Radiator Leak

bkmaxvrb · 03-13-2011, 07:28 AM

I seem to have developed a leak coming from the right side of the radiator over the past couple of weeks. It's a super fast green and silver '06 1600.

My bike has been stored in an unheated garage, that never gets below freezing inside, since November 1st. I don't remember seeing any leaks or fluids of any kind on the ground until yesterday when I went down to debate whether or not I wanted to take her out for the first time this year. I will assume (I know, I know) the leak is a recent development.

What I found is about a tablespoon worth of coolant on the ground, dead center under the radiator. The bottom right side of the radiator is wet, the left side is dry. It seems as though the leak might be coming from a seam(?) or a hose (?) on the right, runs down the bottom, hits the center bolt and drops to the ground.

Any idea where it would be coming from or why it would occur now? I'm pretty confident it hasn't been happening over the winter, only within the last week or two.

Thanks,

Russ

cactusjack · 03-13-2011, 08:10 AM

Make sure the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator is tight. They can be a little loose from the factory.

VulcanE · 03-13-2011, 09:17 AM

Like Scott said, check the drain plug. On mine ("05) I had the symptoms you describe. I found my problem to be where the right lower mounting post of the radiator, where it fits into the rubber grommet on the frame, had worn thru the grommet and had been vibrating on the steel frame mount, had rubbed a hole thru the post and was leaking coolant. The radiator is aluminum (thin) so it doesn't take much to puncture it. I checked the price of a new one (nearly $400

) then checked ebay (prices ranged from $149 to $275) and so I thought I would try a radiator repair shop. I went ahead and flushed the cooling system following Prestone's directions, removed the radiator and carried it to the shop. The guy repaired it right before my eyes buy brazing it with a torch and an aluminum rod, them pressure tested it, gave it back to me, and just charged me $25

. I did have to use a file to smooth it back out to be nice and round, then repainted the whole thing with high temp black paint. I got a new grommet from Kawi, and replaced and refilled with new coolant. A year later, all's still good.

As a side note, Kawasaki lists all 1600s (Nomad, Classic, Mean Streak) as having the same radiator.

AlabamaNomadRider · 03-13-2011, 09:29 AM

Check the drain plug as mentioned. Check all the hose connections and clamps for tightness.

**ringadingh** · 03-13-2011, 10:54 AM

I had the radiator grommets get sloppy on my bike as well, but caught it before it caused any harm. Take a good look around and see if its worn through anywhere.

**Jared** · 03-13-2011, 11:48 AM

If it's wet on the right side, I wouldn't think it would be the plug. With the bike on it's side stand, the coolant would drip from the middle of the radiator to the left side. Right side would still be dry.

I'm guessing one of the clamps on a hose has come loose. Try to follow the coolant up to see if you can find it's source of origin.

VulcanE · 03-13-2011, 04:08 PM

Where mine was leaking from, I thought it was coming from where the lower hose goes into the radiator (real close to where it was leaking from), but with a flashlight, and the engine running (after the fan had clicked on and off) I found the culprit. It is amazing how a flashlight can focus your attention, you'll see things that you normally would over look.

papat · 03-13-2011, 09:30 PM

Just finished with a repair to the left mounting stud on the bottom removed the radiator took it to a repair shop. Had it fixed up in no time.

bkmaxvrb · 03-14-2011, 10:42 AM

I think VulcanE and I share the same problem. As soon as I get time, I'm going to take a closer look and remove the radiator if that's the case. I suspect it is. It's not the drain plug since the coolant is coming down from the right side, hitting the plug and then dropping to the ground.

I love this site as I know whatever problem I encounter, someone else has already been there and usually has a solution. Normally that solution is ten times cheaper than the dealer and just as good, if not better.

I'll post the results of my findings as soon as I know them.

