Coolant leak

[Baloo]

Hi guys. I've been having a coolant leak since late last fall, but did not have the time to look into it before winter storage. I tought it would cure itself during the winter, but to my great surprise, it didn't!!  I did not have time to ride it this spring too much and as things are getting a little quieter for me now, it's time to finally fix it. I noticed no coolant puddle on my garage floor, so it is not leaking when cold. But when she gets warm, I start smelling coolant. The other day, I found that the coolant is dripping on the LH exhaust pipes, just near the cylinder head. Are there any components in this area that are prone to fail. Maybe above it?

Any help appreciated before I start looking at it!

[Black Dog]

I chased a coolant leak, last year, and mine turned out to be where the coolant pipes from the engine block, enter the thermostat housing...  Not fun to get at.

You see drips on your left side exhaust, but remember that the bike tilts left, when on the stand...  The coolant will seek the lowest point to drip from.

Check yer radiator hose clamps (both ends of upper and lower), and if you can shine a flashlight on top of the engine, under the carb bank, look for the tell tail puddle of green gunk...

Good luck in your quest 

Black Dog

[Bugslayer]

I'll second what Black Dog said. Check the hose clamp's.  Especially the upper hose clamp.
Good luck.

[Baloo]

Thanks guys!

It gives me a starting point. I'll start looking at these first.

[mikeb]

i used to smell antifreeze every time i started my bike.. i noticed the treads in the upper hose were green i added an 2nd clamp and it stoped leaking if it was not for the green i would have never thought the hose was leaking from there.. cheap fix