leaks only when on sidestand

[stancotreau]

good morning all, My '81 gl1100 leaks coolant only when parked on the sidestand??? has this happened to anyone else? any ideas as to where it is leaking from?

thanks..... Stan

[lbman]

Hi,
as far a leaking coolant on side stand? the cooling system is under pressure when hot. it is leaking all the time. just pooling on top of motor, when you park it coolant runs off.
I would be looking for leak! Look in manual to see where coolant lines run. I believe there are tubes with O rings under carbs. 1st place I'd look.

put bike on center stand while it is warmed up. get a good flash light and small inspection mirror and snoop around tell you locate it. then go from there.
I would hate to brake Down along side road if it blows seal all together. plus you stand a chance of overheating engine..That's Never A Good thing.
Good luck
LB

[WingAdmin]

Can you tell where it is leaking from?

[DragonRider]

I would start off the same way you do with a car, look at your hoses. Rubber hoses do wear out over time, look around the clamps. once done if you have not found leak clean off top of engine (do this with enging cold) use a hose and get everything clean (no dirt or coolant) let bike dry off,
Once all is dry start bike up and use your choke to get rpms up (this will help get engine temp and coolant pressure up) and use a flashlight look at engine for signs of a leak (it will help if your using anti freeze and not straight water) to help you can dust cold and dry engine with baby powder this will tell all right away and is easily cleaned up.

The cooling system is almost like a cars only real differance is size, so start with simple things.

[stancotreau]

Can you tell where it is leaking from?

I'm still not sure but it pools on the motor overnight. I bought new o-rings and gaskets for the water tubes, they are not here yet but we'll see when they arrive if that is the problem

[stancotreau]

Can you tell where it is leaking from?

I'm still not sure but it pools on the motor overnight. I bought new o-rings and gaskets for the water tubes, they are not here yet but we'll see when they arrive if that is the problem

I received the gaskets and o-rings. do I use sealer on the gaskets? (RTV, permatex high tack?) or just use them as is after cleaning both surfaces?

[lbman]

silicon grease would be the best
LB

[DragonRider]

Personally I would clean all surfaces real good, and allow them to dry. If surface appears scratched, nicked, or pitted even slightly I would use a permitex sealer, otherwise just use the gaskets by themselves (factory did not use sealer when bike was made).
Check surfaces carefully, and follow any and all directions you got with your new gaskets.