The cooling radiator is a crucial component of your Street Triple 675, responsible for maintaining optimal engine temperatures. However, over time, radiators can become clogged or damaged, compromising their cooling efficiency. If you’re experiencing engine overheating or coolant leaks, it’s time to consider replacing your radiator. Replacing the cooling radiator on a Street Triple 675 is a relatively straightforward task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and a bit of patience. First, you’ll need to drain the coolant from the radiator and disconnect the hoses. Next, you’ll need to remove the radiator from the bike, which involves unbolting it from the frame and carefully lifting it out. Once the old radiator is removed, you can install the new one by reversing the removal process. Finally, you’ll need to refill the coolant and bleed the system to remove any air bubbles. Replacing the cooling radiator on a Street Triple 675 is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and a bit of patience. By following these steps, you can ensure that your bike stays cool and running smoothly for years to come.
Removing the Old Radiator
Before delving into the steps, it’s crucial to ensure safety. Allow the engine to cool down completely to prevent burns. Once the engine has cooled, let’s dive into the detailed process of removing the old radiator:
1. Disconnect the Battery
Locate the battery terminals and disconnect them. Use a wrench to loosen the negative terminal bolt first, followed by the positive terminal bolt. These steps will prevent any electrical shorts during the radiator removal process.
2. Remove the Fairings
The fairings on your Street Triple 675 cover the radiator. Remove the side fairings, top fairing, and air ducts by unbolting them with a socket wrench. Be mindful not to damage the fairing clips. Carefully lift off the fairings to expose the radiator.
3. Drain the Coolant
Beneath the radiator, identify the drain plug. Place a drain pan under the plug to collect the coolant. Use a socket wrench to slightly loosen the drain plug and let the coolant drain out. Once the coolant has been drained, tighten the drain plug back into place.
| Tools Needed for Draining Coolant |
|---|
| - Socket wrench |
| - Drain pan |
Installing the New Radiator
Now that the old radiator has been removed, it’s time to install the new one. Begin by aligning the new radiator with the mounting brackets on the frame. Once aligned, secure the radiator using the supplied bolts and washers.
Next, connect the coolant hoses to the new radiator. Ensure that the hoses are securely tightened to prevent leaks.
Fill the radiator with coolant and then start the engine. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes to circulate the coolant throughout the system. As the engine cools, check for any leaks around the radiator or hoses.
Additional Details for Connecting Hoses:
When connecting the coolant hoses to the radiator, it’s crucial to ensure a leak-proof seal. To achieve this:
- Inspect the hose ends for any damage or cracks.
- Lubricate the hose ends with a silicone-based lubricant to facilitate insertion.
- Push the hose firmly onto the radiator nipple, ensuring it is fully seated.
- Tighten the hose clamp evenly to provide a secure connection without overtightening.
After following these steps, you can be confident that the coolant hoses are properly connected and will not leak.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Align the new radiator with the mounting brackets. |
| 2 | Secure the radiator using the supplied bolts and washers. |
| 3 | Connect the coolant hoses to the new radiator. |
| 4 | Tighten the hose clamps evenly to provide a secure connection without overtightening. |
Reinstalling the Fairings
Step 1: Install the Upper Fairing
Align the upper fairing with the mounting points on the frame. Insert the locating pins into the corresponding holes. Secure the fairing with bolts and nuts, tightening them to the specified torque.
Step 2: Attach the Side Fairings
Position the side fairings over the upper fairing. Locate the mounting points and insert the bolts through the holes. Tighten the bolts to the recommended torque value.
Step 3: Install the Tank Fairing
Align the tank fairing with the fuel tank and frame. Insert the mounting bolts and tighten them securely. Ensure that the fairing is properly aligned and fits snugly against the fuel tank.
Step 4: Replace the Seat and Cowl
Reinstall the seat on the bike and secure it with the bolts. Position the rear cowl over the seat and attach it using the mounting bolts. Tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque settings.
Step 5: Connect Electrical Components
| Component | Connector Location |
|---|---|
| Headlight | Upper fairing |
| Turn Signals | Side fairings |
| Tail Light | Rear cowl |
| Connect all the electrical components according to their respective connectors. Ensure that the connections are secure and free from any loose wires. |
Adding Fresh Coolant
Once the radiator is replaced, it’s time to add fresh coolant. Use a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water, as specified in your motorcycle’s manual. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
Filling the Radiator
Carefully pour the coolant mixture into the radiator through the filler neck. Fill it to the brim, taking care not to overfill it. Use a funnel to minimize spills.
Bleeding the System
With the radiator cap off, start the motorcycle and let it run for a few minutes. As the engine warms up, air bubbles will escape from the system. Top up the coolant as needed to keep the radiator full.
Testing the System
Once the air bubbles have been expelled, tighten the radiator cap securely. Check the coolant level again after riding for a short distance to ensure there are no leaks.
