Changing out Water Hoses need some advice

[Mr Jensee]

As of now my machine is officially 15 years old. I have had no issues with things like plugs or water hoses. No leaks, no misses, no issues. I was wondering if it is wise to consider changing out the existing hoses or just leaving them as is till I see a leak. Wondering what is involved in doing a change out and how much of the machine needs to be torn down. I am not in as good of health as I was when I bought the bike. I know how to remove the entire faring setup if necessary but I don't know if I have what it takes to completely disassemble it for major work. I am sure there are a several folks out there who can tell me what parts I need to buy, where to get them and such. Yes I have the repair manual but real world advice is always helpful. Just wondering if replacing anything at this stage is advisable. Thanks.

[Lucasind]

I do those sorts of jobs,out of "winter boredom" and to stay out in the shop ! If you are not experiencing any leaks of any kind....and are not feeling well.....and limited working shop....i would just ride the bike as you have been . I 'm thinking that you don't travel far from home these days ,to where it would warrant the time and expense.

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You did not mention your current OD reading, or how many miles per year you ride.
Gene just finished doing his hoses and o-rings at 80,000 miles, said he was experiencing only one minor leak. just my 2 cents worth......................Tony

[Tonyvdb]

I replaced my cooling system hoses last year but gave up trying to get at the top one that goes to the filler cap and the water valve as I could not get at the clamps. Those are a pain. However they seemed to be in good shape still compared to the lower hoses and the two that go from the valve to the engine.

[ekap1200]

I replaced my cooling system hoses last year but gave up trying to get at the top one that goes to the filler cap and the water valve as I could not get at the clamps. Those are a pain. However they seemed to be in good shape still compared to the lower hoses and the two that go from the valve to the engine.

They can be a bugger..... Get yourself a 16" 1/4 drive extension and you can get at those top hose clamps without much fuss... Depending on WHO installed them and which way they are facing. That top one is a bugger to get set right to begin with. It has to be set just right on the thermostat nipple as to not keep the rad from bolting up. But not all the way on the thermostat to have enough to fit on the rad...

Mr J. I would wait until the water tube o-rings start to go and then replace the hose's. The o-rings will more than likely start to go first. And they are not cheep from Ma-Kaw.

Order Details Ordered Shipped Ext. Price
39062-1151 HOSE-COOLING,RADIATOR (PSP Kawasaki) $7.90
Shipped Thursday, February 11, 2016 1Z1YF720YN10482792


1 1 $7.90
39062-1152 HOSE-COOLING,PIPE-PIP (PSP Kawasaki) $11.69
Shipped Wednesday, February 17, 2016 1Z1YF720YN10521972


1 1 $11.69
39062-1153 HOSE-COOLING,PY-PASS (PSP Kawasaki) $24.24
Shipped Wednesday, February 17, 2016 1Z1YF720YN10521972


1 1 $24.24
39062-1174 HOSE-COOLING,THERMO-R (PSP Kawasaki) $6.59
Shipped Wednesday, February 17, 2016 1Z1YF720YN10521972


1 1 $6.59
Subtotal: $50.42
Shipping & Handling: $6.95
Tax: $0.00
Order Total: $57.37

[Gator Mike]

Michael I agree with all that has been said. I had my motor out for tranny work and changed them at that time. 1/4" drive, u-joints, and long extensions made the job much easier. However, as was said your riding is probably very local and in my opinion not worth the money and effort. If you should decide to change them let me know and I'll give you a hand.
Gator Mike

[sheiserman]

I'll pile on the wait until later bandwagon. Mine was 26 years old in the 80k mile range, and only one of the o-rings was weeping a bit. None of the hoses were leaking, but they all were replaced while I was there. The water pump also needed the Carl o-ring kit, but that was more of an oil leak issue.

I believe it cost $116.54 to replace every hose, and I ordered them all through partshark.

I'll also pile on the top hose is a bear bandwagon.

[Mr Jensee]

The consensus seems to be to leave well enough alone. I am agreeing with the above. I have 42000 on the bike right now. It still starts and runs like the day I got it at 20,000 several years ago. I still have the plugs in it that I got with it. All cables work fine, I keep them lubed. The plug wires are still looking good with no cracks that I can tell. I don't have a lot of space to work but it is possible to pull the SUV out of the garage and make the room when I need to work on it. I appreciate the help and Gene I will be torqueing that steering this week, the weather will be in the 70's so it will be the right time to do it. I do have all the tools I need to do the bike. My father, bless his soul left me with a ton of tools when he died. No I don't do a lot of riding anymore because I have to be on the dialysis machine every other day, it makes it hard to do any trips of more than a day or a weekend duration. I guess this old bike will do me fine till I cant ride anymore so I am not going to sweat it. I just feel guilty sometimes that I haven't done the ton of maintenance you guys have done every winter. Cheers!