Good question, and I am sorry I did not address Why in the video. When just doing a bleed, or when replacing the coolant (which requires a bleed at the end), by having the right side of the bike higher than the left side it will assist the air bubbles in escaping the system. They escape out of the radiator cap which is on the right front side of the Trike.
@@giuliozanni6046 Drive it up on some blocks of wood, or jack it up onto some blocks of wood. It will not bleed the air bubble out completely if it is sitting level.
Just had the same thing happen to my 21 FLTRK. Had to stop but I fill the “overflow?” To cold level never overheated for 200 mile but I checked again and tank was empty. Refilled it with bike cold to the cold level and it’s remained there with no more overheating issues so far. Glad I found this video as a how to guide. Note: do not do what I did. I was under a time constraint and had to go and gambled. No problem for me but with my luck all I can say is the man upstairs was looking over me.
Sorry this happened to you out on your trip but THANK YOU for making this video!!! I've looked at my wife's 2018 TriGlide manual on this very subject and saw the 1st thing was a special HD tool was needed (or so I thought) now I can do this myself. Thank You again!!!!
Glad you found it helpful. Yeah, it was not pleasant at the time. But I am happy to have been "forced" to finally learn about the coolant system on the Twin Cooled engines.
It took at least 7 purges to get the bubbles out. It so easy to do no labor involved in a purge. Really good video along with reading all the questions and answers. The only suggestion I could add is a leak check. I also observed that fluid will fill the system the more that you cycle the bleeding process on and off
Really, a great summary of the complette cooling system! Thank you so much. In some point they say that you have to change the coolant CAP? Is that correct? Are you still using the same cap?
Thank you, DK. My 2004 VROD coolant is way low in the white plastic tank. I think I need to fill up the radiator AND the tank to the "cool" line, don't I? Of course, it needs to be bled manually as you explained. I'm glad I watched this clip otherwise I would not know the air build-up issue.
Thanks for your comment, great to hear you are finding the videos useful/interesting.. Unfortunately, we do not have any experience with the VROD but you should look at your manual to find out how you should fill your coolant. MB
Hi guys, I have a 2021 Ultra Classic Limited and had the same issue. I too had an unknown leak somewhere that never showed up under the bike when it was parked. Eventually I lost enough coolant to where I sucked air into the system. I appreciate your video and it helped me to get back on the road again without any issues at all. One thing I noticed as I was removing the filler cap, the cap adapter would spin in both directions as I turned the cap. I'm talking about the pressurized cap, not the rubber one on the overflow tank. I thought this might be the source of the leak. It takes a little effort to make it spin so I think it'll only leak when the bike is hot and running. The problem seems to be that the factory-installed hose clamp is the crimp type and wasn't put on tightly enough. I solved this by adding a 1 in regular screw type hose clamp just above the factory clamp. Now it doesn't turn with the cap. I will let you know if I continue to experience the coolant level decreasing without a noticeable leak.
Thanks for the comment/report! Glad the video was of help. I don't know how mine got low and sucked air...but I check it regularly now and in the last couple of years it has not gotten low again.
Observation: when you point use a pointer or a single finger, and don’t switch fingers. Enjoyed all of your added comments in the U tube H-D cooling of the twin cooled bikes.
I have a trike (2018) too ... so this was very good info !!! My dealer did replace and bleed the system at 30K but still I like knowing how to fix a problem. How did you know the system was overheating ??? Is there an indicator light on the instrument panel ????? THANKS DK !!!
Glad you enjoyed, and good to hear your dealership replaced and bled your coolant. I knew it was overheating because I use a Power Vision to monitor a variety of data. I saw my ET (temp sensor in the cylinder head) go much higher than normal. I did shut it down prior to the indicator light on the instrument panel lighting up. But there is one there, at least on the 2019 models.
I’m glad you posted this video. My 2021 has been spitting coolant every ride. I would come back from a ride and pull off the cover. With the bike off, the over flow would expand and run out. This would pulse like this for 2 min. I followed you video and checked for air in the system. Unfortunately, no air. Took it to the dealer. They found that the coolant cap was not releasing pressure. 20$ part. Do you know what kind of tester you would need to check a cap? Again thanks for all your videos. Really enjoy the channel.
Glad you hear you found the video useful, and really good to hear the Dealership was able to identify the problem and get it fixed for a small price. I have never tested a radiator cap. However, I just did a google search "radiator cap tester" and there were quite a few results for test kits. Thanks for watching and for adding some useful info! 👍
Great job gents! I just got off my bike and I don't see any fluid in the tank. I just had the bike totally serviced and they changed the fluid less that 500 miles ago. Today there's no fluid in the tank and what got me to look at it wast the fan or pump continuing to run after I got off the bike. I'm thinking they did not get that radiator cap back on correctly. There hasn't been a problem with it since 2017, but all of a sudden, nothing showing in the tank reservoir. There are no signs of leaking, so I'm thinking it has to be the cap. Hopefully nothing wrong in the heads!! Wish me luck, and thanks again for showing how to properly bleed the air out!
Glad you found the video useful. 👍 It is highly unlikely that anything is wrong with the heads, what is more likely, as you mentioned, is that the radiator cap was not installed correctly. It is definitely a chore to get it installed correctly...not a lot of space to work with, and you can just push down and twist...gotta hold the rubber hose while doing that, all in that small area.
@@DKCustomProducts After bleeding the way you said, I went for about a 60 mile run into town and back, no over heating issues and the antifreeze level remained full. Thanks for these awesome videos!
