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Author Topic: Coolant leak - ?  (Read 1034 times)

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murray_61

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Coolant leak - ?
« on: March 08, 2008, 07:15:19 PM »

This morning I went out to ride...  It might have been just below 35 when I left.  I took the X across the street into a parking lot to let it warm up, and as I was standing there trying to figure out why I wanted to ride in that cold of a morning, I saw coolant leaking from the bike fairly quickly - about 2 drops a second.  I took her back to my apt, and shut it down. 

I later went out to look at it (when it was warmer) and all I could see was some residue in the bottom right (facing the bike) corner of the radiator grill/cover.  I started it up and no leak, so I washed the bike and took it out about 20 miles to dry off.  I came back and let it run a little and no leak.

I had a 12,000 mile service 2 weeks ago and have put a little over 1,000 on it since.  I still have a year left on the warranty I bought with the bike, but you know how it is getting them to do warranty work.

Any Advice?  Don't worry if it isn't leaking anymore?  Any idea what caused it this morning?  Too cold?

Thanks,
Puddle Cruiser
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Crewsn

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Re: Coolant leak - ?
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2008, 07:33:37 PM »

leaks tend to occur over time around the hose clamps. this really shows up on the colder days. cold things tend to contract while warm things tend to expand. if the clamp is just loose enough and it is cold enough then the leak may show up. once it warms up and things expand, the leak goes away. I would say tighten every hose clamp that you can get to. I do this once or twice a year and have not had a leak yet. do not overtighten, start with a 1/4 to 1/2 turn just until it's good and snug. good luck and ride safe. 
« Last Edit: March 09, 2008, 09:45:01 PM by Crewsn »
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heirloom

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Re: Coolant leak - ?
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2008, 08:54:45 PM »

+1 Crewsn.....totally agree....seen it......had it.....done it.   O0
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kded4009

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Re: Coolant leak - ?
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2008, 10:10:08 PM »

check you hoses for apparant leaks/cracks, check the hose clamps for tightness, and check to see if you have all the nuts and bolts for the flanges.  Had a clamp go loose for the leak#1, and then had the water pump actually go bad for leak#2, and then here lately had one of the bolts on the flange to the water pump missing in action for leak#3.  Locktite locktite locktite....
 O0
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ruger9mm

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Re: Coolant leak - ?
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2008, 07:43:07 AM »

I agree, especially if the bike sits outside and the same principle applies to cars also.
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William
06 1300 Retro

murray_61

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Re: Coolant leak - ?
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2008, 04:32:50 PM »

Cool, thanks for the advice guys!  I tightened 'er up, and hope to not see any more leaks.  I am kind of glad I didn't make the ride, one of the guys said his nose just thawed out today...   ::)
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