Leaking coolant again

[SpyderMonkei]

It happens after I stop the bike, turn it off, and then about a minute later I will get a puddle underneath. The problem is it does not happen EVERY time and never when I take it to the dealer. The bike does not run hot, 3, 4 and 5 bars depending on how fast and what my RPMS are, but this leak is bothersome, it has caused me not to ride the bike out for long distances as I worry about the loss of coolant. I have added some to keep it at the right levels but not as much as what leaked out over the time I have owned the bike. I own dogs and coolant leaking in my garage is not a good thing.

The dealer told me there might be too much coolant in the bike but it kept leaking. The dealer then told me that maybe there is some air in the system and it is working it's way out, but it still is happening. Of course they never find anything wrong with it because it never leaks at the dealership no matter how far they ride it or how long they let it idle.

I have checked everything that the good Spyder owners here have told me, the cap is on right, nice and tight and I think that if it was not it would leak each time instead of intermittently. This is not a pressure leak as it only happens when the bike is stopped and turned off for a minute or so. (But not every time)

I am about 100 miles from the Alcoa, TN dealer so I will trailer it over there once again and this time ask them to completely check out, drain the coolant, put new in and check it out again and again ... this has been such a hassle and has caused me some serious non-riding time.

I love the Spyder, the way it looks and handles, but this coolant issue has been a real pain in the ass.

 

[BeRight]

Sorry you are having problems-I was lucky in that tightening the cap worked for me. When you turn off the Spyder the engine/coolant does increase in temperature - probably why on many cars the radiator fan keeps running after the key is turned off. I do the same thing with my Spyder and run the fan after I turn off the Spyder.

Keep us informed- I would like to know the solution. Good Luck.

 

[SpyderMonkei]

Never checked

I have never checked to see if it increased in temp after turning the bike off, but if it did, then that would be a problem in itself ... I do notice that the bike has a very hot smell once I ride awhile, but I thought that may be normal for a new bike with a new bike smell ... but it is another point I will discuss with the dealer.

 

[BeRight]

I have never checked to see if it increased in temp after turning the bike off, but if it did, then that would be a problem in itself ... I do notice that the bike has a very hot smell once I ride awhile, but I thought that may be normal for a new bike with a new bike smell ... but it is another point I will discuss with the dealer.

The increase in temperature after turn-off is not a problem-just physics. The increase temp/pressure rise should not cause your problem-your problem should not happen. The smell is normal-IMHO.

I have turned my bike off in the past at 5 bars and the coolant does not overflow. Very strange.

 

[ptoemmes]

In the old days - maybe even still - we used to have a gizmo that would attach to the radiator cap (taking cars here even with an overflow) that could pressurize the cooling system with air.

Slow leaks would tend to become obvious most of the time.

Probably could be applied to a Spyder.

Pete

 

[NancysToy]

I have never checked to see if it increased in temp after turning the bike off, but if it did, then that would be a problem in itself ... I do notice that the bike has a very hot smell once I ride awhile, but I thought that may be normal for a new bike with a new bike smell ... but it is another point I will discuss with the dealer.

An increase in temperature is normal for the Spyder. Same for your car. The water pump no longer circulates coolant when the ignition is switched off. Unless the fan continues to run, the radiator no longer actively cools the water, either. Both will cause the temperature to continue to rise a while after the engine stops. The temperature increase after you shut the engine off is not a problem, although it can be causing your leak to appear. The leak itself is the problem, and needs to be found and remedied. Could be caused by low coolant, a bad radiator cap, cracked coolant reservoir, loose clamp, cracked hose, etc. A good mechanic can trace and find the leak, even if it is not immediately evident.

 

[SpyderMonkei]

Could be caused by low coolant, a bad radiator cap, cracked coolant reservoir, loose clamp, cracked hose, etc. A good mechanic can trace and find the leak, even if it is not immediately evident.

Thanks Scotty ... of course, like I said, it doesn't happen every time and less than it did when I first got the bike, but it still happens. Maybe every 4th or 5th time? Sometimes after a very short 10 minute ride, sometimes not, sometimes after an hour ride, sometimes not.

I am looking over your thoughts and I don't think the cracked reservoir, loose clamp or cracked hose could be the culprit as all of them should be almost making the bike leak every time.

