'Crystals' in antifreeze

[Wingnut95]

Hi all,

My apologies if there is an answer elsewhere that I haven't been able to find. My GL1500 has what I can best describe as crystals in my overflow. I've flushed the antifreeze 2 years ago thinking that would solve the problem as I thought maybe the previous owner had put some non-distilled water or the incorrect coolant in the overflow. But, alas, it has come back, and the bike does overheat quite quickly when standing still.

Any thoughts on a cause, or a fix?

Thanks in advance,
Todd

[Rodzim]

Have you changed your thermostat? Are your fans working?

[WingAdmin]

The two usual suspects are silicate deposits from (incorrect) coolant containing silicates, or minerals from the use of non-distilled water. You said you already flushed it...so failing any other reasonable potential causes, I would just flush again and refill with good, new coolant.

[CrystalPistol]

Flush and refill with either Honda or other non silicate coolant and distilled water mix.

Never seen crystals in mine. You have two radiators connected, fans work, and it heats up? Wow?
Maybe you have sediment from a prior owners use of not so clean water, or well water?

[WingAdmin]

I use the OEM Honda coolant, it does not require adding distilled water, as it is already a 50/50 premix:

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-08C50-C321 ... ref=sr_1_2

[CrystalPistol]

I use the OEM Honda coolant, it does not require adding distilled water, as it is already a 50/50 premix:

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-08C50-C321 ... ref=sr_1_2

Yep , what I use in the GLs anyway. Never was cheap, but then GLs don't take a lot.
Maybe this says it better?

Flush and refill with either Honda mix ….. or other non silicate coolant and distilled water mix.

[Wing--Man]

Of the many used cars and trucks I have bought, seen my fair share of crystallized antifreeze. Usually it is on the under side of the radiator cap. It is chemicals in tap water.

"PURE JUICE FOR YOUR GOOSE"
I eliminate this completely by using distilled bottle water at about $2.00 gallon or the near FREE water from my dehumidifier. It is a cold distilled process but if you want the "bugs" killed, boil it for 10 minutes. The little critters will rise to the surface to be skimmed off.

I have garage stored two 1/2 gallon jugs of dehumidifier water and after 1 year there is nothing floating. Tho I would not drink it without boiling first.

'

[Wingnut95]

Much appreciate the advice. While I’ve got the antifreeze drained, I think I’ll pop off the water pump as it seems to be making a bit of noise, and hand check the bearings. Is it best to drain the block hot so as to open up the thermostat?

[Mh434]

The reason that 100% silicate-free antifreeze is required in the 'Wing is because the silicates act, basically, like sand in your coolant. The use of silicate-content coolant has led to many a destroyed 'Wing coolant pump.

I can't get the Honda OEM stuff here, but if you shop judiciously you can find other brands of antifreeze with zero silicates.

[DenverWinger]

Doesn't say so on the jug, but one of the members inquired the manufacturer and it turns out that good ol' Green Prestone is silicate-free.

[MikeB]

The reason that 100% silicate-free antifreeze is required in the 'Wing is because the silicates act, basically, like sand in your coolant. The use of silicate-content coolant has led to many a destroyed 'Wing coolant pump.

I can't get the Honda OEM stuff here, but if you shop judiciously you can find other brands of antifreeze with zero silicates.

Are there no Honda dealers there?

[Mh434]

Yeah, there is one, but when I called they said they didn't have any in stock, and wasn't planning on ordering any....

[Rambozo]

Yeah, there is one, but when I called they said they didn't have any in stock, and wasn't planning on ordering any....

Then just use the Amazon link Wingadmin posted, or this one for CA
"www.amazon.com/dp/B0039OTLRW/?tag=goldwingdocs-20"

Edit: Looks like something in the forum prevents me from posting an Amazon.ca link.

[MikeB]

The Honda car dealership will normally have the antifreeze also.

[Snowmoer]

This is what I have been using. Same blue stuff that Honda cars are using and I can get it at Wal Mart. So far, so good, no issues to report.

[Mh434]

I believe that's the same stuff I used, when I couldn't get the Honda stuff. Looks to me, from the label, that it's exactly what is required.

[khspe2]

Another alternative. Available at most Advance and Autozone stores. $20.