How to check your coolant


Step-by-step tutorials on how to maintain and fix your GL1500
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WingAdmin
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How to check your coolant

Post by WingAdmin »



I thought this would be too simple for a how-to - but I've had two people ask me now, so I took a couple of pictures to put a quick one together.

1. Checking the coolant level is done by checking the level in the coolant reservoir, NOT the radiator. NEVER open the radiator when the engine is hot! The coolant level should be checked when the engine is at operating temperature, but the engine turned off. Remove the left top inner cover by pulling the tab free at the rightmost edge as shown.

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2. Follow by pulling each tab free in sequence until you get to the front tab.

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3. This tab locks in place at the top - be careful not to break it.

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4. Turn the handlebars all the way to the right to gain access to the reservoir cap.

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5. Pull the cap off. The dipstick is built into the cap. The coolant level should be between the low and high marks (the two rectangular openings). If coolant level is low, add coolant to the reservoir tank until it reaches the high mark on the dipstick.

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6. Replace the cap and ensure it is properly sealed to the coolant reservoir (it may take a bit of pressure around the edge of it to seal completely).

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7. Insert the forward tab of the left top inner cover into its slot in the dashboard.

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8. Work your way around the top inner cover, inserting the tabs into their slots, until you finish up with the tab on the inner part of the fairing top.

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Mag
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by Mag »

That is something I can definitely do :lol:
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OldZX11Rider
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by OldZX11Rider »

The last Goldwing I owned was back in 2000, a GL1200. Pulling the bodywork off that bike, to me anyway, was very straightforward and simple. (I guess because I done it so many times.)
Now I have a new (to me) 1994 1500 SE. I've only had the covers off that I need off to check the oil. This "How to" article is something I really wanted to know. I'm going to read my owners manual again but if I remember right, it wasn't too helpful in the how to actually do it department.
Thanks for this how to do it without breaking it article.
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Ol' Man
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by Ol' Man »

While performing some (new to me) maintenance, I decided to check the coolant on my '96 GL1500A and what do I find... my reservoir cap is missing. For how long, I haven't the foggiest. It sure wasn't removed by me as I have only put a couple thousand miles on the trike. Any suggestions where I could find a replacement?
Thanks for your help
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by WingAdmin »

Ol' Man wrote:While performing some (new to me) maintenance, I decided to check the coolant on my '96 GL1500A and what do I find... my reservoir cap is missing. For how long, I haven't the foggiest. It sure wasn't removed by me as I have only put a couple thousand miles on the trike. Any suggestions where I could find a replacement?
Thanks for your help
I had mine go missing a couple months ago as well! Strange.

Cyclemax.com will order you a new one, the part number is 19104-MN5-000 and they're about $10.
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by captdecker »

Look on EBay for coolant tank.
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by Ol' Man »

WingAdmin wrote:
Ol' Man wrote:While performing some (new to me) maintenance, I decided to check the coolant on my '96 GL1500A and what do I find... my reservoir cap is missing. For how long, I haven't the foggiest. It sure wasn't removed by me as I have only put a couple thousand miles on the trike. Any suggestions where I could find a replacement?
Thanks for your help
I had mine go missing a couple months ago as well! Strange.

Cyclemax.com will order you a new one, the part number is 19104-MN5-000 and they're about $10.
Thanks for swift reply. Maybe I can get this done this week
Today is the oldest you've ever been,
yet the youngest you'll ever be,
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by Ol' Man »

captdecker wrote:Look on EBay for coolant tank.
Look out eBay, here I come. Thanks for the info.
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by brettchallenger »

Does it make a significant difference to the dipstick level if the machine is on its kickstand or on its centre stand?
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by WingAdmin »

brettchallenger wrote: Wed May 02, 2018 8:50 am Does it make a significant difference to the dipstick level if the machine is on its kickstand or on its centre stand?
I have no idea! It's not mentioned either way in the owner's manual. I've always done it on the center stand, but I can't say I've then checked it also on the side stand to see if it measures any different.
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Re: How to check your coolant

Post by Ed Brock »

I know this information is late and you most likely have figured it out by now. But, checking the coolant level method (side or center stand) does not matter IF you ALWAYS do the same way every time. Like checking your oil level, as long as you ALWAYS check it the SAME temperature and ENGINE SHUT DOWN time, EVERY TIME it is not an issue.

Different subject, Is there a how to on adding arm rests to a 1998 1500SE? I can't seem to find one on your how to articles.
Thanks Ed


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