Small leak....What is it?

[Jared]

Last week I went on a 2200 mile trip. When I got back, I noticed a small amount of white residue on both sides of the cylinder fins.

My first assumption is coolant, but I'm not too sure. I can't quite pin point where it came from and it sure isn't leaking while the bike is parked, so it must be coming from something that is under pressure, while the bike is hot. What do you guys think?

[fish]

I seen the same thing once while riding after in hot weather. David from Mass. said he had it after he topped off his anit- freeze. I think mac said something about an O-ring on the end of a hose. Mine hasn't done it since, But I keep an eye open for it.

[Cajunrider]

Jared,
One of the looser hose connections I found when I pulled my tank to change the coolant was the small hose leaving the fill cap going to the overflow jug. I actually cut a small piece of the hose off and slid it back on for a tighter fit. Those little pinch hose clams don't cut it IMO. I should have replaced them with conventional clamps with the tightening screw. Next time I pull the tank I will. I had some white residue buildup in that area. Yours may be dripping down while riding and getting on the fins. It won't leak there when the bike is sitting and cool.

[blowndodge]

Yep,,,, my bet it's radiator seepage. Mine had the same residue until I took everything apart and tightened up all the clamps...

[macmac]

The dried coolant is all I can think of that become white and powder. Unless you got any other bad habits anyway

In any wind flow on a hot engine that coolant will tend to dry up reel quick as a very small and minor leak.

A minor leak couild be a harder fix, depending on where it is. I am not in a book, but think the intake shares coolant across the heads, so if that is where the leak is it will call for some time not exactly minor.

I know you can take the tank off, and suggest you do, and snug up every clamp you can find.

I agree with everyone before me.

The only other white powder to forn is alloy oxide which is just air contact on the fins, and a small wooden block covered with a worn clean skuffy is what I use to brighten fin alloy oxides.

[Jared]

Thanks guys. That is what I figure it was. I"ll pul the tank of and snug everything tight. Hopefully that solves the problem.

[waterman]

Jared,

Look at where the coolant hoses attach to the engine. Mine leaked there as well.

[ringadingh]

Besides checking the hose clamps, also check the tubes that go into the cylinder, there is an O ring that can cause a leak as well.

[cactusjack]

Small leak....What is it?

It's like a big leak...only smaller.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Jared I would consider replacing the clamps and using the ones you can tighten down with the screw.