Help! Thanksgiving fluid leak? 2014 ST-S, SE5

[ViperWolf]

Happy Thanksgiving SpyderLovers,

Looking for some turkey day assistance please

Pulled my Spyder out today to show it to visiting family, only to find 2 small puddles of pale pink fluid on the garage floor
beneath the front right side of my 2014 ST-S SE5.

See attached pictures.

I bought it from a dealer with 935 demo miles on it, he changed the oil/filter at time of purchase. I now have just over 2000 miles
on it, and am just now looking at fluid levels.

Oil is low, near the bottom of the dipstick, and coolant level is low enough that it's not visible in reservoir.

I'm glad to have caught this now, and will top off both before riding it again.

How often are routine oil/filter changes?

Do you think the fluid in the pics is coolant?

Looking at the Spyder up on ramps I didn't see any obvious signs of leaks.

I'm looking for anyone's suggestions, experience or hints to help.

What coolant and oil to buy? Do I need factory fluids or can I find what I need at an Auto Zone?

Thank you everyone,

Wilson (ViperWolf)
Nashville TN

 

[SpyderAnn01]

You have to have the Spyder at operating temperature before you can properly check the oil. You will get a low reading if you just warm it up for a few minutes. The 998 motor will consume some oil between changes so you should check it often, easiest to check after a ride so it is good and hot.

 

[Trbayth]

It's probably coolant. For best results, top it off with the XPS Long Life Coolant (orange) but in a pinch you can get away with Prestone 50-50 mix as what's in the bike is not DexCool.

As for where the leak is, there have been many threads about coolant leaks on 2014 ST's. It's usually been the hose that goes from the bottom of the tank into the top of the water pump. It has a worm clamp on it rather than an Oetiker crimp clamp; the worm clamp works it's way loose and needs to be tightened.

See http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...What-is-this&p=1056724&viewfull=1#post1056724

 

[bmccaffrey]

Pull tupperware of right side and check hoses.

Clamps may be loose. Notorious for that:thumbup:

 

[AZ Y Factor]

Just went through this a couple weeks ago on my ST. The bottom hose clamp was a bit loose.

 

[Chupaca]

Seems to be...

Looks like coolant. Places to check are the coolant tank for cracks, the tank cap to see if tightened to the second detent, water pump seal and radiator hose the only one with a screw hose clamp...top off oil after checking it as discribed by Ann...:thumbup:

 

[GearHd]

I had this same thing happen yesterday. Luckily I remembered recently seeing this thread. My leak was the clamp at the pump. Simple fix thankfully.

 

[remark2013]

It's coolant/antifreeze, going through the same issues on our, however the dealership can't seem to fix it yet!

 

[GearHd]

Mine was a 5 minute fix. You have to look real close where the hose connects to the pump and you could see the drips coming from the connection. All I had to do was remove the right side cover and could easily get to the clamp.

 

[900Dave]

As others mentioned coolant leak right side. I believe it is the only coolant hose with the worm type clamp. My 13 STL also developed a slight leak. I gave that clamp just a little turn with a flat blade screw driver and It been good ever since.