hefy_jefy Posted December 5, 2016 Share Posted December 5, 2016 Bike is 2014 with 32000 miles. While camping in some cold (23deg) weather I noticed one morning a very small puddle of coolant under the bike. It originated at the joint between the lower radiator hose and the engine (see pic). I was miles from anywhere so I just watched very closely to see if it got worse, it didn't and I completed the 1,000 miles back home without a problem. However during the last service I noticed that the coolant level had dropped to the lower of the two marks on the tank, it usually sat at the exact half-way point, so there is a leak. The bike is under extended warranty so I will be taking it to the dealer. Does anybody know whats behind this joint? Possibly an "o" ring? Geoff Link to comment
Skywagon Posted December 5, 2016 Share Posted December 5, 2016 I don't know whats back there if anything...I tried to spy it on fiche but couldn't really tell. I would probably ask the dealer how tight those bolts are supposed to be, pull the hose lose, look for corrosion or anything unusual and tighten to spec. Here is a location where you can try to drill in on the picture. If the dealer is close, I would just take it in, but if not, might try the above. https://www.ascycles.com/2/MicroList?id=56210&catID=17&catname=17%20cooling Link to comment
hefy_jefy Posted December 5, 2016 Author Share Posted December 5, 2016 Yes! thanks! found it on the fiche (eventually) it IS an O ring. The top hose connector to engine block uses the identical O ring. Maybe should replace both. I could do this easily myself but would need to buy o rings coolant etc. I think this is going to the dealer... I wonder if this is a low-temp o ring problem? It hasn't leaked since... Geoff Link to comment
dirtrider Posted December 5, 2016 Share Posted December 5, 2016 Yes! thanks! found it on the fiche (eventually) it IS an O ring. The top hose connector to engine block uses the identical O ring. Maybe should replace both. I could do this easily myself but would need to buy o rings coolant etc. I think this is going to the dealer... I wonder if this is a low-temp o ring problem? It hasn't leaked since... Evening Geoff Probably low temp + a negative pressure (ie vacuum) related issue. In cold temps "O" rings get a bit harder & stiffer. When the engine cools off overnight the coolant contracts so forms a very slight vacuum in the cooling system. That slight vacuum can unseat a stiff "O" ring enough to seep coolant until the engine heats up enough to pressurize the cooling system & re-seat the "O" ring. Link to comment
hefy_jefy Posted December 7, 2016 Author Share Posted December 7, 2016 Yeah, quite possible, fortunately there were no SRBs involved :-) Link to comment
hefy_jefy Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 Just an update, now done 3,000 plus miles since this occurred. No sign of any further probs... Link to comment
gordiet Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 That's about when mine quit weeping Link to comment
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