Radiator Fluid - from the CAP

[humshark]

OK - I just had my interstate apart for some minor repairs and tweeks.

This included - removal of the pods, front cowl, and tank. 
I put it all back together and on the first run, I'm spewing coolant, and it looks like it's coming from the cap.    Cap is on tight, and I have the normal upper amount of coolant in the overflow tank.

What's going on?  Did I somehow, pinch the expansion line?  Would that do this, or did the thermostat go?  Bike never overheated, - No temp light, but i did baby it back home 2 miles. 

When it cools I'll undo the cap and check levels.  Opinions, ideas?

[SCain]

Check the neck of the radiator where the gasket of the cap seals, that aluminum neck can get out of shape real easy. Take a flat file and run it across the neck.
Might check the gasket on the cap as well. I am sure others will chime in as well.

[GJS]

I had the same symptoms after a body rebuild on my 99 Interstate.

Turned out to be the overflow hose joint at the radiator cap. The hose had a small split on the backside. I replaced that section hose, used a new clamp and all is fine now.

Good luck,

Glenn

[R J]

Hope ya took the set screw out before ya removed the cap.

Take a pair of pliers, and slightly bent the tab into the cap, reinstall, should be fine to go.

This tightens the cap onto the radiator snout.

[Ricky-D]

I feel you are correct in thinking it's the hose. More than likely it is pinched somewhere.

The cap seals two places and the outer seal is simply for overflow and coolant return when the motor cools.

There is no real pressure on the return hose unless it is blocked somewhere and then it usually will blow coolant at the cap.

***

[humshark]

I think the coolant overflow hose was blocked.

I pulled the pod - and the hose was not moving between the back of the motor and the front.  It was pinched pretty good going around the side of the fuel valve.  I straightened it all out and ran it until the fan operated a couple times and no leaks.

Overflow level increased slightly and was warm, where as last night it was cold.

Thanks - and once again, it was a simple fix!