Water pipe o-ring leak

[mnmailman]

Well, I guess multiple days of -30f weather in an unheated garage finally took it's toll on my 1980. Have a slight, dripping leak from the pipe/thermostat housing on the left (sitting on bike) side. Actually noticed it mid-winter but had to wait until it warmed up here before investigating.
So it looks like the carbs are coming off too. Rats; bike runs great and I don't want to screw up the carbs !

[WingAdmin]

Don't be too quick - they often leak a bit of coolant when sitting in cold temperatures, but as soon as you start riding again, the leak goes away. Very common.

[winguyjo]

not sure if this gains you enough room to do the repair, but you could try just unbolting the 8 intake runner bolts and suspend the carbset from above. this saves what is, to me, the most annoying part of carb removal, removing the throttle cables.

[mnmailman]

Don't be too quick - they often leak a bit of coolant when sitting in cold temperatures, but as soon as you start riding again, the leak goes away. Very common.

Good to know and just as you say, I took it for a short ride and not a whiff of smoke or leaking now. Just metal pipe contraction in the cold, or would you advise still replacing the o-rings, etc. ?
Myself, I'm a fan of the "if it ain't broke......" camp.

[mnmailman]

not sure if this gains you enough room to do the repair, but you could try just unbolting the 8 intake runner bolts and suspend the carbset from above. this saves what is, to me, the most annoying part of carb removal, removing the throttle cables.

Good idea, thanks !

[Prlwng]

Yes, bitter cold will cause coolant drips. A couple of my old semis with over a million miles on them would spot in winter. Minus 20 and outside.

This would be even after replaceing all hoses and clamps.

My 1996 1500 with 140 tho on it would drip during winter also in unheated garage.

[mnmailman]

Yes, bitter cold will cause coolant drips. A couple of my old semis with over a million miles on them would spot in winter. Minus 20 and outside.

This would be even after replaceing all hoses and clamps.

My 1996 1500 with 140 tho on it would drip during winter also in unheated garage.

Thanks, good to know. Looking good so far; 42 year old bike.......not a drop of any fluid. I also have a 30 year old Honda lawn mower that also just keeps on purring.
I take good care of them both, but still impressive in my book.

[WingAdmin]

Don't be too quick - they often leak a bit of coolant when sitting in cold temperatures, but as soon as you start riding again, the leak goes away. Very common.

Good to know and just as you say, I took it for a short ride and not a whiff of smoke or leaking now. Just metal pipe contraction in the cold, or would you advise still replacing the o-rings, etc. ?
Myself, I'm a fan of the "if it ain't broke......" camp.

I've had a drop or three of coolant every winter for over ten years and I still haven't touched the O-rings.

[mnmailman]

Don't be too quick - they often leak a bit of coolant when sitting in cold temperatures, but as soon as you start riding again, the leak goes away. Very common.

Good to know and just as you say, I took it for a short ride and not a whiff of smoke or leaking now. Just metal pipe contraction in the cold, or would you advise still replacing the o-rings, etc. ?
Myself, I'm a fan of the "if it ain't broke......" camp.

I've had a drop or three of coolant every winter for over ten years and I still haven't touched the O-rings.

Well this was enough to make an approx. 8" stain on the cement over time, along with two tiny "puddles" in cavities on the top of the block but understood.