keeping your cool

[fiddlesticks]

My new bike V2 appears to have some antifreeze leaking.
On the front cylinder, beside the spark plug there is a large hex bolt. The antifreeze appears to be comming from there. It only appears to be a drop or 2, but with pets around there is no such thing as a small leak. There must be no leak.
Also I have not seen any present or past posts about
re-coring these rads. Has anybody had luck doing that? Also is it true that I need special antifreeze that is sillica free. Maybe all new antifreeze is sillica free.  ???

Thanks
FSticks

[Rick G]

As far as the raditor is concerned  I have yet to see one that needed any work, they seem to be very long lived. As to anti freeze , we had a discussion on the old forum about anti freeze , The concensus was that non silicilate  antifreeze was much better for the mechanical seal in the pump. That's what I use. If you need a radator I have several.

[louthepou]

Quick tip of the day:

Teflon tape (essential in any house) on the thread is great to stop small leaks.

Louis

[fiddlesticks]

So is this hex bolt beside the spark plug part of the cooling system? It looks like the antifreeze is comming out of the bolt. But maybe it is running down from somewher eelse and just pooling there. Im not really sure. What is that bolt for?

[louthepou]

You have an interesting question (re. big hex bolt). I've never heard the official answer, Hopefully someone will let us know, but from what it looks like and what I know, it could be an other spark plug location.

You're "coming from somewhere else" hypothesis has potential; look for trouble above the engine, where three cooling pipes join. Some clips or collar might be due for a change or tightening.

Louis

[Lucky]

 a little trick for finding liquid leaks is to clean the area well (brake cleaner works well & leaves no residue) and coat the area with baby powder.  start the bike and look for area's where the powder turns dark.  check the coolant lines under the tank for leaks as well.
--Lucky

[h2olawyer]

I've had the same leak - except on the rear cylinder - since the bike was new. ?The amount leaking is minimal and since I don't have pets, it's never really been an issue for me. ?That plug next to the spark plug just doesn't seal quite fully. ?I was planning to tackle the leak this winter at the same time I do my valve clearance inspection. ?If no one comes up with a solution before I get to it, I'll post details on what I find. ?As Louis said, it is likely a wrap or two of teflon tape will stop the seepage.

Also, use silica free coolant.  It may cost a little extra, but I buy Yamacool coolant from the dealer just to be safe.

H2O