Radiator base cracking fix before it happens!

[Rasta]

After reading up a while back on the radiator tanks getting a crack at the base where it seats at the bottom, I had checked mine to see if there was any play in the grommet Part #92075-1690 . One side was tight but the right side(FOOT BRAKE SIDE) had a play.What people were saying is that, this vibration is what causes the cracking, which I can see happening! Finally today I managed to take things apart to get to the grommet before I had a chance to get the bike too hot to work on! While I was waiting to hear back from the kaw dealer, I decided to go to ace hardware with the grommet. On the way there I got the call from the deal and they told me they don’t stock it but they can get it for me next week for about $3.30 each. Told them to go ahead and order two but I was on my to another place and if they have them I would call back to cancel. Long story short ace had them for $1.24 each and so I replaced both and don’t have to worry about the radiator cracking for awhile now.

[ringadingh]

I just did the same thing on mine this morning, I had the two lugs that sit in the grommet bend slightly from an accident last year, I gently straightened them out and everything fits like new again.

[roadhawg]

Speaking of the radiator, How does one check the coolant/water level? I have looked far and wide, but cant find any cap anywhere.

[Rasta]

Originally Posted by roadhawg

Speaking of the radiator, How does one check the coolant/water level? I have looked far and wide, but cant find any cap anywhere.

Fill cap is under the gas tank but the reservoir is on the right side side cover.If that is low put some in there to the full mark.

[Rasta]

Originally Posted by ringadingh

I just did the same thing on mine this morning, I had the two lugs that sit in the grommet bend slightly from an accident last year, I gently straightened them out and everything fits like new again.

Nice to take care of these things before they become a problem!

[cactusjack]

Well you check the level at the overflow jug, which sits behind the right side cover. The radiator pressure cap is under the tank. You have to remove the tank to get to it. Removing the tank is easy.

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by Rasta

Nice to take care of these things before they become a problem!

I actually had to change the lower rad hose, it had a tiny cut in it from when the motor I bought was in an accident. Thats when I noticed my rad was not sitting in place as good as it should have been. When I first seen a few drops of coolant I thought I had cracked something in the rad. I was relieved to find that it was only the rad hose.

[macmac]

Rasta is there in fact a real crack now? if so i would like to see a picture of it. You would want to fix that before it grows more ASAP.

If the crack is a metal part solder is best, but JB Weld can work, and last for a long time.

If the crack can be backed up with a custom cut flat washer or a thin custom fit sliver of sheet metal all the better.

Of course new rubber mounts isolate vibs better than old dead mounts can.

[Rasta]

No Mac, there is no crack on mine. I replaced the rubber before the problem of cracking happens. With the new grommets I dont have the play that was there before so i am happy with that.

[macmac]

Good........ I hate it when you guys must spend money, because one day and i just know it a 6 pack will show up on my door step for ALL the money i save you guys..... Ha HA HA

[Rasta]

Originally Posted by macmac

Good........ I hate it when you guys must spend money, because one day and i just know it a 6 pack will show up on my door step for ALL the money i save you guys..... Ha HA HA

You know it!!!

[Blueraven]

I am no sure of what you guys are talking about. Where and how do I check for this problem?

[Rasta]

Radiator is held in place at three spots.....one bolt holds it on top and at the bottom, goes into the two grommots we are talking about.Where it goes into the grommets is where the issue might occure!

[macmac]

I am only aware of this since I was in the area back in 06 because I knew the rad drain plugs were not quite finger tight from the factory, and i didn't want to loose mine on the road somewhere.

Then again once, in August 09 when I hit the jeep that hit the moose, and wrecked my ft fender.

There was no damage to the rad, but I had to look to know it.

[pkohlstedt]

I'm waiting on a new radiator now . Ordered from procaliber - best price 340 i think nearest dealer said 440 ... I've jb welded the bottom twice now an got a leak .Someone got a used one from local junk yard 2 days before i got there .. so new it is!