2014 998 ST SE5 Coolant Leak

[michrick]

Hi all hopefully someone can direct me in the right direction. When my wife’s 2014 ST sits over the winter just before coming out of hibernation there’s a coolant leak. Funny it does go away after it’s been run for a bit. I pulled the right side cover off and can’t really tell or see where it may come from. Do I need to pull the bottom black panel as well or what panels need to be pulled to get a good look at the coolant tank. Thanks much for any and all help with this project.

Model: 2014 ST SE5, 998 engine

Thanks,
Michrick

 

[EdMat]

Sounds like a classic case of a cold weather leak at a hose clamp.

 

[michrick]

Yeah but to change them all or get a better look I think more panels need to come off the ST, the clamps aren’t the worm gear style they are crimped on.
Thanks for your response
Michrick

 

[Little Blue]

Coolant Leak

Coolant leaks can be found with a little patience and preparation. Yes, you will need to remove some of the plastic pieces. You stated that it only leaks during the 'winter lay up season'.

Check your coolant level and see if it is low. How much? What color is your coolant? The orange color coolant will leave a 'white stuff' marking as it dries. Do you see any 'white stuff'?

I had a water pump that was weeping and it was hard to get to and see. Let us know what you find. .....:thumbup:

 

[michrick]

Thanks Little Blue my coolant is orange in color. We took it out yesterday for a short 40 mile ride. I told my wife keep an eye on the temp gauge. The bike never overheated and checking today nothing under it. I’m going to take all the RH plastic off and the belly pan for a better look. Thanks for your advice on what to look for. It sure is tight in there.
Michrick

 

[Trbayth]

Yeah but to change them all or get a better look I think more panels need to come off the ST, the clamps aren’t the worm gear style they are crimped on.
Thanks for your response
Michrick

If your 2014 is like mine, there is one worm gear clamp and that's where my cold-weather-layover leak was coming from.


It's at the top of the water pump on the right side of the bike.

 

[michrick]

Thanks Trbayth I will check that area this weekend.

 

[porkchop1965]

I bought my 2012 SE 5 in January. Had a buddy trailer it home....21 degrees when we picked it up in NJ.
After sitting un-started for 3 weeks mine "pee'd" on my garage floor. After the weather warmed up I added some coolant to bring it back to the full line. Just a few ounces.
Mine was green. To see the coolant tank I opened the frunk and removed the small black cover and could see the tank from there.
But oh what a PIA to fill.....LOL
Hasn't moved off the full line ever since. Been riding it several times a week for the last 3 weeks.

I chalked it up to a cold weather seal leak.

 

[michrick]

Thanks porkchop1965

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

All 998 V-Twins also have two more screw type clamps up close to the block nestled right under the air box. They can be a source of leakage, also. You will get intimately frustrated trying to get to them, usually working by feel. But, all it takes is a turn and they stop leaking.

 

[michrick]

Thanks Snowbelt Spyder I will try and locate them