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Author Topic: Radiator Leak  (Read 1465 times)

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dukester55

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Radiator Leak
« on: April 09, 2010, 07:30:50 AM »
Just noticed a small bit of leakage on the garage floor and crawled under to see some green fluid leaking out.
Can we use any sort of " LEAK STOP"? Spending $140 or so for a new radiator isn't something I want to do right now.
What about a little JB weld to seal it up with? Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Malcolm Duke
Hurst,Tx.
04 VTX 1800R3
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just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there.

Luckys Lover

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2010, 07:42:08 AM »
OK, Stupid question. Are your hose clamps tight? I know the 1300's had an issue with loose clamps and losing fluid. After the wife's bike started leaking, I checked my clamps on my 1800 and found the lower one was not really tight. Just a thought before you start pouring chemicals into your bike.
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j1mmyj4m

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2010, 07:44:25 AM »
Have you checked the clamps to make sure their tight?  Is it directly under the radiator or under the middle of the bike?

You also, do not want to run any kind of stop leak, because your water pump will eventually fail.  I'd stick with the Honda Pre Mix Antifreeze.
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j1mmyj4m

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2010, 07:45:30 AM »
Heh, Wayne got me on the clamps while I was typing it.  :P
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hipshot

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2010, 07:56:36 AM »
Make sure the core is leaking first. The hose clamps need periodic tightening, and sometimes it's hard to tell exactly where the leak originated. I'd be very wary of adding anything to the cooling system; the water pumps on these are very susceptible to seal damage.
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hipshot

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2010, 07:57:40 AM »
Wow, lotta posts while I was on the phone.
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Isorg

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2010, 09:28:21 AM »
 :agree:

check those hose clamps first!!!  Now as a habit i always check mine.
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dukester55

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2010, 06:57:48 AM »
Oh yes i did see the hose clamp on the bottom hose and y'all are right it is hard to tell where the leak is coming from. Will check that out first. The only thing i did was to add a little 50/50 coolant to the plastic bottle in the side.

Thanks for the help.

Malcolm Duke
Hurst,Tx.
04 dark red 1800R3
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TheWatcher

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2010, 12:07:15 PM »
By chance, do you have any aftermarket Radiator Grill/Cover, Mine was hitting the neck on the bottom and caused a leak.

Then I had a large rock hit my core and punched a hole in it, new radiator in mine now and took care of the clearance problem at the neck.

Regards

 :couch:
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Dusty

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2010, 01:06:34 PM »
 :agree: tighten the clamps and use Honda's mix.  :c
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POGOGOLF

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2010, 07:57:02 PM »
I would've thought that tightening the clamps would do it?!  :couch:  O0  :redcard:  :ohwow:  :thumbup:  :c
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dukester55

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #11 on: April 29, 2010, 07:16:26 AM »
Checked the clamps and all are secure and tight. it is leaking from what appears to be a bolt attaching metal to metal.
The radiator cover is stock for R3.
I guess the thing to do is hunt down a new radiator and install.

Cheers,
Malcolm Duke
Hurst,Tx.
04 1800R3  A&M Red

« Last Edit: July 20, 2010, 07:00:51 AM by dukester55 »
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dukester55

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #12 on: July 20, 2010, 07:03:29 AM »
all is well. installed new radiator and it no leak.
put in Dex Cool since it is for aluminum radiators. Can't stand to over pay at the stealership.

Dukester
04 1800R spec3
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Dusty

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Re: Radiator Leak
« Reply #13 on: July 20, 2010, 07:10:17 AM »
Quote from: dukester55 on July 20, 2010, 07:03:29 AM
all is well. installed new radiator and it no leak.
put in Dex Cool since it is for aluminum radiators. Can't stand to over pay at the stealership.

Dukester
04 1800R spec3


Glad you got it fixed.....one less thing to worry about eh?  :good:
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