Coolant recommendations for Varg MX 1.0. G1 to G2 cooling conversion kit

[Luigic81]

Hi,

I just picked up my Varg MX 1.0 (used) I ordered the G1 to G2 cooling conversion kit to try and be proactive about any cooling issues or air getting in the cooling system. What Coolant is recommended? The manual is pretty vague, anything with Glycol essentially. I ride MX only and I'm a C class vet rider. I have some of the Orange Engine Ice that I used in my SXS around, I also have regular Prestone automotive coolant. What all is suggested? Thanks!

 

[SteveBaum]

I’m interested in the answer to this as well. I have to burp/ bleed my EX cooling system & ‘glycol‘ based leaves a lot of options. I’d prefer to top it off w/ whatever is already in there.

 

[Theo]

Well, what we find in our radiators and what we see in Stark's YouTube videos is a pink/purple coolant. This typically indicates some kind of Organic Acid Technology type of coolant.
Unless Stark theirselves tell us what coolant is in there -and maybe their SAM chatbot can help- I think that we can only replace the coolant entirely to be sure that it doesn't react weirdly to what is already in there and flushing the system a little, too may also be a good idea.
Another idea is to ask some dealer what coolant they use when they reassemble the bikes after motors replacements.
One could wonder whether some parts, like the frame of the motor, are made up of some special materials that need special coolants but then I assume that Stark would have specified it better.

I’d prefer to top it off w/ whatever is already in there.

There should be no need to top it off since there is no vent hose and the coolant is expected to just be roughly at the same level all the time when the motor is not heated from usage.

 

[Luigic81]

Well, what we find in our radiators and what we see in Stark's YouTube videos is a pink/purple coolant. This typically indicates some kind of Organic Acid Technology type of coolant.
Unless Stark theirselves tell us what coolant is in there -and maybe their SAM chatbot can help- I think that we can only replace the coolant entirely to be sure that it doesn't react weirdly to what is already in there and flushing the system a little, too may also be a good idea.
Another idea is to ask some dealer what coolant they use when they reassemble the bikes after motors replacements.
One could wonder whether some parts, like the frame of the motor, are made up of some special materials that need special coolants but then I assume that Stark would have specified it better.


There should be no need to top it off since there is no vent hose and the coolant is expected to just be roughly at the same level all the time when the motor is not heated from usage.

Thanks.

I tried SAM AI but no help, I just emailed support at Stark, I'll post their answer here.

Cheers,

 

[Chaconne]

Generally I think you are safe to use a coolant of the same color. In the coolant bleed video they use pink coolant and you should be safe to top off with the same color. Typically with coolants these days it is recommended to not mix colors, mostly due to gaskets and seals rather than specific heat protection issues. And if you are replacing the coolant any pink coolant should work.

BTW many of the major US brands have pink that is specifically noted for European/Asian vehicles:

 

[Chaconne]

Hi,

I just picked up my Varg MX 1.0 (used) I ordered the G1 to G2 cooling conversion kit to try and be proactive about any cooling issues or air getting in the cooling system. What Coolant is recommended? The manual is pretty vague, anything with Glycol essentially. I ride MX only and I'm a C class vet rider. I have some of the Orange Engine Ice that I used in my SXS around, I also have regular Prestone automotive coolant. What all is suggested? Thanks!

I wouldn't recommend mixing or using the orange Engine Ice or green Prestone. I think you would be safer with a pink marked for Euro/Asian vehicle use. Peak, Prestone, and Zerex and others all offer pink coolants for Euro/Asian vehicles. It is not about heat protection with the colors all of them including water would work for that. It is the chemical reactivity with seals and gaskets. In a pinch of course any would work.

Most of this stuff like oil and other chemicals is probably made in a few facilities and re-badged for branding and marketing claims.

 

[SteveBaum]

Well, what we find in our radiators and what we see in Stark's YouTube videos is a pink/purple coolant. This typically indicates some kind of Organic Acid Technology type of coolant.
Unless Stark theirselves tell us what coolant is in there -and maybe their SAM chatbot can help- I think that we can only replace the coolant entirely to be sure that it doesn't react weirdly to what is already in there and flushing the system a little, too may also be a good idea.
Another idea is to ask some dealer what coolant they use when they reassemble the bikes after motors replacements.
One could wonder whether some parts, like the frame of the motor, are made up of some special materials that need special coolants but then I assume that Stark would have specified it better.


There should be no need to top it off since there is no vent hose and the coolant is expected to just be roughly at the same level all the time when the motor is not heated from usage.

I think you missed the part of my post where I say I have to bleed / burp my cooling system. This is why I need to top it off.

 

[Chaconne]

I think you missed the part of my post where I say I have to bleed / burp my cooling system. This is why I need to top it off.