@@DKCustomProducts So far so good! Rode it the last few days and the antifreeze is holding. There was air in the system, but using y'alls video, I got it out and all is good to go! Thank you and Ride Safe Fellas!
My 2016 ultra limited low water pump failed thankfully I was in town the dealer told me they had pump failures I think 2014 ,2016, they replaced it with a up graded pump 600.00 h.d. Bucks 😢but I to never flushed the system that probably didn’t help it crapped out at 60 k .thanks for the video 😊
Very good tec. tip for sure. Kevin, just like you I had a 2014 and now have the 2018 and have never give it a thought about coolant. Sorry it happened on your trip but again thanks for the info.
Cool, glad it was useful. The '14 was my first wethead, and the coolant level never changed, never had any issues whatsoever with the system. Since I was sort of put off by having a water-cooled Harley I'm thinking that influenced me never taking any time to learn about it. lol Well, I had to learn about it on this trip. Am glad I did now. Over the years there have been a few folks that had hot running bikes where we could never figure out why...it really does not take much of an air bubble to bump that temp up 30-40 degrees. Even if the coolant overflow tank is not low, if the coolant was filled and not all the air bled out of the pressurized system...that is all it takes.
I have a 2015 road glide, the hoses were in a little different position, but not very difficult. I did follow the overflow tubing, the one from the radiator cap goes to the bottom of the tank and then a tube runs from the top of the tank down to the bottom of the bike. My cap was not put on correctly during the last service, but the leak just caused loss of pressure in the system. Temperature did get high and the coolant reservoir tank lost fluid overtime. But no bubbles, lucky
Man, I am glad that it didn't cause any worse problems. I make it a necessity, if someone else does maintenance on my bike, to check all caps and anything they may have loosened or changed. Thanks for commenting! 👍
Hoses in a different position? Are you still running the original (defective) style water pump? If so, get it upgraded to the post 2018 pump before it craps out on you.
Did a full coolant flush just recently and had an annoying coolant leak afterwards. Problem was the hose clamp that secures to the radiator cap. Replaced with a worm drive type hose clamp and leak fixed. The OEM hose clamp isn’t the best.
Yes the bleed helps get all the air bubbles out. If you do not get the air bubbles out it will run hot. If it is empty and you put coolant in it it will have air bubbles and the bleed will be necessary. Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
The reservoir is only connected to the rest of the system when the engine is running and the coolant system is under pressure, that is why it did not drain out of the reservoir when we drained the system. If you are low in the reservoir, but not so low that air has been introduced into the closed, pressurized system, then you do not need to bleed the system, you can just add to the reservoir, bringing it up to the line on the reservoir tank, and you're good. Thank you for commenting! MB
No you just open the caps , unhooks the hoses, and drain the fluid out. He shows how he does it starting at the 7 minute mark. Thank you for commenting! MB
Yes, the pump is actuated, that is how it pumps the coolant thru and purges the air out of the system, as seen at the 20:19 mark in this video. If the pump is not running, I would be checking wiring, connections, fuse, etc. Pumps can get expensive unless you are covered by a warranty (OEM or Extended). KP
thank you for the video. I have a coolant leak that I need to get fixed and also I need to flush the system on a 21 road glide limited any tips thank you.
Drain it out, like shown in the video. Then, if you want to flush every last bit, reconnect one hose at the pump, put some fresh coolant in the reservoir, then activate the pump, as shown in the video, with the throttle, and pump out all of the coolant out of the hose you left disconnected. Most important tip is to get all the air bubbles out, as shown in the video. Thanks for commenting! KP
It can be done on all the Twin Cooled Bikes. On your two wheel Ultra Limited you only need to have it on the Jiffy stand. It can not be straight up. When just doing a bleed, or when replacing the coolant (which requires a bleed at the end), by having the right side of the bike higher than the left side it will assist the air bubbles in escaping the system. They escape out of the radiator cap. Thank you for commenting! 👍 MB
Does water pump make any noise or vibrate when you're doing a bleed? When I manually start the fans/pump with the throttle , it looks like my pump is not working at all.
As you can see at the 21:21 mark in the video, you will hear the fans, and the way you know if the pump is pumping is that you will see the coolant moving and/or bubbling in the filler neck. If it is not, then put your hand down on the water pump and see if you can feel it turning. Thanks for commenting! 😎 KP
No, as mentioned in the video it takes less than 1 quart. According to the 2019 manual (other years may be different) it takes .8 of a quart, excluding the overflow tank. Even with the overflow tank, it does not take a full quart. Thanks for commenting!
I had low coolant with just 600 miles on my 20 Triglide. Dealer thought it was faulty 2 stage cap as the motor company had reports of some. They replaced cap, problem solved. Possibly same with yours.
Only need to bleed if there is air in the system. If your tank is not empty (and has not been empty), then it is unlikely there is air in the system, and it does not need to be bled.
I had problems the coolant poured out after stopping the engine. I think the coolant 2 step cap is the problem so I ordered a new one. And while waiting for the new i sprayed on silicone on the rubber in the cap. And also blowed the radiator with air from the back to the front. That solved the problem.
Have you had any issues with the pump breaking apart on the inside? If so is it common? I have a check engine light and a coolant light on my 2016 limited, just had it at the dealer for a 10,000 mile check up / oil change. They cleared to codes and told me to make another appt. and charged me 396 bucks for basically a oil change. I saw a video here where one part on the inside of the pump exploded, I have a code P1019, ECT Difference (high temp)....? Do I change the cooland and go, or should I get a new pump? Thanks for all your video's, I plan to get your air intake set up in the next couple days. The mechanic said drive it, it's the radio antanna????
