Thermostat and Hose Options?

[Big IV]

I was riding the other day in about 18 degree weather and noticed anti freeze on my gas tank. That didn't seem like a good thing. By the time I made it back to the house I had antifreeze down the front of my engine. Today I had time before work to warm it up, wipe off the frozen anti-freeze haze, and start looking for the leak.

It looks like it is the hose going to the top of the thermostat. I figure if I have to pull the radiator then it might be time to replace the hoses and thermostat on my 1998 Tourer.

Besides going back to Honda does anyone have any other options for the hoses and thermostat?

Thermostat reading here on the board points to the possibility of using

Duralast 15868

to stick as close to stock as possible but find an accessible part quickly.

I want to be able to put the bike together this weekend and get back to work commuting.

[R J]

You can probably get by with just tightening the hose clamp.......

I put a new full circle clamp on mine with a socket head instead of the screwdriver blade.     Tightened it up and all is well, that was 3 years ago.
I had a small ratchet, 14" extension, 2 wiggles joints and a 3/8, I think socket.  Find the right socket before ya stuff the new one in there.   Yes, it is tight to get ur hand in to get the clamp back together, but it can be done.

Also, if ya take the radiator cap off, take the firkin screw out 1st......

[Chillerman]

Also, if ya take the radiator cap off, take the firkin screw out 1st......

Take the screw out and leave it out!  Don't know why you would want to lock down the radiator cap.  Had mine off for years.

[Big IV]

A cheap 6mm boxed end wrench and an extended handle made from 5/8" copper refrigerator tubing will also work but it requires a lot of patience.
I've stopped the leak. The hoses feel softer than I think that they should, so I've ordered all three hoses. I rode the bike from the garage around the driveway to the shed on the ice in the driveway. That is enough riding for me today. Maybe I'll get to ride tomorrow.

[Ricky-D]

A cheap 6mm boxed end wrench and an extended handle made from 5/8" copper refrigerator tubing will also work but it requires a lot of patience.
I've stopped the leak. The hoses feel softer than I think that they should, so I've ordered all three hoses. I rode the bike from the garage around the driveway to the shed on the ice in the driveway. That is enough riding for me today. Maybe I'll get to ride tomorrow.

I don't see a third radiator hose!  To which are you referring?

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[Big IV]

Upper radiator hose (to thermostat)
Lower radiator hose (down to water pump)
third hose (weird three ended thing) comes up from the Water pump and splits like a T. If I have the water drained I might as well replace it too. Although it does feel better than the other two to the touch inspection.