Yes. Bleeding is also covered in the Stark video:

So it is not an unexpected operation. They use pink coolant which means a pink coolant that meets Euro/Asian vehicle standards should be fine. The only caveat in my mind is to not mix colors.

There were threads on TT back in the day even the guys from the specialty coolant houses came to some of the chats. Just make sure you use the same color all the other snake oil claims are mostly well snake oil.

BTW As a side note I recommend reinserting the spoiler side bolts that go into the sub frame immediately after removing them while removing the spoiler to maintain easy alignment after you work on your bike. The subframe can move a bit and keeping things in alignment makes reinstall way easier.

 

[Luigic81]

I wouldn't recommend mixing or using the orange Engine Ice or green Prestone. I think you would be safer with a pink marked for Euro/Asian vehicle use. Peak, Prestone, and Zerex and others all offer pink coolants for Euro/Asian vehicles. It is not about heat protection with the colors all of them including water would work for that. It is the chemical reactivity with seals and gaskets. In a pinch of course any would work.

Most of this stuff like oil and other chemicals is probably made in a few facilities and re-badged for branding and marketing claims.

Thanks for this, I didn't realize that coolant was standized by color, thats good to know. I will post here if Stark support has anything additional to say when they respond to my email from yesterday. Otherwise I'll pick up some pink stuff.

Cheers,

 

[Theo]

BTW As a side note I recommend reinserting the spoiler side bolts that go into the sub frame immediately after removing them while removing the spoiler to maintain easy alignment after you work on your bike. The subframe can move a bit and keeping things in alignment makes reinstall way easier.

Yes, that's something peculiar of the Varg: in order to remove the plastics you need to remove two of the three bolts that support the subframe. When those two bolts are out I am also careful not to use the handles of the subframe to move the bike since in that condition the subframe is not sturdy, it can move by rotating around the top shock nut and I think it can also loosen that nut by doing so. That's why if it rotates I check that the nut is still tight afterwards.

 

[Mike_82]

Hi,

I just picked up my Varg MX 1.0 (used) I ordered the G1 to G2 cooling conversion kit to try and be proactive about any cooling issues or air getting in the cooling system. What Coolant is recommended? The manual is pretty vague, anything with Glycol essentially. I ride MX only and I'm a C class vet rider. I have some of the Orange Engine Ice that I used in my SXS around, I also have regular Prestone automotive coolant. What all is suggested? Thanks!

I am unable to locate specific information about the cooling conversion kit. The Stark website does not have a photo (like many of their parts). What parts are changed?
Thanks!

 

[AL_V]

I am unable to locate specific information about the cooling conversion kit. The Stark website does not have a photo (like many of their parts). What parts are changed?
Thanks!

There is a new water pump cover with a third nipple.
There is an extension for the radiator cap.
There is a nipple that screws in on the Top/side of the Radiator.
There’s a rubber hose to go between above two nipples.
And a couple clamps and a hold down for the hose.
I think that’s all.

 

[Luigic81]

Here was Stark's response, pretty unhelpful. I guess I'll just find some pink stuff at the auto parts store.

• "Type: Glycol-based coolant
• Recommendation: It is crucial to use a glycol-based coolant that is compatible with aluminum components. While Engine Ice is a popular choice among riders, it is essential to verify that it meets the glycol-based specification. Automotive coolants like G30 or G40 may also be suitable, provided they are glycol-based and compatible with the materials used in the VARG's cooling system."

 

[Mike_82]

There is a new water pump cover with a third nipple.
There is an extension for the radiator cap.
There is a nipple that screws in on the Top/side of the Radiator.
There’s a rubber hose to go between above two nipples.
And a couple clamps and a hold down for the hose.
I think that’s all.

Thank you Al !

 

[Theo]

@mmalherbe: you can see the kit, first not installed yet and then installed, from 1:10 here:

 

[Chaconne]

Here was Stark's response, pretty unhelpful. I guess I'll just find some pink stuff at the auto parts store.

• "Type: Glycol-based coolant
• Recommendation: It is crucial to use a glycol-based coolant that is compatible with aluminum components. While Engine Ice is a popular choice among riders, it is essential to verify that it meets the glycol-based specification. Automotive coolants like G30 or G40 may also be suitable, provided they are glycol-based and compatible with the materials used in the VARG's cooling system."

Coolants are more witchcraft than oil.You should be fine with a pink coolant that meets European/Asian automotive standards.

 

[Luigic81]

Got my kit today, the overflow tubing they provided that connects to the new nipple on the water cover and then to the other new nipple on the top of the radiator is waaaay too short. Like 2-3“. I emailed stark to let them know and it looks like I'm off to the hardware store tommorow. Just FYI. And I did trying routing the shortest distance possible, which would be touching the radiator and would likely melt, and it was still way too short.