FIX to coolant leak?

[groundeffect]

Hello guys. I have some questions (still researching to be a Spyder owner), regarding the coolant leaks found.

From what I've read there are three common issues:

1. The clamps just work loose and you need to tighten them to fix the leak. No problem. That is easy to check and periodically watch for.


2. The coolant container cracks. Ok, that is bad. However, what is the FIX for this???
i) Can you weld or glue the container back together?

3. The cap is not fully seated - not really a problem, but requires a little more attention to get right. I can live with that.





Other questions on Spyder Coolant:

4. What KIND of TYPE of fluid is used to cool the Spyder?


5. Is this coolant for the radiator on the Spyder?


6. What happens if ALL of the coolant leaks out of the container???



I'm primarily looking for FIX to the cracked container that happens. Thoughts/comments on this, anyone?


Thanks for your time.
Cheers everyone.

 

[Firefly]

Has this been a very common problem? Seems to me only a handfull of folks have had this happen. 15K on my 2008 PE and no issues with this.

 

[groundeffect]

Has this been a very common problem? Seems to me only a handfull of folks have had this happen. 15K on my 2008 PE and no issues with this.

thanks for your reply. Do you know if there is a fix, or if the riders who have experienced it just went to the dealer for the day or two, or three to get a replacement?

 

[NancysToy]

The repair for a cracked coolant tank is replacement. Folks have had mixed results with glues, sealants, and tape to make temporary fixes. Depends on the crack. At best this is a stop-gap measure to get you home or to the dealer. I recommend Gorilla Tape, BTW, much stronger and more waterproof and heatproof than regular duct tape.

The Spyder uses standard ethylene glycol (green) antifreeze, mixed 50:50. Make sure it says "For Aluminum Engines" on the label. This coolant runs through the radiator (right side of the Spyder), as on all cooling systems. The radiator on the other side is the oil cooler. If your coolant gets low, you will overheat. The Spyder will go into Limp Mode, and may even shut down.

 

[groundeffect]

The repair for a cracked coolant tank is replacement. Folks have had mixed results with glues, sealants, and tape to make temporary fixes. Depends on the crack. At best this is a stop-gap measure to get you home or to the dealer. I recommend Gorilla Tape, BTW, much stronger and more waterproof and heatproof than regular duct tape.

The Spyder uses standard ethylene glycol (green) antifreeze, mixed 50:50. Make sure it says "For Aluminum Engines" on the label. This coolant runs through the radiator (right side of the Spyder), as on all cooling systems. The radiator on the other side is the oil cooler. If your coolant gets low, you will overheat. The Spyder will go into Limp Mode, and may even shut down.

Informative reply, thank you so much!

 

[Roaddog2]

running on coolant tank #3.
both tanks replaced under warranty.There is a baffle in the tank near the injection mold seams that appears to be causing the problem according to my dealer no redesign in sight:ani29:First one went at 12k second one went almost 20k several odeker clamp leaks since begining of ownership :gaah:

 

[groundeffect]

Thanks for your reply.


Is this container crack(s) leaving you to have to tow it to the dealer, or are the cracks not so bad so you can hobble to the dealer?


Guys - is there anyway to prevent this from happening?
Since BRP don't look to be fixing it or redesigning it, do you have any recommendations or ideas on a owner-self-fix?

thanks

running on coolant tank #3.
both tanks replaced under warranty.There is a baffle in the tank near the injection mold seams that appears to be causing the problem according to my dealer no redesign in sight:ani29:First one went at 12k second one went almost 20k several odeker clamp leaks since begining of ownership :gaah:

 

[sylblk]

coolant tank leak

the leak on mine was minor at first but disabled the bike within 100 miles. tried to use commercial patch, temporary fix only. new tank seems thicker walled at the center where the baffle is. what's the baffle for?, it splits the tank in half...

 

[woodz428]

what's the baffle for?, it splits the tank in half...

I most cases a baffle is intended to keep the liquid from sloshing. I haven't looked over all my spyder yet, but if it has a low coolant light switch in the tank, it's to keep the light from going on and off when the terrain is erratic.

 

[groundeffect]

thanks for the replies.

new tank seems thicker walled

Anyone anybody else confirm this?