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Author Topic: Radiator help  (Read 1222 times)
garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis
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St. Louis, Missouri


« on: October 05, 2015, 09:27:22 AM »

97 Standard, 156,000 miles.    Came home yesterday from a 250 mile ride and in the driveway of the house (of all places), I started leaking radiator fluid bad.  I believe it is an upper radiator hose. It is almost impossible to see in there, but I'm guessing it is an upper hose.  I'm having some problems.  Took off the tank, steering head cover, unplugged the two pin black connector and then it says disconnect the fan motor switch.  There are numerous connectors there, is the fan motor switch the WHITE connector?  I'm at this point now. I get remove the siphon hose and the upper hose and the lower hose and then remove the upper bolt holding the radiator. Then it says slide the radiator to the left and remove.  This has me worried. Is this correct to replace the upper hose? I don't want to do something that is unnecessary. If I remove the radiator, will it be obvious how the upper hose is in there?  As you might have surmised, I ain't a mechanic. So, if somebody has replaced the upper hose and can tell me what's up, please advise.   Thanks in advance,  Gary
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Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2015, 09:40:03 AM »

You have to be like a detective with a flashlight and a mirror, looking for the highest point where the moisture is. Besides looking around, it is possible without disassembling anything to tighten the hose clamp on the upper radiator hose (which connects to the thermostat housing), if you use a 6 mm socket, quarter inch drive ratchet and a combination of universal joints and extensions to reach in there from the left side front.  Maybe try tightening up that hose clamp first and see if that helps, since you are trying to avoid unnecessary disassembly and work.
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-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis
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Posts: 137

St. Louis, Missouri


« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2015, 10:01:49 AM »

Tom,  Thanks for the suggestion, but the radiator fluid was pouring out, so I didn't think it was just a loose connection. (but what do I know).
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Joe Hummer
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VRCC #25677 VRCC Missouri State Representative

Arnold, MO


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« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2015, 10:52:04 AM »

DAMN Gary...you ready to sell that thing yet?  Cool  It has been a while since I have replaced my radiator hoses and I don't have the manual here but you either remove the radiator or remove the carbs...in order to get to the thermostat housing.  I don't remember what the mounting looks like on the bottom.  BTW...I have the radiator hoses at the house.  I don't have a water pump or thermostat though...or any of the gaskets.  It sure sounds like you either broke a hose or had the thermostat gasket let go.  I could probably come by this evening if you want some help.  Let me know.

Joe

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1999 Valkyrie Interstate
You pay for the whole bike, why not use it Jerry Motorman Palladino
98valk
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Posts: 13487


South Jersey


« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2015, 11:31:26 AM »

u sure it's not the overflow hose connection at the radiator cap or the hose itself?

yes on sliding the rad it floats on pins.
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

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garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis
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Posts: 137

St. Louis, Missouri


« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2015, 11:55:00 AM »

CA,  I thought of the overflow hose, but I have trouble seeing (lost one eye) and I have found the upper hose and where it connects, looks wet in there.  I don't know where the overflow hose is at. But, hey, while the tank is off might as well clean the K&N, and look for the overflow hose.

Joe,  You got a parts house there????? Yes, if you got the hose and can come over tonight that sounds great. Since the I-phone bit the dust, I don't have your phone number.  Got to pick up the grand kid from school, should be home by 5:30.   Let me know 314 541 1453. Thanks,  Gary
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Joe Hummer
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VRCC #25677 VRCC Missouri State Representative

Arnold, MO


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« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2015, 12:02:56 PM »

Joe,  You got a parts house there????? Yes, if you got the hose and can come over tonight that sounds great. Since the I-phone bit the dust, I don't have your phone number.  Got to pick up the grand kid from school, should be home by 5:30.   Let me know 314 541 1453. Thanks,  Gary

What are you fixing for dinner?   Cool  I will call you when I get home and talk to Monica.  She is working over-nights this week and is asleep right now...and I am smart enough not to call her.  Don't think it will be a problem for us to come over tonight...if for nothing else than to bring the hoses. 

Joe
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1999 Valkyrie Interstate
You pay for the whole bike, why not use it Jerry Motorman Palladino
Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2015, 09:40:08 PM »

Tom,  Thanks for the suggestion, but the radiator fluid was pouring out, so I didn't think it was just a loose connection. (but what do I know).

Yeah if it's pouring out it's going to be something like a break in the hose.  let us know what you find out.
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-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
Joe Hummer
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Posts: 1645


VRCC #25677 VRCC Missouri State Representative

Arnold, MO


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« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2015, 04:25:49 AM »

Tom,  Thanks for the suggestion, but the radiator fluid was pouring out, so I didn't think it was just a loose connection. (but what do I know).

Yeah if it's pouring out it's going to be something like a break in the hose.  let us know what you find out.

Yep...a break in the hose...The back side of the upper hose was real soft (inner liner was burst open) and there was a pin-hole in the outer casing.  It was past time for new hoses.  Since I had both hoses, we replaced both...just to be safe.  I didn't see any broken pieces missing from the inside of the hose so hopefully there will not be a chance of blockage in the radiator. 
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1999 Valkyrie Interstate
You pay for the whole bike, why not use it Jerry Motorman Palladino
garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis
Member
*****
Posts: 137

St. Louis, Missouri


« Reply #9 on: October 06, 2015, 08:24:18 AM »

Just finished putting it all back together, went for a real short ride, no leaks so far.  I will go out this afternoon for a few miles and make sure.   Once the radiator came out, it was obvious where the hose was and how it was connected.  Not to bad of a job for me and when Joe came over I had the radiator out. Took some time to get the new hoses on, but Joe knows some sh-t. Since I had the tank off, I cleaned the air filter.  Putting the tank back on is a real pain in the ass for me. And naturally I dropped the front tank bolt into ???? Put another bolt in there.  I sure ain't a mechanic, but I'll try to fix about anything on the Valk with the help of this board and Joe (who stocks way more parts than the dealer).  Thanks guys.     Gary
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