I noticed that the coolant in my reserve tank is empty but my radiator still has coolant in it. Will filling the reserve tank with a different type of coolant mess it up. I have engine ice coolant in there right now. I found a bottle of prestone coolant in my garage, would that be ok to use?

 

I wouldnt suggest it, exspecially if they have different types of glycol in them. If they are not compatable, you will end up with a gel like substance floating around in your coolant and it could potentially plug up your radiator. Most likely, the prestone green stuff is not compatable with engine ice.

If your only down the amount in your coolant bottle. I would suggest just adding some distilled water. You will probably have enough engine ice coolant to not offset of the mixture enough to matter. Besides, being in florida, you don't have to worry about sub zero temperatures, and the coolant will still be plenty strong enough to keep the cooling effects. Engine ice is pre deluted, and they use deionized water in their mix, but distilled water is very close. the only thing you are trying to do is remove any and all impurities from the water before its put in. Just dont use tap water or spring water, you want distilled.

The other thing I would suggest is to find out where the leak is. You shouldn't be loosing coolant.

 

hmm good to know - I thought all coolant was the same for the most part and could be mixed.
I haven't ever done it, but I wouldn't think not to.

 

I appreciate the insight. The leak was coming from where the coolant hose met the radiator. When I did the coolant flush I did not tighten the hose down enough. It got hot and was starting to leak. In your opinion would it be ok to use the Prestone by itself in the bike if I were to do the coolant again in the future?