Monitoring Coolant Levels
As part of your regular motorcycle maintenance, periodically check the coolant level. If it’s low, top it up with a mixture of antifreeze and distilled water as needed. Refer to your motorcycle’s manual for the recommended coolant replacement interval.
| Coolant Mixture | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Antifreeze | 50% |
| Distilled Water | 50% |
Checking for Leaks
Inspecting your cooling system for leaks is crucial to maintain optimal cooling performance. Here are the steps to check for leaks:
- Preparation: Park the motorcycle on level ground and let the engine cool down completely.
- Visual Inspection: Check the entire cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, water pump, and connections, for any visible leaks or corrosion. Look for signs of coolant residue or drips.
- Pressure Test: Use a radiator pressure tester to pressurize the cooling system. This will help identify any leaks under pressure. Connect the tester to the radiator and pump air into the system until it reaches the specified test pressure (typically around 15 psi).
- Observe for Leaks: Leave the system pressurized for a period of time and observe for any leaks. If there are leaks, you will notice coolant dripping or spraying from the leaking area.
- Inspect the Radiator: If coolant is leaking from the radiator, it may be due to a damaged tube, end tank, or leak in the core. Inspect the radiator closely for any visible damage.
- Check the Hoses: Examine the radiator hoses for any cracks, bulges, or leaks. Squeeze the hoses to check for any weakness or brittleness.
- Inspect the Water Pump: Look for leaks around the water pump seals or gaskets. A leaking water pump can contaminate the coolant with oil.
- Check Connections: Ensure all connections between the radiator, hoses, and engine are tight and secure. Loose connections can lead to leaks.
Inspecting the Thermostat
Inspecting the thermostat is crucial because a faulty one could be restricting coolant flow or not opening promptly to allow coolant into the cooling system when the engine reaches its operating temperature. To inspect the thermostat:
- Remove the thermostat using a wrench or socket. The thermostat is typically located in the engine’s cylinder head or water pump housing. Consult your motorcycle’s service manual for the exact location.
- Inspect the thermostat for any visible damage, such as cracks or leaks. If any damage is observed, replace the thermostat with a new one.
- Submerge the thermostat in a pan of boiling water. If the thermostat opens promptly and allows water to flow through, it is functioning properly. If it remains closed or opens slowly, the thermostat is faulty and should be replaced.
- Test the thermostat’s opening temperature using a thermometer. Bring the water in the pan to the thermostat’s rated opening temperature. The thermostat should open when the water reaches this temperature. If it does not, replace the thermostat.
- Clean the thermostat housing and gasket surface before installing the new thermostat. This will ensure a proper seal.
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine overheating | Thermostat stuck closed | Replace the thermostat |
| Engine running cold | Thermostat stuck open | Replace the thermostat |
| Coolant leaks at the thermostat housing | Worn or damaged thermostat gasket | Replace the thermostat gasket |
How to Change the Cooling Radiator of a Street Triple 675
A motorcycle’s cooling radiator is a crucial component for regulating engine temperature. Over time, radiators can become damaged or inefficient, leading to overheating issues. This guide will provide a step-by-step process on how to change the cooling radiator on a Street Triple 675.
Materials Required:
- New cooling radiator
- Radiator hose clamps
- Socket wrench set
- Screwdriver
- Coolant
Instructions:
- Drain the coolant: Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator and place a drain pan beneath it. Loosen the drain plug and allow the coolant to fully drain.
- Disconnect the radiator hoses: Use a socket wrench to loosen the hose clamps and disconnect the radiator hoses from the radiator.
- Remove the radiator: Unbolt the mounting bolts that secure the radiator to the frame and carefully lift the radiator out.
- Install the new radiator: Position the new radiator in place and tighten the mounting bolts.
- Reconnect the radiator hoses: Attach the radiator hoses to the radiator and tighten the hose clamps.
- Fill with coolant: Use a funnel to pour the appropriate amount of coolant into the radiator.
- Bleed the cooling system: Start the motorcycle and let it run for a while with the radiator cap off. As air bubbles escape, top up the coolant level if necessary.
- Tighten the radiator cap: Once the cooling system is bled, tighten the radiator cap securely.
People Also Ask
How often should I change the cooling radiator on my Street Triple 675?
The frequency of radiator changes depends on several factors, including riding conditions and maintenance practices. As a general rule, it is recommended to inspect the radiator annually and replace it if any damage or corrosion is present.
What are the signs of a faulty cooling radiator?
Overheating is the most common symptom of a faulty cooling radiator. Other signs include leaking coolant, visible damage to the radiator, or decreased cooling efficiency.
Can I flush the cooling radiator instead of replacing it?
While flushing the cooling radiator can help remove debris and improve cooling efficiency, it is not a permanent solution for a damaged or inefficient radiator. Replacing the radiator is necessary if it cannot be repaired.