Dropped my bike at low speed last night. Damn gravel. Now I am leaking coolant. If the bike is laid down is it possible for the oil/coolant to get "mixed"? I thought they were seprate systems but not sure...
I have looked for leaks in the actual radiator and there are none. No loose hoses either. Seems to still be leaking. I think the radiator cap MAY have gotten dislodged or twisted open, not sure which way its SUPPOSED to be sitting. Right now the tabs are PARALELL to the radiator. Are they supposed to be perpendicular? What should I be checking for besides the cosmetic damage? Starts and runs fine, exaust is clean. Should I change the oil right away? Coolant? Thanks!

 

Sorry to hear your bike went down. The oil and coolant shouldn't mix due to a drop. I suggest you remove the plastics, fill the reservoir bottle to the cold line and then start it up and track down the leak. If you suspect the radiator cap is the culprit then take it off before you warm up the bike and check it out. As far as changing the oil and coolant -- I wouldn't. The drop would pretty much have to crack the head for the two to mix and your description doesn't suggest that it dropped that violently.

How bad did it damage your plastics? Seems to be a rash of drops on here lately.

 

What side did you drop it on?

 

Dropped my bike on the right side once....broke a small nipple off the bottom of the coolant overflow tank...leaked very slowly, and only when the tank had fluid in it, of course. Easily fixed with some plastic tank patch, bout $9 at the local parts store.

-Adam

 

dropped it on its right side (as you sit on the bike). Side of radiator on that part is pretty close to the surface, but no leaks there. Still looking into what it is, thanks for the suggestions.

 

Update. Got the bike apart, inspected the cooling system. No leaks. Cap had come loose. Refilled the system, all is good. Just have to fix the cracked fairings and whatnot now, but all is good. Thanks for the help and concern all!

 

Thanks for the update...