Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Coolant Change

• Remove: Upper Fairing Assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly Removal in the Frame chapter) Radiator Cap [A]

Remove the radiator cap in two steps. First turn the cap counterclockwise to the first stop. Then push and turn it further in the same direction and remove the cap.

• Place a container under the drain bolt [A] of the water pump cover.
• Drain the coolant from the radiator by removing the drain bolt.

• Remove: Coolant Reserve Tank Mounting Bolt [A] Cap [B]
• Pour the coolant into a container.
• Install the coolant reserve tank [C].
• Tighten the drain bolt with new gasket.

Torque - Coolant Drain Bolt (Water Pump): 9.8 N·m (1.0 kgf·m, 87 in·lb)

• Fill the radiator up to the filler neck [A] with coolant, and install the radiator cap.

NOTE

Pour in the coolant slowly so that it can expel the air from the engine and radiator.

• Fill the reserve tank up to the “F” level line with coolant, and install the cap (see Coolant Level Inspection).

NOTICE

Soft or distilled water must be used with the antifreeze (see below for antifreeze) in the cooling system.

If hard water is used in the system, it causes scales accumulation in the water passages, and considerably reduces the efficiency of the cooling system.

Water and Coolant Mixture Ratio (Recommended)

Soft Water: 50%

Coolant: 50%

Freezing Point: –35°C (–31°F)

Total Amount: 2.6 L (2.7 US qt)

NOTE

Choose a suitable mixture ratio by referring to the coolant manufacturer’s directions.

• Bleed the air from the cooling system as follows.

Start the engine with the radiator cap removed and run it until no more air bubbles [A] can be seen in the coolant.

Tap the radiator hoses to force any air bubbles caught inside.

Stop the engine and add coolant up to the radiator filler neck.

• Install the radiator cap.
• Start the engine, warm it up thoroughly until the radiator fan turns on and then stop the engine.
• Check the coolant level in the reserve tank after the engine cools down.

If the coolant level is lower than the “L” level line, add coolant to the “F” level line (see Coolant Level Inspection).

NOTICE

Do not add more coolant above the “F” level line.