2018 RT leaking coolant - Any suggestions before dealer?

[linda502]

I changed the coolant on my 2018 RT and it now is leaking a few drips every day. I tightened the clamps but still no success in stopping those pesky drips I see every morning. Anybody have any suggestions before I take it to the dealer to have it looked at?

[Mikey]

First thing I would do is find where it's leaking!! Maybe you spilt a little and it is on top of the covers under there and dripping out slow! I would not tighten that clamp anymore unless you're sure it's coming from that area. If it's spilt fluid, maybe a good hosing, let it dry, ride it and check it out again!! Good Luck!!

[BertRemington]

Mikey is correct about checking the overflow tube and giving everything a good wash.

WRT to clamp: where did you disconnect the hose -- right-hand radiator or cross-over manifold? Both are a bit fragile, especially the ABS manifold. The previous owner disconnected the hose from the manifold and it took more force than I liked to remove it. And what type of clamp did you use -- Oetiker or constant torque (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9AEH0M). Any other type of clamp could damage your hose while not sealing properly.

[linda502]

Thank you for your response to my problem. Looks like the clamp is not the correct type. I followed the link you added. Is the clamp you recommend B00N9AEHOM? Does this require special pliers to? I'm sorry to sound ignorant. We are new to the Can Am family and appreciate any help as we learn our way through our new exciting journey.

[BertRemington]

Yes that is the clamp. No special tools required except 8mm hex socket. And yeah you get five. So I have four extras, one of which I will mail you. Expect PM shortly.

[2dogs]

Before you dig into it too far as mentioned above find the leak location first. I've double clamped before and had success with stopping a leak. That's the easy way if you have the room and kind'a okie fyed; but if it works it won't hurt anything.

[Little Blue]

You need to carefully inspect all of your Spyder hoses. Use a good light to see and find the leaks.

Is it a clamp or a hose problem? Another possibly could be the water pump or even the radiators.

Coolant leaks on your Spyder can be a real problem to find. I just found out that I had a small leak from the hose at the over flow tank. I tighten the hose clamps.

Good Luck on Your Mission. .....

[linda502]

Love your spyder, ours is blue to. Pretty sure now our issue is the clamp. Appreciate everyone's response and suggestions very much!

[Adventurer]

?

kind'a okie fyed

Hey hey hey

[2dogs]

?

kind'a okie fyed

Hey hey hey

Yea I know. But, if you've ever ridden dirt bikes you learn that kind of stuff. How to fix anything with black tape a screwdriver a pair of pliers and a stick. LOL At least it gets you back to the truck.

[Little Blue]

Love your spyder, ours is blue to. Pretty sure now our issue is the clamp. Appreciate everyone's response and suggestions very much!

Just realized that most of the clamps on my Spyder are the 'Oetiker type'.

This type of clamp is a 'one time use' and NOT adjustable.

I had a radiator hose that was leaking and let my local Spyder Dealer make the repairs.

As someone posted, you can use a new clamp 'constant torque type'. This is a good choice too.

I had my Spyder Dealer do a Coolant Service and repair the leak issue. I wanted some peace of mind. They did a good job and well worth the money.

[2dogs]

"Oetiker Hose Clamps," One good reason to leave it there and double clamp next to it, if there's room, with an adjustable high pressure clamp. Good luck.

[Little Blue]

I changed the coolant on my 2018 RT and it now is leaking a few drips every day. I tightened the clamps but still no success in stopping those pesky drips I see every morning. Anybody have any suggestions before I take it to the dealer to have it looked at?

...Just Curious What You Did?
What did you end up doing about your coolant leak?

[Mikey]

[linda502]

Thank you everyone for your very helpful advice! Changed the clamp and replaced the fluid, again, and no more dripping. Yay! I ordered a shop manual and that came and so the Mister will have lots of reading to do. The shop manual will be very helpful. We have a 2018 RT SE and it is certainly a lot of fun! Bike week in March in Daytona Beach will be a lot more fun this year!

[BertRemington]

Little Blue and Mikey -- put the popcorn down -- Linda's clamp solution is this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9AEH0M

[linda502]

Forgot to mention using a long flexible flashlight shining into the overflow bottle shows your fluid level and we're spot on! Exactly one gallon so says the shop manual. That was a crafty idea that works great.

[Little Blue]

Little Blue and Mikey -- put the popcorn down -- Linda's clamp solution is this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9AEH0M

Thank you. I know about constant torque clamps.
I have used them and they are great.
Most people don't like the idea of having to pay for them.

They are expensive to say the least.

Have a Blessed Day Everyone. .... : )

[Little Blue]

Forgot to mention using a long flexible flashlight shining into the overflow bottle shows your fluid level and we're spot on! Exactly one gallon so says the shop manual. That was a crafty idea that works great.

If you are removing the radiator cap/coolant tank cap be sure you install the cap correctly. Why, because you can make a leaking cap issue.

Ask me how I know. .....

I now use a pin light and shine it onto the coolant tank to check my level. .... : )

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

If you are removing the radiator cap/coolant tank cap be sure you install the cap correctly. Why, because you can make a leaking cap issue.

Ask me how I know. .....

I now use a pin light and shine it onto the coolant tank to check my level. .... : )

Also a likelihood it will over-heat .... The system has to be sealed tight for it to work properly ..... jmho .... Mike