Cooling
Coolant
A all-seasons type of anti-freeze
is
installed
in
the
cooling system when the motorcycle leaves the
factory.
It
is
coloured blue, contains a 50% solution of
ethylene glycol, and
has
a freezing point of
-35°C
(-31°F).
Always change the coolant at the intervals specified
in
the scheduled maintenance chart.
The standard coolant mixture contains toxic
chemicals that are harmful
to
the human
body.
Never swallow neat anti-freeze or any of the coolant
mixture.
The anti-freeze incorporated
in
the coolant mixture
contains a corrosion inhibitor that helps prevent
damage to the cooling system and engine. Without
this inhibitor, the coolant would 'attack' the metals
and
the resulting corrosion would cause blockages
in
the cooling system leading
to
engine overheating
and
damage.
Always
use
the anti-freeze listed
in
the specification
section
and
never use a methanol based anti-freeze
as
this does not contain the required corrosion
inhibition properties.
Distilled water must
be
used
to
dilute anti-freeze to
the correct mixture ratio.
If
hard water
is
used
in
the
cooling system, it causes scale accumulation
in
the
engine
and
radiator and considerably reduces the
efficiency of the cooling system. Reduced cooling
system efficiency may cause the engine to overheat
and suffer severe damage.
Radiator Hoses
Regularly check all radiator hoses
and
hose clips for
cracks, leaks or deterioration.
Radiator and Cooling Fan
The motorcycle
is
fitted with a thermostatically
controlled electric
fan
situated behind the radiator.
The
fan
cowl
is
fitted with six flap valves
to
add control
to
the air flow through the radiator. When the
motorcycle
is
operated at speed
and
the
fan
is off, the
flap valves open
to
allow more air flow through the
radiator. When the
fan
operates with the motorcycle
stationary or at slow speed, the valves close to ensure
cool air
is
drawn through the radiator from the front of
the motorcycle.
Check the radiator fins for obstruction by insects,
mud,
leaves
and
general debris. Clean off any
obstructions
by
hand or with a stream of low-pressure
water. Ensure the flap valves are not blocked or
obstructed
and
are free
to
operate.
Using high-pressure water,
as
from a pressure-
washer, can damage the radiator fins
and
impair the
radiator's efficiency.
Do
not obstruct or deflect airflow through the
radiator by installing unauthorized accessories
in
front of the radiator or behind the cooling
fan.
Interference with the radiator airflow can lead
to
overheating
and
consequent engine damage.
12.4
Service Manual - Rocket
III
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
