So I decided to change the coolant today (Just for General Maintenance)

I flushed out the system and the coolant reservoir since I'm going to use Engine Ice.

Did this twice to make sure it was completely clean.

Now I filled it up and then closed the cap then ran the bike for a while making sure there where no leaks.
(Should I of ran it with the cap off to get rid of air bubbles?)
( Also I reused the same Copper washer on the Drain Bolt)

Now when the bike is running still or off nothing leaks the problem happens when I start riding around.

When I stop and put the bike on the kick stand It drips some coolant.

I notice this is coming from the Bolt or Waterpump Seal Area.


I just order a new bolt and washer and should be here soon.




My question is has anybody experienced this before?
Could this be because of the Engine Ice Coolant?
Or because I reused the washer?


Like I said I had no leaks what so ever before, everything was working fine.

Please let me know if you have any info or comments on my issue.
I'm pretty concerned about the issue and want to know others advice, thoughts.
Especially if you experienced this before....


Thank you in advanced and sorry if this is a Noob question.
I am a new rider with a couple months Exp.

 

The coolant has nothing to do with it. If its coming from the bolt then the washer didn't seal, the bolt isn't tight enough, or the threads are stripped leaving the bolt not torqued properly. Are you sure this is where its coming from?

 

Thanks for the response!!

This is a real moral down situation!

I am sure of the general area where the leak is occurring.
This is in the area of the drain bolt or water pump seal.

Again this only happens after I ride around a little bit.


So per the owners manual the washer is suppose to changed every time the bolt is taken off.

Could this possibly be an issue?

I did tighten the bolt as tight as I felt comfortable without striping it.

Or could it just be a coincidence that this leak started happening when I changed the coolant?


Thank again for any reply, comment!
It is very appreciated...

 

Try replacing the washer and see if it takes care of it. Make sure the sealing surface is smooth and free of debris

 

It sounds to me like you don't have a perfect seal at your drain bolt. When you are riding around your water pump is pushing coolant around and that increases the pressure in the system. It's probably that extra pressure that causes the leak while you are riding. Should be ok if you put a fresh washer on there.

 

Just like the copper seal washers at the bottom of your fork sliders, these washers deform to the shape of the mounting, so yes, you do need to replace them each time - this will surely be the resolution, don't worry too much about it.
Also, do you have a torque wrench? You definitely need to be careful not to over-torque the bolt - I'm at work, and don't have my manual handy, but I suspect that bolt is only torqued in the neighborhood of 7 to 9 Ft Lb, which is pretty light.

 

Thx JNSRacing...

And I don't have a torque wrench but do have access to one.
But I just checked the manual and I don't see torque specifications for this particular bolt.

However I will research it and try once the new bolt and washer arrive.

Thanks for the response and I hope your right, seems like you know so it does make me feel better.

Just trying to get my bike all setup to ride for the summer....

So I will do some research but if you find out what the torque spec for that bolt is let me know.

so... You change that washer everytime you do a coolant flush?

and I will let you all know the results once I get the washer in and I try it out....

Thanks again!!!!!

 

Actually, I just pull that lower hose for draining & flushing, I don't use the drain bolt.


I'll check my manuals when I get home - it's possible that there isn't a torque spec listed for that bolt, but I know that bolts of similar length, diameter, and thread pitch, on other areas of engine casings, have a spec of 7 Ft. Lb.

 

[JNSRacing = "Actually, I just pull that lower hose for draining & flushing, I don't use the drain bolt."]

I will try this from now on to possibly avoid having to do this again. Thx for the tip!




Also anyone know a good place to buy the bolt washer?
Any hardware stores or screw specialtiy store would stock this?


I bought mine from Bike Bandit .com and want to know if there is something a little more local and convienant. Also I just got an e-mail from them saying that it will not be shipped until 5 business days...

I could just ask for a 6.5mm copper crush washer right?

Or is better just to order online like I did.

 

Also anyone know a good place to buy the bolt washer

Go to a place that works on bikes and ask one of the mechanics if they have any in their toolboxes, or buy one from the parts dept. They should have a bunch of them.

If they dont, go to a honda car dealer, or anywhere thay works on lots of honda cars. The older honda cars had a piggy back bolt on the fuel filter banjo bolt for checking fuel pressure. The fuel filter kits came with a new seal for it, but nobody takes it off, no need to. I have tons of them...