When it comes to motorcycle maintenance, there are few tasks more important than replacing the coolant radiator. A faulty radiator can lead to overheating, which can damage your engine and cause costly repairs. If you’re experiencing overheating issues with your Street Triple 675, it’s important to inspect the radiator for leaks or damage. If the radiator is damaged, it will need to be replaced. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s actually quite simple to do with the right tools and instructions.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a new coolant radiator, a set of wrenches, a pair of pliers, and a funnel. Once you have all of your tools and materials, you can begin the process of replacing the radiator. First, drain the coolant from the radiator by opening the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Once the coolant has drained, disconnect the hoses from the radiator and remove the radiator from the motorcycle. Now, you can install the new radiator. Simply connect the hoses to the radiator and tighten the clamps. Finally, fill the radiator with coolant and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the coolant. Check for leaks and top off the coolant as needed.
Draining the Coolant System
Before beginning the coolant radiator swap, it is crucial to drain the coolant system. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Preparation
Gather necessary tools and materials, including a drain pan, 8mm hex key, and safety gear like gloves and safety glasses.
2. Draining the Coolant
Locate the radiator drain plug on the bottom of the radiator, typically on the right-hand side. Place the drain pan beneath the plug and carefully loosen it with an 8mm hex key. Allow the coolant to drain completely into the pan. Once the flow stops, tighten the drain plug back in place.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather necessary tools and materials |
| 2 | Locate the radiator drain plug and place a drain pan beneath it |
| 3 | Loosen the drain plug with an 8mm hex key and allow the coolant to drain |
| 4 | Tighten the drain plug back in place once the coolant flow stops |
Removing the Radiator Covers
Before you can access the radiator, you need to remove the radiator covers. To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove the two screws that secure the upper radiator cover. The screws are located on the top of the cover, near the center.
- Lift off the upper radiator cover. The cover may be slightly stuck, so you may need to use a pry bar to gently pry it off.
- Locate the two Torx screws that secure the lower radiator cover. The screws are located on the bottom of the cover, near the center.
- Remove the two Torx screws. The screws may be slightly stuck, so you may need to use a Torx wrench to remove them.
- Lift off the lower radiator cover. The cover may be slightly stuck, so you may need to use a pry bar to gently pry it off.
Once the radiator covers are removed, you will have access to the radiator.
Separating the Radiator from the Mountings
To detach the radiator from its mountings:
| Step 5: Mounting Screw Removal |
|---|
|
Locate the four mounting screws that secure the radiator to its frame. Using a socket wrench, carefully loosen and remove these screws. To avoid damaging the radiator, ensure that you apply even pressure when removing the screws. If necessary, use a penetrating oil to lubricate the threads and facilitate removal. Once all four screws have been removed, gently lift the radiator away from the frame. Be cautious not to damage the radiator fins or any connected hoses. Note that some Street Triple 675 models may have additional mounting points. Consult your motorcycle’s service manual for specific instructions if needed. |
With the mounting screws removed, the radiator is now separated from its mountings and ready for replacement.
Installing the New Radiator
With the old radiator removed, it’s time to install the new one. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a proper fit and operation:
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Apply Anti-Seize Lubricant: Apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the O-rings on the new radiator’s end caps. This will prevent the O-rings from sticking or tearing when reassembling the radiator.
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Insert the Radiator: Carefully lift the new radiator into place, aligning the inlet and outlet ports with the corresponding hoses. Ensure that the top of the radiator is parallel to the frame and that the end caps don’t touch any surrounding components.
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Secure the Radiator: Use the supplied bolts and washers to secure the radiator to the frame. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque, referring to the service manual for exact values.
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Connect the Hoses: Reconnect the coolant hoses to the radiator’s inlet and outlet ports. Use a hose clamp or jubilee clip to secure each hose properly.
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Install the Thermostat Housing: Install the thermostat housing onto the top hose connection of the radiator. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
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Bleed the Cooling System:
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Cold Bleeding: Fill the cooling system with coolant through the radiator cap.
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Hot Bleeding: Start the engine and let it idle until the thermostat opens (indicated by the temperature gauge).
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Air Release: Use a bleed screw (located on the thermostat housing or radiator) to release any trapped air.
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Repeat: Repeat the hot bleeding and air release steps until no more air bubbles are released and the cooling system is fully bled.
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Top Up the Coolant: Check the coolant level in the radiator and top it up as needed. Use the coolant specified by the manufacturer.
Reattaching the Hoses and Connecting Components
1. Reconnect the Upper Radiator Hose
Carefully slide the upper radiator hose onto the radiator nipple and tighten the hose clamp securely. Ensure that the hose is fully seated and free from any kinks or bends.
2. Reattach the Lower Radiator Hose
Follow the same procedure as for the upper hose, aligning the lower radiator hose with the nipple on the radiator and securing it with the hose clamp.
3. Connect the Overflow Hose
Locate the overflow hose and reconnect it to the overflow tank. The hose should fit snugly and be free from leaks.
