'96 GL1500 leaked coolant when parked

[ramiroelliot]

Hey all! I got home from work the other day and after I shut it off and was unpacking my stuff and I saw a puddle of coolant under the bike. I turned the key on to check the temp and it was towards the high end and the fans came on. I didn't have time then and still haven't found time to check anything, but this weekend I'd like to look into it and I was curious if the community knew of any known issues or common problems that I should investigate first.

It has 96k miles on it and I know I need to get into the timing belt replacement soon.

Thanks!

[Rambozo]

Could be as simple as a loose hose clamp, or as complicated as a cracked block.
An easy way to locate leaks that only happen when hot, is to use a hand pump to pressurize the cooling system to the cap relief pressure. Then you can work with the engine cold so you won't get burned. The tool can often be loaned or rented from an auto parts store.

[Snowmoer]

The temp will show high and the fans will run after it has sat for a few minutes. The temp sensor is just hot from sitting. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it does not.

As the other post said, more than likely just a loose hose clamp. It could also be a crack in one of the hoses. They are 25 years old. You just need to pull the body work off and track down the leak. Even when cold, you should still see some coolant on the hose where the leak is. Or as posted, get a pressure kit to help find the leak.

Good luck!

[Charlie1Horse]

Check the water pump. I have seen several leaking out of the vent hole. /There are two seals in it, one for the oil side and one for the coolant side. I had one of the two small hoses on the front of the water pump crack at about 170,000 miles. I spliced a new piece of hose into it for a temporary fix until i get the proper hoses to fix it right.
Russell

[Sassy]

I had a leak at the front of the motor. First thing I found was a loose hose clamp on the thermostat housing,, win! cheap fix.
Not do fast,, still leaking,, turned out to be a warped plastic!! thermostat housing.