coolant leak - need your help

[BamaDrifter64]

I was changing the oil on my I/S and after doing so, started her up and let her run to make sure no leaks.  Started to see a little steam come from around the left bank of carbs, so shut her off and checked.  Couldn't see anything there, but there was a small puddle of coolant (teaspoon size) that had dripped off the front left exhaust stud. 















The pics show that it's coming from above there.  Little info on my bike - '99 I/S, just flipped over 100K miles, fairly new to me.  From the records, the cooling system was flushed out @ 90K miles.  I rode this bike out to Sturgis this year with no problems.  What do you think is leaking?

Dave

[DFragn]

It doesn't look like the lower hose [top] but check the clamp none-the-less. My guess, judging from the pics, is the upper hose clamp at the thermostat on top of the block just behind the radiator. That one is a little harder to get at. Some are able to remove the top radiator mounting bolt [1 - top left of center] and pivot the radiator forward and squeeze your reach in behind to tighten the clamp. Me, I couldn't do it that way. I had to drain the system and remove the radiator to get my hand in there. You can also access that hose from above, but that's a ton of work.  i.e. remove tank, airbox and the demon radiator shroud.

That upper hose clamp at the thermostat is notorious for loosening up.
Also check the threaded hex head plugs with washers. Especially the ones in double line red boxes. These seal the coolant channels.

Use a flashlight to peer between the intakes to see if there's any antifreeze sitting on the block [forward]. It may may be hard to see around the pair valves, unless it's been Desmogged.

[Thunderbolt]

leak.  As was mentioned, you can move the radiator out a little and get to the screw clamp a little easier.

[BamaDrifter64]

I was able to look between the intakes on the left side and saw some coolant on the left front of the block.  Whats the easiest way to get to that top mount radiator bolt?  Do I need to take the pods off?

Dave

[Thunderbolt]

main thing to remember is that one screw is longer than the other two.  Remember that the long one goes in from the side.  You don't want the long one in the top or front.  Second thing is that you remove the one on the front,the one on the top and the long one on the side, only three.  Then pull outward about 1/2" to dislodge it from the rubber grommett and up and outward.

[DFragn]

I was able to look between the intakes on the left side and saw some coolant on the left front of the block.  Whats the easiest way to get to that top mount radiator bolt?  Do I need to take the pods off?

Dave

The radiator bolt is pretty much behind and level with your keyed steering stem lock. It's mounted [slides] at the bottom on pins, removal is to the left, the pins are long enough to pitch it forward with out it falling to the floor. Your lower hose will help keep it to the right.
And as mentioned, yup, the pods have to come off. The radiator shroud needs to fish back into the pods when you reinstall them. Can be a little tricky if it's the first time.
You'll probably find that upper hose clamp quite loose!

[BamaDrifter64]

Are there any tools which would make tightening that clamp any easier?  I'm heading to Harbor Freight this afternoon to pick up a wheel chock and if a super long screwdriver or something like that would help, please let me know.  Thanks!

Dave

[DFragn]

Are there any tools which would make tightening that clamp any easier?  I'm heading to Harbor Freight this afternoon to pick up a wheel chock and if a super long screwdriver or something like that would help, please let me know.  Thanks!

Dave

If I recall it's a slotted screwdriver and/or 8mm socket that's required and the shorter the better...

[BamaDrifter64]

DFragn, you were right.  Worked on the I/S today and after taking the pods off, couldn't get the radiator out enough to get to the hose behind it.  Ended up having to drain the radiator and taking both the hoses off on the outside of the radiator so I could swing it down enough to get to the rear hose.  Here's what I saw:


So I tightened that up good and got everything pretty much put back together without it fighting me too much.  Put the coolant back in that I drained out and ran it for a few minutes to get any air out of the system before putting the cap back on it.  Did a few more things to it and now the only thing I have left to do is put the pods back on.  I've been trying to do that for the last hour and they're fighting me bad.  I'm no closer to having them on than I was an hour ago.  Figured I'd take a break before I break them from frustration.   

Anyways, thanks for the heads up, DFragn....saved me the time of looking for it!   

Dave

[BamaDrifter64]

Funny how a different perspective can help things out.  I tried for an hour trying to get those pods back on and got really frustrated.  Came in, got on the computer and took about a 30-45 minute break, went back out and got both of them on tight in about 15 minutes.  It does pay sometimes to back away and chill out.   

Dave