Low coolant ... never thought about that since the mechanic thought there may have been too much coolant in there causing the initial leaking. But who knows.

Since I am almost sure the leak is coming out of the overflow hose ... well it's just confusing.

A good mechanic, I am assuming that is what they have over at Alcoa Good Times, but without it leaking when it's there ... its a real problem.

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks Scotty ... of course, like I said, it doesn't happen every time and less than it did when I first got the bike, but it still happens. Maybe every 4th or 5th time? Sometimes after a very short 10 minute ride, sometimes not, sometimes after an hour ride, sometimes not.

I am looking over your thoughts and I don't think the cracked reservoir, loose clamp or cracked hose could be the culprit as all of them should be almost making the bike leak every time.

Low coolant ... never thought about that since the mechanic thought there may have been too much coolant in there causing the initial leaking. But who knows.

Since I am almost sure the leak is coming out of the overflow hose ... well it's just confusing.

A good mechanic, I am assuming that is what they have over at Alcoa Good Times, but without it leaking when it's there ... its a real problem.

Coolant out the overflow hose can be caused by actual overheating (low coolant), way too much coolant, a loose cap (not to second notch), or a bad radiator cap. I'm thinking the cap may be the culprit. Have it pressure tested or replace it and try again.

 

[BajaRon]

Great advise Scotty. Haven't been able to find you wrong on anything yet! (Not that I'm trying).

A split hose, loose clamp, cracked resovoir, etc., could certainly be the problem. I've had intermittent issues with these before (Not on the Spyder but still, same-same).

Any of these may require just the right amount of pressure, heat, whatever to cause a leak. And as soon as the pressure is releaved they "Seal" back up again. Like a burp effect.

Like Scotty said, the coolant is the hottest just after you shut down. Hotter coolant means higher coolant system pressure. Maybe just enough pressure (at times) to cause a leak and at other times, not quite enough to cause a leak.

These are the hardest to find because they typically leak for a very short time and dry quickly because of the high temps involved.

I know the cap takes a lot of twist to get it tight. Lamont thought his was tight because he turned it as hard as he thought it should go. But when I saw it I knew it wasn't clocked to the same position as mine.

He was having intermittent leak problems (right after shutting down) and getting the cap on correctly fixed his issue.

Putting a flashlight behind the resovoir makes it a lot easier to see the level. If there is any coolant in the resovoir cold, then low coolant is not your problem.

Good luck and be sure to post the solution, once you find it.

 

[SpyderMonkei]

Lamont thought his was tight because he turned it as hard as he thought it should go. But when I saw it I knew it wasn't clocked to the same position as mine.

So that begs the question ... what would that proper clock position be on a properly tightened cap?

I appreciate all the help.

 

[BeRight]

So that begs the question ... what would that proper clock position be on a properly tightened cap?

I appreciate all the help.

Mine is at about 5 o'clock - the point of cap that is towards front of Spyder.

 

[Bulldogger]

There is a radiator drain plug you can see if you pull off the bottom plastic panel. Make sure the plug is tight If it is leaking from there, the puddle would be about 6-8" behind the right front tire.

 

[SpyderMonkei]

Cap Position

Yes, the cap is definitely at the 5 o'clock ... so I am confident the cap is on as well as it can go on.

 

[SpyderMonkei]

Got my bike back today from Alcoa

It turned out the problem was the cap itself was defective. I ran it today and no leaks which is good, but it didn't leak each time before.

The problem for me however, was my dealer, and from comments I have read on here and other places, indicated that others have had coolant cap issues before also ... you would think the dealers would have 1, 2, or even 3 of them in stock. They kept the bike a week until a cap was shipped to them.

They assured me they pressure tested the coolant system, so I am a happy owner again.

 

[SpyderWolf]

Glad to hear you got it back, and hopefully you will not have this problem again. It is also good to know what to look for in case this happens with one of our Spyders, so thanks for posting and giving the resolution. :congrats:

 

[krb1945]

Place a news paper...

under it and when it drips on the paper take a flashlight and start searching the area above the drip spot. A cycle jack to lift it straight up will help with the visibility. For safety's sake be sure to put the stands under it if you lift it. If you can tell the mechanic where the leak is you will get it resolved much quicker. Many times the mechanics are pushed to get them in and out quickly and don't have time to do a in depth search.