coolant levels

Hi Pete

The level should be checked when cold and not running.
The level mark on the expansion tank takes into account expansion of the fluid when hot.
Regards Paul

Paul is right, check levels when the system is cold and not under any pressure or expansion.

Welcome to the forum Pete

What bike, car, truck, tank, tractor are you asking on?

Start check cold in radiator, if low, how low and where is it leaking out?

It is a 08 goldwing . It has a dip stick for the reserve coolant tank.the owners manual say with the engine at normal temp to check but does that mean that the engine is running?Or do you shut it down and them check it?.
Pete

Yes for reserve tank hot, engine off.
Radiator check cold and be sure it is topped off. This needs to be done yearly at minimum. The older the bike, higher miles, more often. Part of preventative maintenance.

Were do you check the radiator level? Other than take the cap off and look at it. I have to find it also. I thought that if the reserve tank is ok that the radiator is full or am I missing something .Thanks for your responses .
Pete

Pete
If you don't have the repair manual, that is number one tool to get. It will tell you lots.

For now start with the forum search. I don't have the 1800 to tell you where the radiator cap is burried

To access the radiator cap on an 1800 you have tp pull the right shelter pocket out and then you can access it from there.

Always a good idea to periodically check the actual radiator. I have had bad caps in the past that allowed coolant to flow in to the expansion tank when hot, but as it started to cool it would not allow the coolant to be sucked back in to the radiator. If you have had no problems I would check the cap during your annual 'take it apart and look at staff session' and check the expansion tank more often.

Thanks Guys I got the repair manual on top priority . Not having any problems the temp gauge is right below center so I am good to go but will check it out soon .
Pete