Replacing coolant and bleeding issues

[Benhur Malta]

Dear all,

have tried google search and also on this forum, to avoid wasting peoples time, but i would need to ask the following question

So, fresh owner of a 2015 GSA adventure in olive green (my 3rd gis, following a 1150, and a twincam).

I have a partial service history which indicates a well cared for bike, but there has never been a documented coolant change

1. what is the service interval for the coolant. i know it should be some 3-4 years for most vehicles, but BMW do not specify an interval...what is it,and could it be that its lifetime, because of the limited circulation of the coolant in the engine block?
2. have there ever been any issues for engines where the coolant has been replaced without specific equipment to bleed (normal burping used instead) as some internet posts indicate that its nearly impossible to bleed properly, manually

thanks for the help

R.

 

[Bigcats]

I'm sure when I phoned up about having everything changed on my 2019 GSA prior to going on a big trip next year the service guys said that it is changed at 12,000 miles. I was going to get it done on the MOT I just had but the dealer said pointless as bike doesn't need it till 12,000 miles (then 24,000 etc)

 

[Benhur Malta]

I'm sure when I phoned up about having everything changed on my 2019 GSA prior to going on a big trip next year the service guys said that it is changed at 12,000 miles. I was going to get it done on the MOT I just had but the dealer said pointless as bike doesn't need it till 12,000 miles (then 24,000 etc)

thats the thing - there is conflicting information on this one, and even in my service manual, i did not find a service which involved changing coolant....confused

 

[littleade]

I can't help you with a definite answer about age/miles, but if you're unsure for what it will cost I'd do it anyway as you'll know for certain it's been done and is not going to cause any potential issues for you. Just make sure you use the correct type of antifreeze at the right dilution

 

[TIJ650]

Dear all,

have tried google search and also on this forum, to avoid wasting peoples time, but i would need to ask the following question

So, fresh owner of a 2015 GSA adventure in olive green (my 3rd gis, following a 1150, and a twincam).

I have a partial service history which indicates a well cared for bike, but there has never been a documented coolant change

1. what is the service interval for the coolant. i know it should be some 3-4 years for most vehicles, but BMW do not specify an interval...what is it,and could it be that its lifetime, because of the limited circulation of the coolant in the engine block?
2. have there ever been any issues for engines where the coolant has been replaced without specific equipment to bleed (normal burping used instead) as some internet posts indicate that its nearly impossible to bleed properly, manually

thanks for the help

R.

I’d change the coolant for peace of mind if nothing else. It’s cheap and easy to do. No bleeding required as expansion reservoir does. Flush with clean water and fill radiator with 50/50 mix.
Slightly unrelated, but I’d definitely change final drive oil and check for metal filings on magnet.
Also, brakes need fluid changed regularly and at very least bled…………and for that (assuming ABS model) you’ll need GS911 gizmo for ABS bleed.
Haynes manual be worthwhile too




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[Benhur Malta]

thanks guys, dont worry first thing done is the final drive oil change - the usual small amount of grey gunk on the magnetic plug. nothing worrying there...

hydraulic fluid bled too - without the GS-911 though - good pointer there.

the only thing which i need to do is the the coolant change, but i got stymied by posts of people saying that if you dont have a vacuum bleeder its impossible to bleed properly

ta...

 

[TIJ650]

thanks guys, dont worry first thing done is the final drive oil change - the usual small amount of grey gunk on the magnetic plug. nothing worrying there...

hydraulic fluid bled too - without the GS-911 though - good pointer there.

the only thing which i need to do is the the coolant change, but i got stymied by posts of people saying that if you dont have a vacuum bleeder its impossible to bleed properly

ta...

I’ve only changed coolant once on my 2017 GSA Rallye and was easy. Once fill give a wee shake sitting on bike and stick on side stand. Then run for couple minutes and let cool down before taking radiator cap off again and checking level.
Never heard of needing vacuum bleeder, but I’m quite old school.


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[GB.]

I’ve changed mine twice, once for a rad change and the more recent for samco hoses. Never had an air lock or an issue doing it. Just fill it up then run the motor until the thermostat opens up second rad. Then refill it, check it a couple of times and you’re good to go. I use putoline rad fluid.

 

[TIJ650]

…………….oh yeah, radiator guards (VERY) worthwhile too!! lol
Evotech decent ones


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[stever1]

thanks guys, dont worry first thing done is the final drive oil change - the usual small amount of grey gunk on the magnetic plug. nothing worrying there...

hydraulic fluid bled too - without the GS-911 though - good pointer there.

the only thing which i need to do is the the coolant change, but i got stymied by posts of people saying that if you dont have a vacuum bleeder its impossible to bleed properly

ta...

That’s odd I think vacuum bleeders are for brakes, not coolant . I could be wrong though.

 

[MrC99]

That’s odd I think vacuum bleeders are for brakes, not coolant . I could be wrong though.

I've seen them used on a couple of YouTube channels, and Amazon etc has them. I think (but could be wrong) that for some cars it's the only way to correctly purge & refill.

 

[stever1]

I've seen them used on a couple of YouTube channels, and Amazon etc has them. I think (but could be wrong) that for some cars it's the only way to correctly purge & refill.

On cars I believe nowadays it’s just like a big funnel that sits on top of the radiator.
In my day , we just used a bit of hosepipe onto an old rad cap which had been ‘modified’ on the bottom, and a funnel on the top.

 

[MrC99]

Here's a bit more info on vacuum fillers.