Radiator change

[jlw]

Evening all - new to the forum so hi!

I've just bought an RVF, which is in much need of some visual TLC. Hoping that it's mechanically fine, but I think the rad will need replacing (along with the fairing too - ouch).

Is a rad replacement a relatively simple task (assuming you have the right tools)? I won't be able to afford paying a mechanic to do it, but don't want to start something incredibly complex!

Cheers in advance for any help.

Jay.

[alexwitham]

Remove fairings, drain coolant, remove necessary hoses, undo bolts, remove radiator. Fitting the new one is the reverse.
2 hour job max.

[jlw]

Perfect - thanks for letting me know.

Think I'll give it a go.

Cheers.

[skinnydog0_0]

Get yourself a haynes manual if you dont already have one, they are worth their weight in gold

[jlw]

I don't but I'm bidding on one on Ebay as I write this.

Looking forward to some bedtime reading.

Cheers!

[jlw]

Further to this (and even with the Haynes manual), I'm having difficulty identifying the upper coolant drain plug.

Can some bright spark point me in the right direction? I think the Haynes book is using VFR images, which is probably where the confusion is arising!

[CRM]

piece of piss me old china.
remove fairings, and undo the 10mm headed bolt from the water pump (bottom left on the bike near the sidestand), all the coolant will drain away once you have undone the rad cap all over your feet just before next doors cat comes and laps it all up while you quickly try to hose it all down and remove the evidence.

[jlw]

Is there only one plug for the whole system then? Thanks for your help :)

[CRM]

no problem cheif, yes thats the main drain plug. it should have a small copper crush washer behind it so be easy to spot. seriously only takes 2 mins to drain the system.
hope that helps squire

if new to the delights on V4 ownership, then take the liberty of swopping the front spark plugs out too while your rads are off.
saves getting NC rash* on your knuckles later on





* when you skin your knuckles on the front rad trying to change the plugs

[jlw]

Perfect - thanks mate...