4. Install the Thermostat
Insert the thermostat into its housing on the cylinder head and secure it with the thermostatic housing bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Install the Temperature Sensor
Screw the temperature sensor into its port on the thermostat housing. Use a torque wrench to tighten the sensor to the specified torque.
6. Install the Ignition Coils
Replace the ignition coils onto the spark plugs and gently push them into place.
7. Reconnect Electrical Connectors and Vacuum Hoses
Meticulously reattach all electrical connectors and vacuum hoses that were disconnected during the radiator removal. Ensure that the connections are secure and free from any shorts or leaks. Refer to the table below for specific connector locations and connections:
| Connector | Location | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Temperature Sensor Connector | Thermostat Housing | Temperature Sensor |
| Ignition Coil Connectors | Spark Plugs | Ignition Coils |
| Fuel Injector Connectors | Fuel Injectors | Fuel Injectors |
| Throttle Position Sensor Connector | Throttle Body | Throttle Position Sensor |
| Intake Air Temperature Sensor Connector | Intake Manifold | Intake Air Temperature Sensor |
| Vacuum Hose (Cylinder Head) | Cylinder Head | Intake Manifold |
| Vacuum Hose (Throttle Body) | Throttle Body | Intake Manifold |
Troubleshooting Potential Issues
1. Coolant Leaks:
If coolant is leaking from the radiator, inspect the hoses, clamps, and radiator for any damage or loose connections. Tighten loose clamps, replace damaged hoses, or repair radiator punctures as necessary.
2. Overheating:
If the engine is overheating, check the coolant level, thermostat, water pump, and fan. Ensure the coolant is filled to the correct level, replace a faulty thermostat, repair or replace a failed water pump, or ensure the fan is operating properly.
3.
Engine Noise:
Noises emanating from the radiator, such as gurgling or banging, may indicate the presence of air pockets or circulation issues. Bleed the cooling system to remove air pockets and ensure proper coolant flow.
4.
Coolant Contamination:
If the coolant appears discolored, contaminated, or contains debris, it should be flushed and replaced. Use manufacturer-recommended coolant and flush the system thoroughly to prevent corrosion or damage.
5.
Physical Damage:
Inspect the radiator for any dents, cracks, or punctures that may have occurred due to road hazards or impacts. Repair or replace a damaged radiator to ensure proper cooling.
6.
Thermostat Malfunction:
A faulty thermostat may fail to open or close properly, causing engine overheating or undercooling. Replace the thermostat with a new one to regulate coolant flow effectively.
7.
Water Pump Failure:
A malfunctioning water pump may fail to circulate coolant properly. Check the water pump for leaks, bearing noise, or impeller damage. Replace the water pump if necessary to restore proper coolant circulation.
8.
Fan Malfunction:
A faulty cooling fan may fail to operate, leading to engine overheating. Inspect the fan motor, wiring, and fuse for any malfunctions. Repair or replace the fan components as needed to ensure adequate airflow for cooling.
9.
Incorrect Coolant Type or Mixture:
Using the wrong type of coolant or an incorrect mixture ratio can lead to corrosion, damage, or reduced cooling efficiency. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended coolant type and mixture ratio. Ensure the coolant is mixed and diluted correctly for optimal performance.
How to Swap Coolant Radiator of Street Triple 675
Swapping the coolant radiator of a Street Triple 675 is a straightforward task that can be completed in under an hour. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Drain the coolant. To do this, place a drain pan under the radiator and open the drain plug located at the bottom of the radiator. Allow all of the coolant to drain out.
- Disconnect the hoses from the radiator. There are two hoses that connect to the radiator: the upper hose and the lower hose. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the hose clamps and then disconnect the hoses from the radiator.
- Remove the radiator. The radiator is held in place by two bolts. Use a wrench to remove the bolts and then lift the radiator out of the motorcycle.
- Install the new radiator. Place the new radiator in the motorcycle and then secure it with the two bolts. Tighten the bolts until they are snug.
- Connect the hoses to the radiator. Attach the upper hose and the lower hose to the radiator and then tighten the hose clamps.
- Fill the radiator with coolant. Fill the radiator with the recommended type of coolant until it is full. Close the radiator cap and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the coolant.
- Check for leaks. Once the engine has cooled down, check for any leaks from the radiator or the hoses. Tighten any loose connections or replace any damaged parts.
People Also Ask About How to Swap Coolant Radiator of Street Triple 675
What tools do I need to swap the coolant radiator of a Street Triple 675?
You will need the following tools:
- Drain pan
- Pliers
- Wrench
- New coolant radiator
- Coolant
How much coolant do I need to fill the radiator?
You will need approximately 1.2 liters of coolant to fill the radiator.
Can I use any type of coolant in my Street Triple 675?
No, you should only use the type of coolant recommended by the manufacturer. For the Street Triple 675, the recommended coolant is a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and water.
How often should I change the coolant in my Street Triple 675?
The manufacturer recommends changing the coolant every two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