I am on my second bike with a water pump and have not had a problem with the pump. However, they are plastic and more than a few have failed on the road. P1019 ECT Difference (high temp) Possible causes: ECT sensor malfunction. No air flow through radiators. Low or no coolant in system. Could also be wiring, cooling pump or ECM That code is not an antenna code. If the pump is running when you test it, and you see the liquid moving in the overflow tank, then I would change the fluid and look and see if there are any plastic parts in it. If there are not, and the fluid is flowing, then it would seem that you pump is good. Appreciate your business, I think you will be well pleased with any of our intakes.
@@DKCustomProducts I called HD and got a case #, they told me to take it to a dealer and have it checked again, they may or may not pay for labor and parts for the water pump conversion? Have a appt for next week. I can't wait to get your transformer and 828 installed. Going to order it later today or tommorow am. Thanks for all the tips.
Has anyone tried engine ice or water wetter to help reduce temps? I’ve used in cars and dirt bikes to help with the heat. Thanks for another great video!
We have not tried or heard of anyone trying the engine ice, but since the twin cooled bikes only have coolant going around the exhaust valve it does not do much to cool down the over all engine anyways. P.S. If the engine ice does do a good job of drastically cooling down small area that the coolant runs through on the exhaust valve and not the entire engine I would be concerned about it making the metal around the exhaust valve too cool against the rest of the engine running too hot and causing a head to crack or warp. Here is a video that you may find interesting/helpful - ruclips.net/video/wRRtRYWm5rw/видео.html Here is a video on a common sense approach to cooling down your bike that you may also find useful/interesting - ruclips.net/video/CAcF0T-Cs3E/видео.html Thank you for commenting! MB
I just checked the level of the coolant on my 2021 Ultra and the level was at the level of the hose at the bottom, no where near the cold line. So I added some fluid but since I couldn't take the filler cap off I added it to the reservoir...Now after trying again and again I finally got the filler cap out and at my cousins insistence I added to there till it spilled (added about 1/2 inch of fluid from the cold line) turned the fans on but I couldn't see any bubbles at all. Question: how do I know if my pump is actually working! Thanks!
At the 20:08 mark in the video, when you follow those instructions, it turns the fans on and the water pump. When you hear the fans go on, put your hand on the water pump. You should feel it pumping...but if you have no movement in the coolant, it is likely the pump is not working. KP
@@DKCustomProducts Thanks I'll try to feel the pump. Rode it today after making sure the level was at the mark and it was cooler, but that could be my brain, he,he!
Does the coolant in the reserve count toward the 1.1 quarts. If so whats it hold. I got the first about 22 Oz in easily and I Been burping can't get anymore in and reserve is full
I do not pay attention to total amount of coolant. What is more important is to repeat the bleed process (with the Trike at an angle, or a 2 wheel bike, with it on the jiffy stand) as needed to get rid of all the air bubbles.
I am not sure what bike you have but it takes about 30 -45 minutes of straight riding to get a bike to operating temps. For a Twin Cam 230* F everyday warm weather riding, with no more than 240* F in extreme circumstances. For a M8 260* F everyday warm weather riding, with no more than 270* F in extreme circumstances. Thank you for commenting! MB
Laugh all you want at my question ( it may have been asked ) how did you remove the cover where the radiator cap was ? You did it so fast I really couldn’t see …. Mine is a 2023 ultra .. thanks
Pry it off with your fingers, or a plastic tire fork. It pops out...held in at all for corners with spring clips...just pull on one side till one of the corners comes loose, then get the other corners to pop out. KP
Today I attempted the operation on my 2014 trike but when I removed the pump cover inside it looks different. I ended up removing only the biggest rubber tube which attaches to the pump
Yeah, over the years they've had a few different water pump configurations. As long as you followed the instructions in the manual for your bike you should be fine.
They are connected, and there is only a cap and overflow on the right side. When you drain at the bottom, it drains both of them. When you fill at the top, on the right, it fills both of them. Make sure to bleed all the air out, as shown in the video.
When you first noticed that the coolant level was low, could you have just filled it up to the level? Would that have cured the problem, especially if you had tightened the radiator cap to where it should have been?
@@DKCustomProducts Great video, thank you. I just noticed I have a coolant leak but not sure where from. Thinking it could be a hose. Gonna take a closer look at it, but a couple questions. 1st how come the coolant never drained out of the reservoir when you drained the coolant? 2nd if you could have just added some coolant when it was below the line like stated above do you need to bleed it when adding because it was below the line? 3rd if it is low and u just want to add coolant do you add it in to the reservoir or into the hose like you added it into the video? Thanks for your help and time.
@@samrohde8279 The reservoir is only connected to the rest of the system when the engine is running and the coolant system is under pressure, that is why it did not drain out of the reservoir when we drained the system. Yes, I was a dumbass and did not add coolant to the reservoir when I noticed it was low. If I had done that (and tightened the radiator cap well), I would have never had the problem. If you are low in the reservoir, but not so low that air has been introduced into the closed, pressurized system, then you do not need to bleed the system, you can just add to the reservoir, bringing it up to the line on the reservoir tank, and you're good. Thank you for the comment and questions.
No oil cooler... I bought a 2015 Ultra, and the VERY FIRST thing I added was an oil cooler! If you want a great one and are willing to spend the money, go with Oil Bud. They are not cheap, but (I think) well worth the money. I have one on my 15 Ultra, and put one on my 2010 Dyna too.
