Coolant leaks
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Coolant leaks
I recently discovered a coolant leak. It was coming from the upper radiator hose where it is clamped to the back of what I believe is the water pump or thermostat. The clamp was loose. Somehow I was able to see the leak with a flashlight. After going to the parts store where I bought a 1/4" universal joint, I was able to reach It with an extension and get a socket on the clamp and tighten it. Whew!
- WingAdmin
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Re: Coolant leaks
Was it leaking all the time, or just when the bike was sitting cold? It's fairly common to have bikes start leaking a bit of coolant when the weather gets cold, but then seal right up when it warms up again. That said, now that you've tightened the clamp, you likely won't have any more problems.Winglife wrote:I recently discovered a coolant leak. It was coming from the upper radiator hose where it is clamped to the back of what I believe is the water pump or thermostat. The clamp was loose. Somehow I was able to see the leak with a flashlight. After going to the parts store where I bought a 1/4" universal joint, I was able to reach It with an extension and get a socket on the clamp and tighten it. Whew!
- Steve F
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Re: Coolant leaks
A while back, I had the "opportunity" (LOL) to remove the fuel tank and when I was in there, I went around and tightened up the clamps that I could reach, and found a coolant leak that was there for some time....nothing serious, but annoying. You know...you can smell it, but nothing on the ground. While I was in there I sprayed a lot of things down with simple green, and brushed it and rinsed it really well....nice and clean now!
I think HONDA assembled a lot of the motorcycle in sections, and they could reach those clamps when the sub assembly was separate from the rest of the bike. Put the sections together, and all of a sudden, you can't get to 90% of the stuff without major cursing.
I would recommend taking the extra time if you ever have the top shelter off to go the extra mile and remove the fuel tank and get at those things under it. Tighten up the hoses, and check and clean the electrical ground screw and wires at the frame behind the engine.
I think HONDA assembled a lot of the motorcycle in sections, and they could reach those clamps when the sub assembly was separate from the rest of the bike. Put the sections together, and all of a sudden, you can't get to 90% of the stuff without major cursing.
I would recommend taking the extra time if you ever have the top shelter off to go the extra mile and remove the fuel tank and get at those things under it. Tighten up the hoses, and check and clean the electrical ground screw and wires at the frame behind the engine.
"To ride is the reason, the destination's the excuse."
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Re: Coolant leaks
Glad you found and were able to fix your leak. Many times it is the "o"ring seals. When they get hard and the weather gets cold they'll seep a couple of drops. Fortunately it's only a couple of drops usually, unfortunately it's a reasonably time consuming job to replace them.