Coolant leak down frame [Archive] - 1130cc.com: The #1 Harley Davidson V-Rod Forum

: Coolant leak down frame


mr_vrodder
05-15-2004, 08:18 AM
Every time I go out I get coolant running down the left frame (it dont show up too well in pic).
I have checked the expansion tank cap and it's not broke, but it does turn very easy, i.e it feels lose but is snapped on OK. Its the only place I can think its coming from, although cant find any coolant leaking from it. Should the cap be a tight fit? or is the coolant coming from elsewhere.

PS i don't think it's the top radiatior hose as the leak starts higher up the frame.

Jeff
05-15-2004, 10:15 AM
Your guess is as good as mine as to where the leak is coming from. Take a screwdriver to every hose connection you can find, you will get a half turn on everyone of them.
The cap on the overflow tank snaps on. The hose barb on the cap is what breaks off. Don't use the hose to take the cap off.

Good luck.

mr_vrodder
05-15-2004, 12:36 PM
Your guess is as good as mine as to where the leak is coming from. Take a screwdriver to every hose connection you can find, you will get a half turn on everyone of them.
The cap on the overflow tank snaps on. The hose barb on the cap is what breaks off. Don't use the hose to take the cap off.

Good luck.

The cap does snap on OK but you can wobble it still, the pressure must be leaking a small amout of coolant from here.

Soon be due for my 1000 mile check up, I'll mention it then. Cheers

SKIROD
05-15-2004, 06:37 PM
Here lies the problem. I just told the Factory about this. I was told that I could get a t-shirt if this was a legit complaint. Also was told that the Techs should check this at PDI. Pre-Delivery Inspection. We'll they don't tell you to to a pressure test at PDI. So most Techs will not. I found this problem by chance. Yes, JEFF was on the money. The coolant clamps to the Rad. are loose from the factory. Use a flat head to tighten them. Then you said you have a 1k coming up. Insist the Tech does a coolant pressure test on the cap and system. Later SKI.

BRY65
05-15-2004, 06:47 PM
Here lies the problem. I just told the Factory about this. I was told that I could get a t-shirt if this was a legit complaint. Also was told that the Techs should check this at PDI. Pre-Delivery Inspection. We'll they don't tell you to to a pressure test at PDI. So most Techs will not. I found this problem by chance. Yes, JEFF was on the money. The coolant clamps to the Rad. are loose from the factory. Use a flat head to tighten them. Then you said you have a 1k coming up. Insist the Tech does a coolant pressure test on the cap and system. Later SKI.

Thanks for the info SKIROD. I have the same problem though it is not continuous. Make sure you get that t-shirt.

Vinny
05-15-2004, 10:17 PM
I had the coolant leak down the left frame also.They eventually had to replace the cap and the tank.

VrodG
05-15-2004, 11:45 PM
I had a leak that I chased for two weeks and couldn't find, tighten all the clamps and check everything,took to the dealers along with a couple other things that needed checking. The tech took three days and found it, one of the shrink clamps was weeping just a little so he change the clamp and hose [ no charge] no more leaks!!!!

Sean Shirley
05-25-2004, 08:08 PM
I'm sorry to hear about the problem but glad to hear I'm not the only one with this problem. Even after pressure testing the dealer could not locat the exact problem on my '03. After several times in the shop I finally took matters into my own hands. I took of the air box cover and the side covers for a clear view and raced the bike up and down the road. My leak appeared to come from the loose fitting plastic cap as coolant sloshed on quick starts. I had the dealer replace the tank at no charge and so far so good. Keep an eye on your coolant levels.

rc4man
06-29-2004, 08:07 PM
Have had the bike a week. Enrolled on site this morning and posted happy "Hi everyone I'm new here" to which I received many congarats and salutations.
After lunch ride noticed coolant on frame left front down tube and radiator shroud. Looked in vain for cause. In investigation also noticed coolant on frame right down tube. HMMMM! Remove lid and discovered broken nipple off overflow tank cap, hose was pointing forward and when relief cap would go coolant would shoot forward and spread down. I live N.E. of Atlanta but bought bike in Greenville SC. Started calling Atlanta dealers to find one with replacement as I'm taking bike to Gulf coast on thursday for 4th holiday.
Only one that had it were the otherside of Atlanta which those who know local traffic means "Far side of the World". In the end it is on trailer waiting for 0-Dark-Thirty when I start the 2 hour trip back up to Greenville, where they have the part and will have me out by 10:00 am. Just 120 mi each way but worth it to avoid Atlanta traffic. During investigation also noticed broken attchment points for left side radiator shroud chrome trim. Is this common? Will have them replace it as well while there or at 1000 mi service if they don't have item in stock.