Gotta hold the neck with one hand, and push HARD down and twist at the same time with the other. It can be a booger to remove....don't do it while hot.
I think that if I could delete that coolant system and replace those radiators and fans with 2 oil coolers the cooling problem would be taken care of.......
Thanks for the comment. Interesting theory. You may be right. HD has done something similar (minus the coolers) with the M8 Softail and some of the Touring models. However, since that oil only circulates around the exhaust valves, there are still big chunks of the engine that have no cooling other than air. Here are a couple of interesting videos on the subject- ruclips.net/video/h7EdjR8l8Ag/видео.html ruclips.net/video/HC-Z_rZtY9c/видео.html
I am sorry you had trouble with the Radiator Cap. Yes things are definitely not as easy as they use to be. Glad that you got it off! Thanks for commenting! 😎
Oh, nothing ruined. We had a great day....just a little break in it to fix a problem that would not have existed if I had done it right from the start. lol Here is a link to a Ride Report that has tons of photo's, with more being added each week, of the spectacular riding and scenery. www.hdforums.com/forum/road-trips/1345907-ride-report-during-covid-13-states-and-some-spectacular-riding.html
Vapor lock is generally referred to fuel in a fuel system changing from liquid to vapor. Airlock is what happens in a coolant system, when aire gets trapped in the system and blocks the normal flow of coolant. Very closely related, but not quite the same thing, albeit similar results. Thank you for commenting! KP
lol, yeah Tyler...maybe you watched because it is such a curiosity that HD has water cooled engines...or maybe you watched with satisfaction that you do not have one. ROFL. It is crazy, decades of riding and I never thought I would have a water cooled Harley!
Why does the front and the right rear tire need to be 6 in off the ground and the left rear doesn't??
Good question, and I am sorry I did not address Why in the video. When just doing a bleed, or when replacing the coolant (which requires a bleed at the end), by having the right side of the bike higher than the left side it will assist the air bubbles in escaping the system. They escape out of the radiator cap which is on the right front side of the Trike.
@@DKCustomProducts What if you don't have anything to lift the trike? Can the bleed be safely done anyway?
@@giuliozanni6046 Drive it up on some blocks of wood, or jack it up onto some blocks of wood. It will not bleed the air bubble out completely if it is sitting level.
@@DKCustomProducts Thank you
Sr did you fill it up the cooling reservoir first ? Then you start the bleeding, thank you
Just had the same thing happen to my 21 FLTRK. Had to stop but I fill the “overflow?” To cold level never overheated for 200 mile but I checked again and tank was empty. Refilled it with bike cold to the cold level and it’s remained there with no more overheating issues so far. Glad I found this video as a how to guide.
Note: do not do what I did. I was under a time constraint and had to go and gambled. No problem for me but with my luck all I can say is the man upstairs was looking over me.
Glad you found the video useful/ informative!
Thank you for your support and for watching! 😎👍
Hey everyone, the antifreeze equivalent to the HD fluid is PEAK global lifetime 50/50. In a gold bottle.
Thanks for the information and for your comment! 😎
Sorry this happened to you out on your trip but THANK YOU for making this video!!! I've looked at my wife's 2018 TriGlide manual on this very subject and saw the 1st thing was a special HD tool was needed (or so I thought) now I can do this myself. Thank You again!!!!
Glad you found it helpful. Yeah, it was not pleasant at the time. But I am happy to have been "forced" to finally learn about the coolant system on the Twin Cooled engines.
Great and needed for us who do a lot of our own wrenching.keep doing what you're doing.
Thanks 👍 Appreciate the kind words.
Thank you very, very much for this information presented in a basic "old school" mythology. Mate, you're a legend.
Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for the comment!
It took at least 7 purges to get the bubbles out. It so easy to do no labor involved in a purge. Really good video along with reading all the questions and answers. The only suggestion I could add is a leak check. I also observed that fluid will fill the system the more that you cycle the bleeding process on and off
Thank you for the good add! Glad you like the video!!!
Thanks for commenting!
Such a helpful and heartfelt contribution. Thank you. Off to do this on mine now. Respect!
I am glad you found value in the video! I hope your coolant change goes well! Thank you for commenting! 👍😎👍 MB
I have a twin cooled Roadglide. I upgraded to the new style pump. This made things much easier to figure out. Thank you for the great instructions!
Glad it helped, thank you for the comment! 👍
Thanks for the video you make our lives a lot easier.
Glad that you are finding our videos useful and informative!
Thank you for commenting! 😎
First video ive seen on this. Good job😮 cant believe there isn't a simple drain plug.
Me either! Glad you like the video!
Thanks for commenting! 👍😎👍
Just changed my 22 ultra limited. Thanks for the help. Great video
Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! MB
Really, a great summary of the complette cooling system! Thank you so much. In some point they say that you have to change the coolant CAP? Is that correct? Are you still using the same cap?
Did I miss that in the manual? Going to look when I can (on a road trip right now). Yes, I'm still using the original cap.
Thank you, DK. My 2004 VROD coolant is way low in the white plastic tank. I think I need to fill up the radiator AND the tank to the "cool" line, don't I? Of course, it needs to be bled manually as you explained. I'm glad I watched this clip otherwise I would not know the air build-up issue.
Btw, my bike only has 12.5K miles.
Thanks for your comment, great to hear you are finding the videos useful/interesting..
