Anyone ever replace o-rings on coolant tubes?

[John Schmidt]

Didn't get a response on a different post so thought I'd be more direct here. At present the carbs are out following a rebuild. I noted those coolant tubes on top of the engine are fully exposed so contemplating replacing the o-rings while I'm at it. They're 22 yrs. old but figured now is a good time, new ones will last longer than me at this point....unless I live to 104 and chances are really good I wouldn't be riding by then. So, if you've done that procedure on the coolant tubes am I correct in assuming you just remove the two bolts holding them in place. I don't want to mess with the t'stat housing and it appears the tube just presses into the back side of it. If you've done this in the past is there anything to watch for or special procedure? I'm flying blind on this and don't really want the thrill of pulling the carbs to correct a mistake that created a leak....something I don't have now. I'm usually the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" type but good preventive steps also come into play here.

[Chrisj CMA]

I changed them on a friends bike. Just make sure you put them on the right way. They are not just regular old o-rings. They have a weird groove shape to them. Easy if the carbs are out.

Keep a little cup of coolant handy so you can put s little coolant on the seals  right before you slide it home.

[John Schmidt]

I imagine they're much the same as the o-rings used on the 1200, just larger. Any problems pulling the tubes out? Also, did you have to completely drain the coolant or just below the top of the block level?

[Chrisj CMA]

We drained it. No problem with the tubes. It’s as simple as it looks

[98valk]

why change them if not leaking?  the o-rings are Buna-N, sunlight and ozone, degrades them.  installed as they are they will not wear out.


https://www.marcorubber.com/buna-n-o-rings.htm

 Buna-N O-Rings Chemical Compatibility and Resistance:

    Petroleum greases, mineral oils, vegetable oils
    Aliphatic hydrocarbons
    Hydraulic fluids (HFA, HFB, HFC types)
    Limited resistance to dilute acids, alkalis, and solvents

Buna-N O-Rings Not Compatible With:

    Highly Aromatic fuels and hydrocarbons
    Weathering, sunlight and ozone
    Chlorinated hydrocarbons
    Polar solvents
    Glycol brake fluids

[matt]

Just did mine today, was hard pulling thermostat housing off pipes. Just had to work it

[John Schmidt]

I decided to leave them alone. They're not leaking and I wanted to get moving on getting the carbs back in. Carbs are in and bolted down, still have a few hundred items to reconnect but another day or so and I should be up and running. I'm working on it at my leisure more or less, have other things to attend to at the moment.