Radiator and cooling system question

[Motodad71]

Took my wife for first time on my new to me old fat lady, runs like a top and my wifey really enjoyed the quick loop around the lake. Today is one of the warmer days had so far, and I got to hear/see my radiator fan finally kick on while stopped briefly talking to a friend of mine walking on the neighborhood sidewalk. When I got home I smelled coolant a bit, and to my surprise I saw what looked to be a small boil over and some residual coolant spots/streaks along the right side of bike. Does this sound to y'all like too much coolant in the system, or perhaps air in the system or potentially BOTH? If air in the system what is the best way to burp it out? I apologize in advance if this is a redundant question or issue. 

BB

[Chrisj CMA]

Check the overflow reservoir, it’s marked for hot level and cold level.

If you are concerned about air in the system for some reason just run it with the radiator cap off and blip the throttle. Air will burp out if it needs to.

Sounds like just a loose hose fitting. Check the one at the thermostat

[old2soon]

Expansion tank is under/behind left side cover-kickstand side. Check the radiator hose clamps-common problem. Only other thing-well 2 things-loose radiator cap or-sigh-water pump.   Check the easy stuff first. Far as the fan coming on-long traffic lights when hot out and slow parade running WILL bring the fan on if everything else is correct. RIDE SAFE.

[Motodad71]

Thanks for advice, the reservoir was at the low level, and the hose clamp is good and tight. It does appear to be coming from the cap, I’ll burp the system once everything is all cooled down.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sounds to me like the cap is not sealing properly.

[F6Dave]

Sounds like the radiator cap to me as well. I had it leak on one of my Valks. I put the cap on a bench and tapped the tangs very lightly to tighten the seal. Hasn't leaked in years after that.

[Tfrank59]

 if it's not the cap leaking it could be the hose clamp way inside at the thermostat which needs to be tightened up. I was able to do mine using quarter inch drive extensions and one universal joint (it's a 6 mm hex).

[cookiedough]

same issue leaky radiator cap tried bending tabs of cap downward so fits tighter, helped but still not 100% leakproof, so went to Autozone and got a 1994 honda accord radiator cap for 10 bucks since Honda dealers wants 30 bucks for honda valkyrie OEM cap.   But,  now have a slow fin leak top left inside corner of radiator not in front but in back of radiator.  sure beats antifreeze spewing out the radiator cap though all over the gas tank and chrome.

[MarkT]

Go to Evans waterless permanent coolant - it runs w/o pressure with it's very high boiling point.  I run it in all my bikes.  No more cooling system maintenance.  Check out Jay Leno's video on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7PykrgzWPQ

[98valk]

Go to Evans waterless permanent coolant - it runs w/o pressure with it's very high boiling point.  I run it in all my bikes.  No more cooling system maintenance.  Check out Jay Leno's video on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7PykrgzWPQ

I've had evans in mine since '01, zero problems. 

[Motodad71]

Go to Evans waterless permanent coolant - it runs w/o pressure with it's very high boiling point.  I run it in all my bikes.  No more cooling system maintenance.  Check out Jay Leno's video on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7PykrgzWPQ

Interesting, I am intrigued but not crazy about also purchasing the prep fluid before going with the waterless coolant.

[Motodad71]

if it's not the cap leaking it could be the hose clamp way inside at the thermostat which needs to be tightened up. I was able to do mine using quarter inch drive extensions and one universal joint (it's a 6 mm hex).

It appears to be the cap area, I am not seeing any evidence of coolant migrating from anywhere else. I did burp the system yesterday, I shall see what happens soon. 

[Wayn-O]

On the cap, try bending the two brackets that hold the cap on tight.  Bend just slightly inward so that it fits more snug when it's screwed on.  Make sense?

[Motodad71]

On the cap, try bending the two brackets that hold the cap on tight.  Bend just slightly inward so that it fits more snug when it's screwed on.  Make sense?

Yup but the tabs appear very tight, and the cap is a beeyatch to get on and off......tight.

[old2soon]

On the cap, try bending the two brackets that hold the cap on tight.  Bend just slightly inward so that it fits more snug when it's screwed on.  Make sense?

Yup but the tabs appear very tight, and the cap is a beeyatch to get on and off......tight.

           There is a set screw in a stock radiator cap. Needs backed off BEFORE attempting to take off radiator cap. Go on ahead and ask me how I know dat!  RIDE SAFE.

[Paladin528]

the small hose that comes off the neck of the filler is the overflow running to the reservoir.  it can crack or split near the connection and start leaking when the bike is hot.  This should be repaired if it is the issue as it will result in fluid loss over time.

[Motodad71]

the small hose that comes off the neck of the filler is the overflow running to the reservoir.  it can crack or split near the connection and start leaking when the bike is hot.  This should be repaired if it is the issue as it will result in fluid loss over time.

I'll give that a good once over, but rode today in hot stop and go traffic with ZERO leaks of any kind.......looks to have been air in the system so far.