Cracked Radiator

[desertdog]

Noticed some coolant leaking last weekend before we went for a ride. Checked the fluid level and it was low so replenished it and went for a ride.

I noticed that at every stop it was dripping some from the bottom of the radiator. So after getting back from the ride, made an appointment at a dealer to get it looked at, after checking it myself and making sure none of the hoses were dripping.

Dropped it off last Thursday, finally Saturday they looked at it, radiator has a crack in the lower housing. So they will replace it under warranty, but they have to order the replacement. That takes 5 to 7 business days, then a day to install.

I had them look at the saddle bags also. Of course they can't find anything wrong with them and have no explanation as to why the lids would fly open when hitting a bump.

They said they would ask about a warranty on it, but were not very enthuased about doing anything on it. I will have to wait and see.

I suspect what will happen is I will have to have another incident before I can start pushing them to do something about that issue.

In the mean time, its beautiful riding weather, and I am stuck without a bike. grrrrrr. :(" title="" border="0"/>

[macmac]

First for both complaints around here... Neither is common..

[desertdog]

Mac: I have talked with quite a few people about the saddle bag issue, including Kawa mechanics, and no one has ever heard of that happening before.

I also asked at the dealer about it and they have not heard of it.

Last time the bags popped open was on a group ride. People behind us could not believe what they saw either.

Far as the radiator, I suspect its just an anomoly, probably a weak seam from the original casting. That happens, and the dealer did not even challenge it, just said its a warranty issue.

So I can't complain about that.

[macmac]

My bitch n' wine is the dealers don't stock a bloomin part fer nuthin anymore...

When you get that bike back, make sure the drain plug isn't finger tight. It needs to be a little tighter than just finger tight.. Not a lot, but some..

About the bag doors... Was there too much stuff inside? You can fubarr the doors bad if you over stuff the bags and force the door. Just ask my wife

[desertdog]

Mac: I agree about not stocking parts and screwing up the installation.

As for the bags, they had things in them but were not over stuffed, after the first time it happened we always check that nothing is pressing against the doors, and that the latch is caught, we do that by tugging on it after locking the bags.

Once ok, maybe not latching properly, or something against the door, but not twice. I am getting a little paranoid about them coming open now.

And not on one side only, but both popping open when we hit a bump.

It looks to me like the doors are not quite aligned correctly, I asked the dealer to check on that. Both sides have a small gap on the front side of them, it does allow rain and other things to get into the saddle bags.

[macmac]

hmmm Are the rubber donuts missing under the bags? They should float on the frames and even bolted on tight, still float and be neutral. I have never once had this happen. Not on my 01 1500, and not on my 06 1600.

If the donuts are there pull the bags anyway and with 3-M black weather strip glue, glue the donuts in place, or you will find them missing....

[ringadingh]

The bags shouldn't leak at all, Ive ridden through heavy downpours and my doors have always sealed perfectly. And thats even having them stuffed pretty good a couple times.
You could test yours with a garden hose to see where they are not sealing properly. If they leak, take them back to the dealer

[desertdog]

They leak, thats a given, there is about a 1/16 inch gap on the front part of each door where it meets the front part of the saddle bag.

It looks to me like both doors are slightly warped.

[kenb]

Depending on how bad the coolant leak is, why not ride your bike until the part comes in? You rode it once with it leaking. Nothing says you have to leave it at the dealer either. As it gets ridden, pushed, etc in and out of the shop. They do park it inside, right? All this for almost a week. I hope you know the people at your dealer!

[desertdog]

The radiator is off the bike, so its not ridable. It is stored inside at night, so I am not too concerned about that. But it still is an inconvenience. Dealer is almost 30 city miles away too.

[cactusjack]

Just curious, which dealer did you take it to? Other than Kelly's in Mesa, I'm not sure who's left.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Glad your radiator was covered under warranty. Sounds like your saddlebag lids need to be replaced under warranty.

[macmac]

Ummm these systems hold 2.5 QUARTS of coolant, they are not totally water cooled exactly, This is a combination of oil/air and coolant cooling, but with no coolant, no pressure in a system that coolant is going to cook, boil, and blow out any meaningfull cracks in a rad...

Then you are going to warp the heads and blow the head gaskets. I have serious doubts any warranty will cover the abuse, or neglect. I sure wouldn't.

[desertdog]

CJ: I took it to Metro MotorSports, (I think they are changing to Ride Now Power Sports) They are up on 61st Ave and Bell Rd.

I have not heard much of anything positive or negative, so thought I'd give it a try.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by DesertDog

CJ: I took it to Metro MotorSports, (I think they are changing to Ride Now Power Sports) They are up on 61st Ave and Bell Rd.

I have not heard much of anything positive or negative, so thought I'd give it a try.

I bought the bike I had before the Nomad from RideNow on Country Club and Elliot in Mesa (formerly Town and Country). Absolute jerks and one of the main reasons I wouldn't buy another Suzuki. Your mileage may vary, I hope they treat you right.