Unfortunately, we do not have any experience with the VROD but you should look at your manual to find out how you should fill your coolant. MB
Hi guys, I have a 2021 Ultra Classic Limited and had the same issue. I too had an unknown leak somewhere that never showed up under the bike when it was parked. Eventually I lost enough coolant to where I sucked air into the system. I appreciate your video and it helped me to get back on the road again without any issues at all. One thing I noticed as I was removing the filler cap, the cap adapter would spin in both directions as I turned the cap. I'm talking about the pressurized cap, not the rubber one on the overflow tank. I thought this might be the source of the leak. It takes a little effort to make it spin so I think it'll only leak when the bike is hot and running. The problem seems to be that the factory-installed hose clamp is the crimp type and wasn't put on tightly enough. I solved this by adding a 1 in regular screw type hose clamp just above the factory clamp. Now it doesn't turn with the cap. I will let you know if I continue to experience the coolant level decreasing without a noticeable leak.
Thanks for the comment/report!
Glad the video was of help. I don't know how mine got low and sucked air...but I check it regularly now and in the last couple of years it has not gotten low again.
I'll be sharing this info with my friends and boss about their liquid-cooled engines.
Cool. Glad you found it useful.
Surprised me, wish I would have known it before I Needed to know about it.
Excellent video, Nicely Done! Extremely informative. Thanks so much for taking the time to make the content. Many thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for commenting. 👍
DK makes my day!
Observation: when you point use a pointer or a single finger, and don’t switch fingers.
Enjoyed all of your added comments in the U tube H-D cooling of the twin cooled bikes.
Thanks for the pointer. Glad you're liking the vids. 👍
I have a trike (2018) too ... so this was very good info !!! My dealer did replace and bleed the system at 30K but still I like knowing how to fix a problem.
How did you know the system was overheating ???
Is there an indicator light on the instrument panel ????? THANKS DK !!!
@@RedTickJJ THX Tony .... now I don't have to find my glasses and read the manual
Glad you enjoyed, and good to hear your dealership replaced and bled your coolant. I knew it was overheating because I use a Power Vision to monitor a variety of data. I saw my ET (temp sensor in the cylinder head) go much higher than normal. I did shut it down prior to the indicator light on the instrument panel lighting up. But there is one there, at least on the 2019 models.
thank you a lot you helped me and saved me a ton of money
Thank you, glad the video was helpful to you. 👍😎👍
Are you add the antifreeze on the little tank before you starting the bleeding process
Yes, the coolant is added before you bleed the system. Thank you for commenting! MB
What a great and timely video.....very well done....thank you!!
Thank you, glad you found it useful.
I’m glad you posted this video. My 2021 has been spitting coolant every ride. I would come back from a ride and pull off the cover. With the bike off, the over flow would expand and run out. This would pulse like this for 2 min. I followed you video and checked for air in the system. Unfortunately, no air. Took it to the dealer. They found that the coolant cap was not releasing pressure. 20$ part. Do you know what kind of tester you would need to check a cap? Again thanks for all your videos. Really enjoy the channel.
Glad you hear you found the video useful, and really good to hear the Dealership was able to identify the problem and get it fixed for a small price.
I have never tested a radiator cap. However, I just did a google search "radiator cap tester" and there were quite a few results for test kits.
Thanks for watching and for adding some useful info! 👍
Your comment about the cap helped me to solve the problem on my Bike, thanks!
Great job gents! I just got off my bike and I don't see any fluid in the tank. I just had the bike totally serviced and they changed the fluid less that 500 miles ago. Today there's no fluid in the tank and what got me to look at it wast the fan or pump continuing to run after I got off the bike. I'm thinking they did not get that radiator cap back on correctly. There hasn't been a problem with it since 2017, but all of a sudden, nothing showing in the tank reservoir. There are no signs of leaking, so I'm thinking it has to be the cap. Hopefully nothing wrong in the heads!! Wish me luck, and thanks again for showing how to properly bleed the air out!
Glad you found the video useful. 👍
It is highly unlikely that anything is wrong with the heads, what is more likely, as you mentioned, is that the radiator cap was not installed correctly.
It is definitely a chore to get it installed correctly...not a lot of space to work with, and you can just push down and twist...gotta hold the rubber hose while doing that, all in that small area.
@@DKCustomProducts After bleeding the way you said, I went for about a 60 mile run into town and back, no over heating issues and the antifreeze level remained full. Thanks for these awesome videos!
@@Big88Country Good deal, man! Thanks for watching! Ride safe!
@@DKCustomProducts So far so good! Rode it the last few days and the antifreeze is holding. There was air in the system, but using y'alls video, I got it out and all is good to go! Thank you and Ride Safe Fellas!
Thanks you guys. This is real helpful
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for commenting! MB
My 2016 ultra limited low water pump failed thankfully I was in town the dealer told me they had pump failures I think 2014 ,2016, they replaced it with a up graded pump 600.00 h.d. Bucks 😢but I to never flushed the system that probably didn’t help it crapped out at 60 k .thanks for the video 😊
Wow, bummer about the pump.
Glad you found the video useful. 👍
Very good tec. tip for sure. Kevin, just like you I had a 2014 and now have the 2018 and have never give it a thought about coolant. Sorry it happened on your trip but again thanks for the info.
Cool, glad it was useful.
The '14 was my first wethead, and the coolant level never changed, never had any issues whatsoever with the system. Since I was sort of put off by having a water-cooled Harley I'm thinking that influenced me never taking any time to learn about it. lol
Well, I had to learn about it on this trip. Am glad I did now.
