Coolant question

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PHOTONPHIL

New member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #1

I just bought a used F 650 GS with 9000 miles. I was checking the whole bike over and found there was no coolant in the overflow tank. What type/color do I use?
Thank,
Phil

 

20774

Liaison

Staff member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #2

Phil -

I found this page...wasn't sure of your year, but maybe this will help:

http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/Overheating_FAQ.htm

 

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drneo66

Active member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #3

It's a bummer that the manual doesn't actually tell you the exact type just states "Nitrite-free long-life antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor”

BMW only sells one type of antifreeze (as far as I can tell) for both their bikes and cars. I picked up a jug at my local BMW car dealer for what I thought was a reasonable price. Your local moto dealer would also be happy to sell you a jug too I'm sure. Either way, from my research, "BMW GS 94000" is the type your looking for. Valvoline Zerex G-48, Pentosin Pentifrost, Motorex G48 are generally available at your local auto/motoparts dealer. Unfortunately, they seem to be all different colors.

 

20774

Liaison

Staff member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #4

Should color make a difference? Seems like it colored to help with leak detection and differentiation without (I meant with other) fluids.

 

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drneo66

Active member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #5

20774 said:

Should color make a difference? Seems like it colored to help with leak detection and differentiation without fluids.

Click to expand...

I thought for a while that there was some agreed upon "this color indicates this type of coolant" from manufacturers, but that doesn't seem to hold true anymore.

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/does-the-color-of-your-coolant-matter/

I do agree that using a colored antifreeze would make finding a leak easier and it would be harder than heck to see the level in the overflow tank if it wasn't colored. Plus, the risk of someone ingesting it?

 

Omega Man

Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat

Staff member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #6

20774 said:

Should color make a difference? Seems like it colored to help with leak detection and differentiation without fluids.

Click to expand...

I have found color to be more of a "matching" kinda deal.....Seems that most owners like the color consistency. A deeper color does help to see the fluid level in the opaque plastic tanks, especially as they age.
I think I bought a bottle years ago for the F800GS. I will take a look.....for it
OM

 

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RadioFlyer

Right2Repair

• Jul 10, 2021

• #7

I also picked up a jug at a BMW car dealership. You mix it 50/50 with water. Lifetime supply for your bike.

Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk

 

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PHOTONPHIL

New member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #8

It’s funny I called BMW dealer in South Carolina and they had no idea what kind of cooling to use. So I went to my local BMW car dealer that service is my wife’s car and gave them my Vin and they looked up the coolant. What a nice dealership they said they had access to all the BMW motorcycle parts fishes but due to a difference in the numbers that they used to order they could not order me any other parts. They were very helpful. I just love BMW of Myrtle Beach.

 

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EUGENE

Active member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #9

Years ago, I used something called Engine Ice. Yes it was blue in color.

 

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h2r

New member

• Jul 10, 2021

• #10

We have been using Engine Ice in our 2010 F650 GS twins. That’s what outer dealer uses as well.

 

riderr1150gsadv

Well-known member

• Jul 11, 2021

• #11

RadioFlyer said:

I also picked up a jug at a BMW car dealership. You mix it 50/50 with water. Lifetime supply for your bike.

Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk

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Distilled water! Tap water will have too much crap in it…YMMV

 

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RadioFlyer

Right2Repair

• Jul 11, 2021

• #12

RIDERR1150GSADV said:

Distilled water! Tap water will have too much crap in it…YMMV

Click to expand...

Yep. Always.

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