antifreeze leak

[larue]

When i got home from the gathering saturday, i parked my bike and later saw green little pool of antifreeze nice n green under the left side of the timing belt cover and on the pipe header,tried to trace it but couldnt find where it started, this morning there was nothing on the floor, i tightened the rad cap and bth the lowerand upper  rad hose clamps, started the bike again and it started dripping again. BTW the coolant side tank is between upper and lower. Any help here is appreciated. Thanks in advance evryone

[R J]

TOP radiator hose.

I use a 1/4" ratchet, long extension and a wiggle socket to tighten mine.

It can be tricky, but at least it is doable.

Just don't rush the insertion of the socket and extension.

[IamGCW]

Two ideas, there is a wet bolt on the timing cover.  Top row to the right of center as you look at it (left as you sit on it).  Did you take the timing cover off recently?  

Also the cap will often leak when it gets cold.  There was something posted a few years ago on how to bend the ears of the cap and tighten it.  Happened to me once.

A black light will help find it.

Good seeing you at Bert's gathering.

Gil (Yellow Valk)

[Thunderbolt]

Careful with the radiator cap there is a set screw that holds it on securely.  Be sure to loosen it before you turn the cap and retighten it afterwards, but just snug it up, don't torque it down the neck of the radiator is thin.  Most leaks that I am familiar with have been the upper radiator clamp, but that usually happens when the bike has been sitting in a cold garage.  You said it leaked when you got home.  There are small O-rings in the coolant tubes that are flat on one side if I remember correctly.  They are a possibility.  The fluid in the overflow tank has a high and low level, if there is fluid in the tank it most likely still has most of the fluid in the right places.
It will take some searching with a light and maybe warm the engine up first to let the thermostat open.

[Tundra]

Larue, mine was the upper hose, the more difficult end connecting to the thermostat of course.
Easy fix, tilt radiator to gain access and tighten clamp.

[larue]

up date on the antifreeze leak situation yesterday after i tightened the upper rad hose i was messing around with radiator cap fins, started the bike and no leak,  today i started it again and coolant started coming out of the rad cap, i unscrewed it open, bent the cap fins inward and tightened the screw back, started it up and oddly enough not one drop anywhere. let it idle for a while til the fan came on, and shut it off.

havent tilted the radiator yet but palnning on taking it for a spin tomorrow and if i see any coolant anywhere that would be my next step...will probably do it anyway as percaution.
thanks everyone

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

Hopefully That Fixed It Larue. I had The Same Problem On My Green/Silver Interstate Last Year Before I Sold It, I Replaced The Radiator Cap and  That Fixed The Leak. Hope Your's  Is this Simple As Well.

[Tundra]

Larue...I have one of those cool radiator caps with a temp. gauge built into it. I don't know how accurate it is, never installed it. It's just a cool looking bling cap, if your interested. I know you are the King of bling.
I got screwed by a member purchasing it of the board for $50.00 and I have since found they sell for half that price ???.
Glad you found an easy fix

[larue]

Doug,..i took it for a spin today and it seems fine, no leak any more, so i am happy there...as for bling i am just trying to catch up to you brother...thanks again for all the tips.

[James III]

  Glad you were able to locate the problem Larue. Maybe our gurls just don't like this cool weather we're in down here!

[Valkahuna]

Rememer: cold=shrinkage.

[FloridaValkRyder]

Rememer: cold=shrinkage.

Speak for yourself there fella.....

[_Sheffjs_]

Larue, the same exact antifreeze scenario happened to my bike. We parked the bike after Saturday's ride and we haven't been back up to Zephyrhills to ride until this morning. Found a dinky little leak coming from the same exact place you talked about took her out for a ride absolutely no leak whatsoever. Checked the level of antifreeze and it was perfect I have no loss of any freeze. Will bend tabs when she cools.

[IamGCW]

Maybe your bikes were threatened by the others at Bert's meet and their just marking territory.   

[larue]

Larue, the same exact antifreeze scenario happened to my bike. We parked the bike after Saturday's ride and we haven't been back up to Zephyrhills to ride until this morning. Found a dinky little leak coming from the same exact place you talked about took her out for a ride absolutely no leak whatsoever. Checked the level of antifreeze and it was perfect I have no loss of any freeze. Will bend tabs when she cools.

Jerry, i am glad it was easy fix for you too brother