Over the years there have been a few folks that had hot running bikes where we could never figure out why...it really does not take much of an air bubble to bump that temp up 30-40 degrees. Even if the coolant overflow tank is not low, if the coolant was filled and not all the air bled out of the pressurized system...that is all it takes.
Wet head... Gotta luv it.
I have a 2015 road glide, the hoses were in a little different position, but not very difficult. I did follow the overflow tubing, the one from the radiator cap goes to the bottom of the tank and then a tube runs from the top of the tank down to the bottom of the bike. My cap was not put on correctly during the last service, but the leak just caused loss of pressure in the system. Temperature did get high and the coolant reservoir tank lost fluid overtime. But no bubbles, lucky
Man, I am glad that it didn't cause any worse problems.
I make it a necessity, if someone else does maintenance on my bike, to check all caps and anything they may have loosened or changed.
Thanks for commenting! 👍
Hoses in a different position? Are you still running the original (defective) style water pump? If so, get it upgraded to the post 2018 pump before it craps out on you.
Did a full coolant flush just recently and had an annoying coolant leak afterwards. Problem was the hose clamp that secures to the radiator cap. Replaced with a worm drive type hose clamp and leak fixed. The OEM hose clamp isn’t the best.
I hate you had that leak, but I am glad that you got it figured out and are able to ride! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
Do you have to leak off from the bottom even if the coolant is empty ? Thank you again
Yes the bleed helps get all the air bubbles out. If you do not get the air bubbles out it will run hot. If it is empty and you put coolant in it it will have air bubbles and the bleed will be necessary.
Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
@@DKCustomProducts thank you
You are most welcome! MB
Harley dealer in Brazil dont have genuine coolant. The spec used is a regular OAT (organic) from Motul, like the Peak.
Good tip, thank you!
Great video , does the white tank get drained also when u pull the lines off ..
The reservoir is only connected to the rest of the system when the engine is running and the coolant system is under pressure, that is why it did not drain out of the reservoir when we drained the system.
If you are low in the reservoir, but not so low that air has been introduced into the closed, pressurized system, then you do not need to bleed the system, you can just add to the reservoir, bringing it up to the line on the reservoir tank, and you're good.
Thank you for commenting! MB
Thanks for the informative video!
Glad you found it interesting/useful. 👍
Thank you for the comment.
Awsome video, are the same steps for a 2017 M8 107?
Thank you, glad you found the video useful. 👍
Yes, steps are the same for the Twin Cooled 107.
So do you siphon old antifreeze out of reservoir? Didnt see you take it out in video
No you just open the caps , unhooks the hoses, and drain the fluid out. He shows how he does it starting at the 7 minute mark.
Thank you for commenting! MB
Thank you for this video
Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 👍 MB
Dose the water pump run on that half throttle when the fans are on can't get the pump to run
Yes, the pump is actuated, that is how it pumps the coolant thru and purges the air out of the system, as seen at the 20:19 mark in this video.
If the pump is not running, I would be checking wiring, connections, fuse, etc. Pumps can get expensive unless you are covered by a warranty (OEM or Extended).
KP
Thanks Kevin very well explained
Thank you! 👍
thank you for the video. I have a coolant leak that I need to get fixed and also I need to flush the system on a 21 road glide limited any tips thank you.
Drain it out, like shown in the video. Then, if you want to flush every last bit, reconnect one hose at the pump, put some fresh coolant in the reservoir, then activate the pump, as shown in the video, with the throttle, and pump out all of the coolant out of the hose you left disconnected.
Most important tip is to get all the air bubbles out, as shown in the video.
Thanks for commenting! KP
Can it be done the same way on a 107 ultra limited ? Do you have to raise the back tire ? Thank you
It can be done on all the Twin Cooled Bikes. On your two wheel Ultra Limited you only need to have it on the Jiffy stand. It can not be straight up. When just doing a bleed, or when replacing the coolant (which requires a bleed at the end), by having the right side of the bike higher than the left side it will assist the air bubbles in escaping the system. They escape out of the radiator cap.
Thank you for commenting! 👍 MB
@@DKCustomProducts thank you much appreciate
You are most welcome! Thank you for commenting! MB
Does water pump make any noise or vibrate when you're doing a bleed? When I manually start the fans/pump with the throttle , it looks like my pump is not working at all.
As you can see at the 21:21 mark in the video, you will hear the fans, and the way you know if the pump is pumping is that you will see the coolant moving and/or bubbling in the filler neck. If it is not, then put your hand down on the water pump and see if you can feel it turning.
Thanks for commenting! 😎 KP
I have a fairly newly 2019 Touring Service Manual and the lifting of the front & rear is in it .
Yep, page 7-10
Were you able to get the full quart of antifreeze in there?
No, as mentioned in the video it takes less than 1 quart. According to the 2019 manual (other years may be different) it takes .8 of a quart, excluding the overflow tank. Even with the overflow tank, it does not take a full quart.
Thanks for commenting!
Great video....Thanks Very well explained
Thank you. Good to hear it was useful.
I had low coolant with just 600 miles on my 20 Triglide. Dealer thought it was faulty 2 stage cap as the motor company had reports of some. They replaced cap, problem solved. Possibly same with yours.
Possibly. I'm keeping an eye on the coolant level. So far it's been 1400 miles and the level has not moved.
Do I have to go through the bleeding process if I just add coolant ie: just removing the overflow tank cap
Only need to bleed if there is air in the system. If your tank is not empty (and has not been empty), then it is unlikely there is air in the system, and it does not need to be bled.
