Okay, I've bought the proper antifreeze/coolant and have a jug of distilled water standing by. However, while I have the old antifreeze/coolant out of the system, would it be a good idea to change the upper and lower rad hoses? My 'Wing is now 23 years old and to my knowledge, still has the original hoses. Will I need to pull the radiator to install the new hoses and clamps? Would a new rad cap be recommended?
HI KEENER:
I DID THIS TO MY 84 ASPY LAST YR REPLACED AL LHOSES THEMOSTAT, NEW RADIATOR CAP. BEFORE WINTER THIS YR GOING TO PULL RADIATOR AND HAVEIT RODDED AND CLEANED. YOU CAN FIND ALL OF THE PART NUMBERS YOU NEED HERE ON THE SITE AT PARTS LOCATOR IF IT ISNT THERE YOU PROBABLY DONT NEED IT I RIDE A LOT IN THE SUMMER HEAT SO I PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO MY COOLING SYSTEM AS IT CAN GET HOT IN THE SOUTHWEST. I USE THE SYNTHETIC ANTIFREEZE FROM HONDA NO MIX NO MUSS NO FUSS AND HAS A HIGHER BOILING POINT GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN.
Thanks, Mike. Very good information, especially for someone like me who's technically challenged!
Will I have to pull the rad to change the thermostat and hoses?
HI KEENER: NO NED TO PULL RADIATOR UNLESS GOING TO SHOP TO BE BOILED AND RODDED. THERMOSTAT IS LOCATED AT BOTTOM FRONT OF ENGINE AREA , I WOULD PULL FALSE TANK I PULL IT FOR ANYTHING UP FRONT SO I CAN SEE, AND GRANDAUGHTER IS NOT ALWAYS AROUND WITH SMALL HANDS SHE IS ACTUALLY BETTER WRENCH AT TIMES THAN I AM DONT TELL ANYBODY :lol: YOU NEED TO PULL IT ANYWAY TO GET TO TOP HOSE. DONT WANT ANYBODY TO GET IMPRESSION I AM MECHANICALLY INCLINED I LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY TIME I TAKE MINE APART, AND MECHANIC AT ALTUS, ALWAYS SAYS WHEN I SEE HIM, "IF YOU MESS SOMETHING UP CALL ME" WITH BIG OLE OKLAHOMA SMILE
IF ANY ONE ELSE READS THEY WILL SURELY CHIME IN HERE, AND KEEP BOTH OF US ON STRAIGHT AND NARROW, HAVE A GREAT EVENING!!
I think that it's very wise of you to replace the upper and lower rad hoses and the rad cap.
You don't need to remove the rad but it's a good idea because it'll give you a chance to inspect the electric fan that's been there for 23 years also. Not much goes wrong with the fan possible loose bolts/screws but one thing that sometimes needs service is the electrical connection. Check the connections on the thermstatic switch and the gauge switch while you're in there as well. Use some dielectric compound to seal the connection against air and moisture.
I do that stuff as part of the belt change, so if you haven't done that job yet I would kick it around at the least.
Again, thanks for all the input, guys.
Where can I find some dielectric compound? Most of the stores around here claim never to have heard of it and try to sell some sort of spray.
You should be able to get it at Canadian Tire.
Thanks, Vic. Just a moment of panic but I found some at NAPA when I ordered the hose, cap and thermostat this morning. Pricing is much better than our local Honda shop. Assuming the weather co-operates, I hope to have the 'Wing out of storage on Saturday and get started on her Sunday or Monday. Yippee!
Ian,
Please post the NAPA numbers for the hoses, cap and thermostat.
Thanks
Danooo52
Great idea to get ready for summer. One small correction, though. You will have to pull the radiator if you're going to change the thermostat. It's located HIGH at the housing for the UPPER radiator hose.
Danooo52 Wrote:Ian,
Please post the NAPA numbers for the hoses, cap and thermostat.
Thanks
Danooo52
A little searching will go a long way:
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Thanks, tricky. I was about to suggest the same thing.
HHHHHHMMMMMM...........
I changed my thermostat when i did the alt. conversion. Mine was on the front of the engine at the lower hose. :roll:
Location of thermostat per request.