engine Ice, with just a little left over. I plan on running it for 30-45 minutes the next day or so, and check the fluid level again, fill as needed. H everyone got something good from this, if you have any questions/comments please feel free to ask. Also, for a quick tip if your chain has any light rust on it, take it off and place it in some clean oil for a day or so. It will really lube it up well!! __________________ 07 Predator Yoshimura RS3 slip-on UM Racing aluminum airbox w/K&N ITP Holeshot HDs Pro Aluminum skids, nerfs, and bumper Powermadd handguards Shockwears shock covers PRM radiator scoops PD 13T front sprocket & X-ring chain Amsoil oil w/ K&N filter Engine Ice coolant ODI Rogue Grips

03-29-2010, 08:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
rkalbiar Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Salem Posts: 151	Looks nice. THX!!! __________________ Mostly Sea Level Sand Duning here in Oregon. 2008 Polaris Outlaw 525 S No-Toil Filter. Air box modified and lid removed. HMF QRS Center Mount Slip-On.

03-29-2010, 11:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
kjsmolik Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: QUarryville Posts: 268	Good wright up Redkneck __________________ 06 Pred 500, Pro Circuit pipe, Uni filter w/D2 Moto intake, 170 main, Dynatek CDI, +3 swingarm, 13/37 gearing

03-30-2010, 06:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
redneck2725 Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Weirton Posts: 74	Thanks guys!! __________________ 07 Predator Yoshimura RS3 slip-on UM Racing aluminum airbox w/K&N ITP Holeshot HDs Pro Aluminum skids, nerfs, and bumper Powermadd handguards Shockwears shock covers PRM radiator scoops PD 13T front sprocket & X-ring chain Amsoil oil w/ K&N filter Engine Ice coolant ODI Rogue Grips

03-31-2010, 02:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
lilsprite Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Douglas Posts: 45	Great post! I have one question and sorry if its a dumb one but I have to learn somehow right? I am replacing my radiator and hoses do I still need to flush the new set up before I put the Engine Ice in? __________________ You let me win like I let you lose.

03-31-2010, 09:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
redneck2725 Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Weirton Posts: 74	lilsprite >> I dont think it would hurt to do it honestly. Just in case anything is in. Just my 2 cents __________________ 07 Predator Yoshimura RS3 slip-on UM Racing aluminum airbox w/K&N ITP Holeshot HDs Pro Aluminum skids, nerfs, and bumper Powermadd handguards Shockwears shock covers PRM radiator scoops PD 13T front sprocket & X-ring chain Amsoil oil w/ K&N filter Engine Ice coolant ODI Rogue Grips

04-01-2010, 07:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
lilsprite Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Douglas Posts: 45	Thanks __________________ You let me win like I let you lose.

04-02-2010, 04:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
rkalbiar Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Salem Posts: 151	How's that Engine Ice treating ya? Noticably cooler engine? __________________ Mostly Sea Level Sand Duning here in Oregon. 2008 Polaris Outlaw 525 S No-Toil Filter. Air box modified and lid removed. HMF QRS Center Mount Slip-On.