Advice needed!!

[justanotherdude]

Hi, im a complete novice with mopeds and own a gilera dna 125. Its a four stroke liquid cooled engine...

Wondering if anyone could advise me as to what liquid should be put in? How much? And also where i can get it from etc...

I have just had the carb and clutch replaced and it seemed to be really warm when riding which i have never had before!

I believe the liquid needs topping up but no idea what it has to be topped up with, and really do not want to fork out on another service!!

Would really appreciate some help...

Thanks...

[TheExcession]

Chances are it's just the hot weather causing it to get hot, it' sunlikely that it needs extra coolant unless you've spotted a leak.

Still, it's best to check, likely there might be an expansion tank (white plastic like bottle) somewhere with some tubes going into it. look under the seat or in the front fairing, or follow some of the hoses fro mthe radiator.

This bottle MAY have some level marks on the side of it - if so you need to ensure that the liquid level is in the right place.

Some bikes however don't routinely have coolant liquid in their expansion tanks. In this case you need to find the equivalent of the radiator cap. Normally on a bike it isn't actually on the radiator - too difficult to get at, so again you will need to traces the hoses at the radiator to find it. When you do DON'T OPEN IT WITH THE ENGINE HOT!!!! The system will be under pressure and you stand a good chance of getting severley scolded.

Check the level when the engine is cold, likely it will have blue or green coloured liquid in it - this is the antifreeze. I reckon you'll be ok topping up with tap water if it only requires a bit of fluid though others may disagree and suggest distilled water of new antifreeze.

Hope that helps.
best
Ex

ETA: Though in fairness, any bike shop should be able to show you how to check this free of charge, it's a 2 minute job

Edited by TheExcession on Friday 9th June 00:58

[justanotherdude]

Hi there,

There is a white bottle under the false petrol tank/ helmet compartment. I thought it was the heat (weather) too at first, however riding it later on, it was cool weather and the centre was pretty cold, until i rode it for around 3 miles after which i could feel alot of heat.

Prior to the carb and choke being replaced there was a leak, the liquid seemed to be of a oily appearance but was not oil, and taking it to collins colin they never did establish what the leak was... There was a leak coming out of a pipe under the tank before i took it in, but since they replaced the carb/choke the leak, never reappeared!

So sorry, I should check the levels of the liquid coolant? If low refill with either distilled water or antifreeze? Would use tap water but as everyone knows Dna's are some what temperamental! and any excuse for them to break down is welcomed by the engine!!!

Thanks for your reply though, feel like a bit of a muppet not knowing this since i have owned 4 liquid cooled mopeds!

[justanotherdude]

If i can also add... the bike seems to be showing up half way in terms of temp on display, so i am really confused as that is normal! I would have thought if it was the coolant then the engine would be overheating and i would see it have some effect on the temp?

[donteatpeople]

If the carb has been replaced it is possible the fuel mixture is slightly more lean (more air less fuel) which will cause the engine to run hotter. I would still check the fluid levels just incase there is a problem but if you cant find anything wrong and its only half way up the temp gauge I wouldn’t worry about it. If you are concerned speak to a dealer they should be able to tell you what’s normal.