Top shelve... We don't need no stinking speical harley tool !!! Tkx. man.
👍 Glad it was helpful.
I had problems the coolant poured out after stopping the engine. I think the coolant 2 step cap is the problem so I ordered a new one. And while waiting for the new i sprayed on silicone on the rubber in the cap. And also blowed the radiator with air from the back to the front. That solved the problem.
Hate you had a problem. Glad you got it fixed. Thank you for commenting! MB
Have you had any issues with the pump breaking apart on the inside? If so is it common? I have a check engine light and a coolant light on my 2016 limited, just had it at the dealer for a 10,000 mile check up / oil change. They cleared to codes and told me to make another appt. and charged me 396 bucks for basically a oil change. I saw a video here where one part on the inside of the pump exploded, I have a code P1019, ECT Difference (high temp)....? Do I change the cooland and go, or should I get a new pump? Thanks for all your video's, I plan to get your air intake set up in the next couple days. The mechanic said drive it, it's the radio antanna????
I am on my second bike with a water pump and have not had a problem with the pump. However, they are plastic and more than a few have failed on the road.
P1019 ECT Difference (high temp)
Possible causes:
ECT sensor malfunction.
No air flow through radiators.
Low or no coolant in system.
Could also be wiring, cooling pump or ECM
That code is not an antenna code.
If the pump is running when you test it, and you see the liquid moving in the overflow tank, then I would change the fluid and look and see if there are any plastic parts in it. If there are not, and the fluid is flowing, then it would seem that you pump is good.
Appreciate your business, I think you will be well pleased with any of our intakes.
@@DKCustomProducts I called HD and got a case #, they told me to take it to a dealer and have it checked again, they may or may not pay for labor and parts for the water pump conversion? Have a appt for next week. I can't wait to get your transformer and 828 installed. Going to order it later today or tommorow am. Thanks for all the tips.
Has anyone tried engine ice or water wetter to help reduce temps? I’ve used in cars and dirt bikes to help with the heat. Thanks for another great video!
We have not tried or heard of anyone trying the engine ice, but since the twin cooled bikes only have coolant going around the exhaust valve it does not do much to cool down the over all engine anyways.
P.S.
If the engine ice does do a good job of drastically cooling down small area that the coolant runs through on the exhaust valve and not the entire engine I would be concerned about it making the metal around the exhaust valve too cool against the rest of the engine running too hot and causing a head to crack or warp.
Here is a video that you may find interesting/helpful - ruclips.net/video/wRRtRYWm5rw/видео.html
Here is a video on a common sense approach to cooling down your bike that you may also find useful/interesting - ruclips.net/video/CAcF0T-Cs3E/видео.html
Thank you for commenting! MB
Great video and information
Thank you, glad you found it useful. 👍
What kind? Of peak did you use not worried about warranty here lol
I am sorry, I do not remember. I do remember doing a google search to see what was compatible with the HD brand coolant.
Yes, it is PEAK global lifetime 50/50
I just checked the level of the coolant on my 2021 Ultra and the level was at the level of the hose at the bottom, no where near the cold line. So I added some fluid but since I couldn't take the filler cap off I added it to the reservoir...Now after trying again and again I finally got the filler cap out and at my cousins insistence I added to there till it spilled (added about 1/2 inch of fluid from the cold line) turned the fans on but I couldn't see any bubbles at all. Question: how do I know if my pump is actually working! Thanks!
At the 20:08 mark in the video, when you follow those instructions, it turns the fans on and the water pump. When you hear the fans go on, put your hand on the water pump. You should feel it pumping...but if you have no movement in the coolant, it is likely the pump is not working.
KP
@@DKCustomProducts Thanks I'll try to feel the pump. Rode it today after making sure the level was at the mark and it was cooler, but that could be my brain, he,he!
My Pleasure!!! Thank you for commenting! MB
@@DKCustomProducts Just tried the "bleeding" procedure and the pump does vibrate, but the noise if it makes it gets drown by the noise of the fans!
Hopefully it is working correctly and there are no air bubbles. MB
Good stuff, as usual.
Thank you! 👍
Does the coolant in the reserve count toward the 1.1 quarts. If so whats it hold. I got the first about 22 Oz in easily and I Been burping can't get anymore in and reserve is full
I do not pay attention to total amount of coolant. What is more important is to repeat the bleed process (with the Trike at an angle, or a 2 wheel bike, with it on the jiffy stand) as needed to get rid of all the air bubbles.
What is the operating temperature?
I am not sure what bike you have but it takes about 30 -45 minutes of straight riding to get a bike to operating temps.
For a Twin Cam 230* F everyday warm weather riding, with no more than 240* F in extreme circumstances.
For a M8 260* F everyday warm weather riding, with no more than 270* F in extreme circumstances.
Thank you for commenting! MB
How do you get the coolant cap off ?
Push down on the cap and twist, while holding the filler neck in place with the other hand.
Awesome video thank you
Thank you, good to hear you found it useful.
Great information…..thanks.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment. 👍
Good information.
Thanks 👍
How do you remove the radiator cap. Do I have to push down on the cap to get it to come off, just like a cars radiator cap ???
Yes. Push and twist at the same time. It can be difficult, I had to hold the flexible neck with one hand while pushing and twisting with the other.
thanks! great video!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed!
