Antifreeze leak

[papat]

Found dried antifreeze on bottom of radiator and left frame tube still wet at the grommet where the radiator sits in the mount, cleaned it all off. Took the bike out for a small ride wet again around the grommet, not running from above or from the drain plug. So unbolted radiator raised it up without undoing hoses or draining antifreeze. Best I can tell the dowel on the bottom of tank is leaking. Does anyone know for sure how the dowels are put in the bottom tank?

[desertdog]

I had the same problem, it was a cracked radiator housing, replaced under warranty, just had to wait 2 weeks, as they don't stock parts anymore.

I would suggest to take it back to a Kawa shop and have them look at it.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Papa T is your bike still under warranty? I have had no problems with leaks so haven't checked to see what it looks like. Be sure and let us know how it turns out.

[ringadingh]

If you can't get one through warranty and don't want to buy a new one, you could try repairing it with JB Weld. That stuff is amazing on a lot of stuff. Make sure it is clean and dry if you try it, and it should work.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I have used a product I think was called liquid aluminum. I used it years ago to repair a radiator and it held until I sold the car. Not sure if they still sell it but it came in a tube and didn't require any mixing.

[macmac]

JB Weld can work there, but get it all clean. Soldering would be better, but you might need it done with oxy actelene torches and a experienced hand. And then it must be very very clean, which is very very hard to do. Once coolant is on a metal getting it clean is a royal pain.

[papat]

Out of warranty a few months so thats a dead end. So far the leak is so small I will probably wait till winter for a removal. Might try a epoxy fix for now or just keep an eye on it. But if anyone has a radiator just sitting around let me know. I did check EBay had one start bid was $150.00

[macmac]

If you put on JB Weld and clean, meaning a really clean surface and a really clean install chances are it will be there when you sell the bike. If it is done well it will last a long time.

Doing nothing isn't a great option. 1 the crack may grow, 2 it won't hold system psi, and 3 you won't trust it.

[papat]

Thats a fact on not trusting it! The wife and I have other plans this weekend without the bike so i will think on it.

[Mad Kaw]

As an added affirmation, my brother used JB to fix a crack in the oil pan of his Gold Wing. That was done earlier this summer and, it's still holding up and most likely will for a long time to come.
Since the fix, he's put on about 6,000 miles with no leaks.

[Cajunrider]

We use this for leak repairs here at the plant. I've used it on my swimming pool filter fiberglass tank to repair a crack. Never leaked a drop after the repair. We use the Belzona 1121 on most applications here. I've never seen any leak it was used on here that the repair wasn't successful. After curing for 12 hours it is as hard as steel. If you decide on using Belzona for your repair, I would suggest calling to find a local distributor and explaining to them what you are attempting to repair. They can tell you which compound would be best to use.


http://www.belzona.com/products.aspx

[macmac]

My personal expereince with JB Weld on a leak is from long ago. I was in Boston driving a sports car Datsun SPL 311 I think it was called a 1966 vintage car, in the early 70's. i was cut off in faster traffic and went to brake sharply and the bloomin pedal was GONE!

I then shifed from 4th to 1st and let out that clutch some fast. That caused the engine to rock violently on the mounts and that caused the rad top hose fitting to be yanked right off.

Coolant blew out the hood scoop and it went everywhere. I got parked and there was a Sears store right there. I went in and found JB Weld. It was the 24 hour type. With paper towels I cleaned things up, and glued that fitting on. I went for coffee to let it cure.

Of course it didn't cure well, but it stuck, and the next day i wanted it off to solder, but it was rock hard, so I ground the bad repair to be cleaner, and re-coated, making that a better look over all. That stuff was still there when a meat head ran into the ft end when the car was parked killing the car. That was around 2 years later.

Don't wait to fix it.

[bobkanesr]

I had a small leak in mine. Took it to a local rad shop and had it pressure tested and soldered for $25. Been good for several years now. It was leaking around one of the rivets at the top.

[coacha]

Mine leaked at the top L bracket ('99), MikeInFLA took it to work with him, guy there welded it up for me and haven't had issues with it since. Have a hose leak now, but all the hoses are 10+ years old, so that is to be expected. Gonna replace them.

[macmac]

CoachA, when you do the hoses I would be curious to know if any have wet fibers. You only see the fibers at the hose ends. As of late on other vehicals hose made in Japan I am finding the inner layer of tubing has separtated and hoses leak between layers.

If you see that let us know.