Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Information for Coolant

To protect the cooling system (consisting of the aluminum engine and radiator) from rust and corrosion, the use of corrosion and rust inhibitor chemicals in the coolant is essential. If coolant containing corrosion and rust inhibitor chemicals are not used, over a period of time, the cooling system accumulates rust and scale in the water jacket and radiator. This will clog up the coolant passages, and considerably reduce the efficiency of the cooling system.

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

NOTICE

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

If the lowest ambient temperature encountered falls below the freezing point of water, use permanent antifreeze in the coolant to protect the cooling system against engine and radiator freeze -up, as well as from rust and corrosion.

Use a permanent type of antifreeze (soft water and ethylene glycol plus corrosion and rust inhibitor chemicals for aluminum engines and radiators) in the cooling system. On the mixture ratio of coolant, choose the suitable one referring to the relation between freezing point and strength directed on the container.

NOTICE

Permanent types of antifreeze on the market have anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties. When it is diluted excessively, it loses its anti-corrosion property. Dilute a permanent type of antifreeze in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.

NOTE

• A permanent type of antifreeze is installed in the cooling system when shipped. It is colored green and contains ethylene glycol. It is mixed at 50% and has the freezing point of –35°C (–31°F).