Laugh all you want at my question ( it may have been asked ) how did you remove the cover where the radiator cap was ? You did it so fast I really couldn’t see …. Mine is a 2023 ultra .. thanks
Pry it off with your fingers, or a plastic tire fork. It pops out...held in at all for corners with spring clips...just pull on one side till one of the corners comes loose, then get the other corners to pop out.
KP
Thank you good video.
Thank you! 👍
Today I attempted the operation on my 2014 trike but when I removed the pump cover inside it looks different. I ended up removing only the biggest rubber tube which attaches to the pump
Yeah, over the years they've had a few different water pump configurations. As long as you followed the instructions in the manual for your bike you should be fine.
Do you need to change fluid in the left and right radiators.
They are connected, and there is only a cap and overflow on the right side. When you drain at the bottom, it drains both of them. When you fill at the top, on the right, it fills both of them. Make sure to bleed all the air out, as shown in the video.
@@DKCustomProducts thanks for getting back.
Question: Can you add coolant while the pump is running?
Yes. We did show that in the video around the 21:56 mark.
When you first noticed that the coolant level was low, could you have just filled it up to the level? Would that have cured the problem, especially if you had tightened the radiator cap to where it should have been?
Absolutely. I was a dumbass for not doing that!
@@DKCustomProducts Well, just think. You made this AWSOME video so we all could learn from it! And THAT is why you guys rock! Thank You So Much!
@@bobgelder5086 Thanks! Yeah, it was a learning experience for sure...and one that we were able to share about. Glad you enjoyed!
@@DKCustomProducts Great video, thank you. I just noticed I have a coolant leak but not sure where from. Thinking it could be a hose. Gonna take a closer look at it, but a couple questions. 1st how come the coolant never drained out of the reservoir when you drained the coolant? 2nd if you could have just added some coolant when it was below the line like stated above do you need to bleed it when adding because it was below the line? 3rd if it is low and u just want to add coolant do you add it in to the reservoir or into the hose like you added it into the video? Thanks for your help and time.
@@samrohde8279 The reservoir is only connected to the rest of the system when the engine is running and the coolant system is under pressure, that is why it did not drain out of the reservoir when we drained the system.
Yes, I was a dumbass and did not add coolant to the reservoir when I noticed it was low. If I had done that (and tightened the radiator cap well), I would have never had the problem.
If you are low in the reservoir, but not so low that air has been introduced into the closed, pressurized system, then you do not need to bleed the system, you can just add to the reservoir, bringing it up to the line on the reservoir tank, and you're good.
Thank you for the comment and questions.
Thanks!
No problem, glad you like the video! Thanks for commenting! 👍 MB
Talking about coolant, where is the oil cooler on a 2022 triglide?
There is not an oil cooler stock on a 2022 Triglide!
No oil cooler... I bought a 2015 Ultra, and the VERY FIRST thing I added was an oil cooler! If you want a great one and are willing to spend the money, go with Oil Bud. They are not cheap, but (I think) well worth the money. I have one on my 15 Ultra, and put one on my 2010 Dyna too.
I don't think I could get the cap off of mine if I wanted to. '18 CVO Ultra Limited
Gotta hold the neck with one hand, and push HARD down and twist at the same time with the other. It can be a booger to remove....don't do it while hot.
Did you guys find an alternative to the harley coolant?
@@Bartman1 We did. I do not remember the name of it...we ended up using the HD branded coolant.
Thank you
You're welcome! Thanks for commenting! MB
I think that if I could delete that coolant system and replace those radiators and fans with 2 oil coolers the cooling problem would be taken care of.......
Thanks for the comment. Interesting theory. You may be right. HD has done something similar (minus the coolers) with the M8 Softail and some of the Touring models.
However, since that oil only circulates around the exhaust valves, there are still big chunks of the engine that have no cooling other than air. Here are a couple of interesting videos on the subject-
ruclips.net/video/h7EdjR8l8Ag/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/HC-Z_rZtY9c/видео.html
My question is how to get that damn radiator cap off. The only radiator cap in my 60 yrs of doing crap by myself and can’t get it.
Finally got the damn thing off after reaching behind fan holding hose and pressing downward hard as I could and twisting. Nothing is easy.
I am sorry you had trouble with the Radiator Cap.
Yes things are definitely not as easy as they use to be.
Glad that you got it off! Thanks for commenting! 😎
How can the system be Black if the coolant is Red ❤😂
😂😂😂😂
Kevin, sorry to hear about another trip ruined.
Oh, nothing ruined. We had a great day....just a little break in it to fix a problem that would not have existed if I had done it right from the start. lol
Here is a link to a Ride Report that has tons of photo's, with more being added each week, of the spectacular riding and scenery.
www.hdforums.com/forum/road-trips/1345907-ride-report-during-covid-13-states-and-some-spectacular-riding.html
It’s called vapor lock old school
Vapor lock is generally referred to fuel in a fuel system changing from liquid to vapor.
Airlock is what happens in a coolant system, when aire gets trapped in the system and blocks the normal flow of coolant.
Very closely related, but not quite the same thing, albeit similar results.
Thank you for commenting! KP
Great video thanks .. hit sub button 👍👍
Awesome! Glad you like the video and thank you for subscribing and for commenting! 👍 MB
Audio needs to be louder...
Thanks, we have improved the audio quite a bit since this one. Apologize that this one was not loud enough.
Why I watched this... I'm not sure. I have a 2016 FXDLS
lol, yeah Tyler...maybe you watched because it is such a curiosity that HD has water cooled engines...or maybe you watched with satisfaction that you do not have one. ROFL. It is crazy, decades of riding and I never thought I would have a water cooled Harley!