Coolant Change

Finally got up the courage to drain and replace the coolant in my 2003 SWing.  Not too bad a job using the instructions in the service manual and comments in a couple of threads on this forum.

I really don't see how the job can be done without removing the lower skirt on the left side although the manual doesn't call for it.  I think I removed six screws to free the tupperware and that gave me sufficient access to the drain bolt.

Draining the reserve tank was accomplished with a cheap siphon pump.

I took out right around two quarts of coolant and put just slightly more than that back in.  The system requires around 3 quarts, so I'm guessing I didn't get all of it out of there.

The job took about an hour and with an hourly labor rate of $120 at my local Honda shop, I figure that it was an hour well spent.

Gary

Make sure you followed the instructions to check the coolant after circulation. I needed to add more after I did mine. You're right about the manual and help from others on this forum saving money.

Hi Yo wrote:

    Make sure you followed the instructions to check the coolant after circulation. I needed to add more after I did mine. You're right about the manual and help from others on this forum saving money.

I checked a couple of times, once after running it on the stand then again after a 20 minute ride. I will check it one more time time after riding a bit more. I appreciate the cautionary tip!

Gary