Russ

03-13-2011, 07:28 AM	#1
bkmaxvrb Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: N. E. Pennsylvania Posts: 206	Radiator Leak I seem to have developed a leak coming from the right side of the radiator over the past couple of weeks. It's a super fast green and silver '06 1600. My bike has been stored in an unheated garage, that never gets below freezing inside, since November 1st. I don't remember seeing any leaks or fluids of any kind on the ground until yesterday when I went down to debate whether or not I wanted to take her out for the first time this year. I will assume (I know, I know) the leak is a recent development. What I found is about a tablespoon worth of coolant on the ground, dead center under the radiator. The bottom right side of the radiator is wet, the left side is dry. It seems as though the leak might be coming from a seam(?) or a hose (?) on the right, runs down the bottom, hits the center bolt and drops to the ground. Any idea where it would be coming from or why it would occur now? I'm pretty confident it hasn't been happening over the winter, only within the last week or two. Thanks, Russ __________________ Russ Fraternal Order of Police, NY Lodge 50 American Legion, NY Post 616 Legion Riders, NY Post 259 Patriot Guard Riders "A democracy is two wolves deciding on lunch, freedom is a well armed sheep contesting the results of that decision." - Ben Franklin Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-13-2011, 08:10 AM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Radiator Leak Make sure the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator is tight. They can be a little loose from the factory. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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03-13-2011, 09:17 AM	#3
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	Radiator Leak Like Scott said, check the drain plug. On mine ("05) I had the symptoms you describe. I found my problem to be where the right lower mounting post of the radiator, where it fits into the rubber grommet on the frame, had worn thru the grommet and had been vibrating on the steel frame mount, had rubbed a hole thru the post and was leaking coolant. The radiator is aluminum (thin) so it doesn't take much to puncture it. I checked the price of a new one (nearly $400 ) then checked ebay (prices ranged from $149 to $275) and so I thought I would try a radiator repair shop. I went ahead and flushed the cooling system following Prestone's directions, removed the radiator and carried it to the shop. The guy repaired it right before my eyes buy brazing it with a torch and an aluminum rod, them pressure tested it, gave it back to me, and just charged me $25 . I did have to use a file to smooth it back out to be nice and round, then repainted the whole thing with high temp black paint. I got a new grommet from Kawi, and replaced and refilled with new coolant. A year later, all's still good. As a side note, Kawasaki lists all 1600s (Nomad, Classic, Mean Streak) as having the same radiator. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
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03-13-2011, 09:29 AM	#4
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	Radiator Leak Check the drain plug as mentioned. Check all the hose connections and clamps for tightness. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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03-13-2011, 10:54 AM	#5
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Radiator Leak I had the radiator grommets get sloppy on my bike as well, but caught it before it caused any harm. Take a good look around and see if its worn through anywhere. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-13-2011, 11:48 AM	#6
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	Radiator Leak If it's wet on the right side, I wouldn't think it would be the plug. With the bike on it's side stand, the coolant would drip from the middle of the radiator to the left side. Right side would still be dry. I'm guessing one of the clamps on a hose has come loose. Try to follow the coolant up to see if you can find it's source of origin. __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
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03-13-2011, 04:08 PM	#7
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	Radiator Leak Where mine was leaking from, I thought it was coming from where the lower hose goes into the radiator (real close to where it was leaking from), but with a flashlight, and the engine running (after the fan had clicked on and off) I found the culprit. It is amazing how a flashlight can focus your attention, you'll see things that you normally would over look. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
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03-13-2011, 09:30 PM	#8
papat Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tucumcari NM Posts: 358	Radiator Leak Just finished with a repair to the left mounting stud on the bottom removed the radiator took it to a repair shop. Had it fixed up in no time. __________________ SHEEPLE: Sheep like people, many of whom deny the existence of wolves, and vote to pull the teeth of the sheepdogs who protect the flock!
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03-14-2011, 10:42 AM	#9
bkmaxvrb Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: N. E. Pennsylvania Posts: 206	Radiator Leak I think VulcanE and I share the same problem. As soon as I get time, I'm going to take a closer look and remove the radiator if that's the case. I suspect it is. It's not the drain plug since the coolant is coming down from the right side, hitting the plug and then dropping to the ground. I love this site as I know whatever problem I encounter, someone else has already been there and usually has a solution. Normally that solution is ten times cheaper than the dealer and just as good, if not better. I'll post the results of my findings as soon as I know them. Russ __________________ Russ Fraternal Order of Police, NY Lodge 50 American Legion, NY Post 616 Legion Riders, NY Post 259 Patriot Guard Riders "A democracy is two wolves deciding on lunch, freedom is a well armed sheep contesting the results of that decision." - Ben Franklin
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