Test Drove this SUPER CLEAN 10th then this...

2173 Views 29 Replies 9 Participants Last post by mindglove1, 8 d ago

mindglove1

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

4

Howdy from SATX y'all, I've been on the search for a super clean (and cheap) 10 Anniversary VROD, and finally tracked one down that's in CHERRY condition and has less than 3k mi! Finally got a chance to test ride it and this is where some of the Smart Knowledgeable folks here come in... There was some fluid under the bike after I warmed it up and after a 2 mile test ride the rpms at a stop sign would get erratic go up to 1k rpms then drop to almost stall then back up. Of the 6 stops I had it died on 2 of them. While at speed though it rode pretty smooth! When I got back 2 miles later (shortest test ever) I noticed there was fluid all over the right side of the engine casing and on the exhaust and had pooled up on a bolt trough just below the breather tube. I noticed there was fluid on the whole right side of the bike now after the slow (max 55mph) test ride. Is this something to be concerned about moving forward since I think it was oil? Should I keep searching and write this one off?? Please help me make a good decision on my first Harley-Davidson. THANK YOU

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Nordic Black

· #2 · 3 mo ago

Don´t look like oil drops to me, more like water based fluid. There should not be originally a breather tube like what you described in photo. Breather system is connected to air cleaner in the V-rods. WAter pump is on that side of a leak and I suspect a water pump/coolant issue. Have the cooling system checked and verify there`s actually anti freeze solution, not just plain water in the system.

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Ceigenberger

· #3 · 3 mo ago

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Ceigenberger

· #4 · 3 mo ago

Probably coolant, I’d agree it looks water based not oil. This is the water pump…
Gaskets have been known to leak- really not a big deal if that’s it. But certainly won’t cause the idle issue

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rbabos

· #5 · 3 mo ago (Edited)

Coolant leak could be as simple as a loose hose clamp. 6 total. Stalling could be a dirty IAC or worst case needs replacing. With low miles like that don't think the pump is an issue, gasket maybe. If this coolant is water and not 50/50 antifreeze and this bike has ABS and not been serviced every two years cycling the HCU, I'd tend to think twice unless you can bring the price down a bit to cover what could be some expensive repairs. If you are mechanically inclined and get a service manual, being a special model, I'd be inclined to go for it. Might end up being peanuts to get it back to near perfect.
Ron

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Knut J

· #6 · 3 mo ago

Welcome to 1130cc.
IAC = Idle Air Control:

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Do not touch the two screws until you have preheated them. They are fixed from the factory with blue loctite and in the worst case scenario they can break during disassembly and that in a place you don't want it to happen = trouble! Better safe than sorry..
Like Ron says, get a manual. I recommend a genuine H-D shop manual. Well investment.
Congrats with yer new ride, MoCo did a nice Anniversary model.

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mindglove1

Discussion Starter · #7 · 3 mo ago

Nordic Black said:
Don´t look like oil drops to me, more like water based fluid. There should not be originally a breather tube like what you described in photo. Breather system is connected to air cleaner in the V-rods. WAter pump is on that side of a leak and I suspect a water pump/coolant issue. Have the cooling system checked and verify there`s actually anti freeze solution, not just plain water in the system.

rbabos said:
Coolant leak could be as simple as a loose hose clamp. 6 total. Stalling could be a dirty IAC or worst case needs replacing. With low miles like that don't think the pump is an issue, gasket maybe. If this coolant is water and not 50/50 antifreeze and this bike has ABS and not been serviced every two years cycling the HCU, I'd tend to think twice unless you can bring the price down a bit to cover what could be some expensive repairs. If you are mechanically inclined and get a service manual, being a special model, I'd be inclined to go for it. Might end up being peanuts to get it back to near perfect.
Ron

It looked like water at first but then I got some on my fingers to rub/smell it and it felt thinner than oil but still had some thickness to it, but almost like water. Does the VROD radiator fluid smell different?

mindglove1

Discussion Starter · #8 · 3 mo ago

Ceigenberger said:
View attachment 613399

Thanks man, I appreciate the feedback! I'm coming from a Kawasaki ZX11 so new to these bikes, but not new to leakers... I didn't see anything dripping from that part there, which is I assume the water pump. I had only followed the drops and spray to that spot on the bolt area trough where the fluid was collecting. If the previous owner was running it around hot you think there's damage from that? Is there a tell to figure that out?

rbabos

· #9 · 3 mo ago

mindglove1 said:
It looked like water at first but then I got some on my fingers to rub/smell it and it felt thinner than oil but still had some thickness to it, but almost like water. Does the VROD radiator fluid smell different?

V rod antifreeze is like any other antifreeze as in having a sweet smell to it and feel slippery to the fingers. When it dries it will leave a colored stain also. Regular HD brand is orange but other compatible brands can have other tints to them. A simple tester can show the freezing point and mix ratio. Then you know if it's water or antifreeze mix.
Ron

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frogman_h2o

· #10 · 3 mo ago

Looks to be just a coolant leak, probably hose on top of water pump needs a little tightening or corrosion has set in. Early models had an issue with the IAC motor, some would see the pintle actually unscrew (from what I've read on here). Hard to believe damage has been done with only 3k on it.

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knight rod rob

· #11 · 3 mo ago

Like already said coolant hoses. Check radiator cap and vent hose that runs down between rear of engine, see if it routed correctly. And make sure it's not overheating. And both the engine fans are coming on. I would think it's not overheating. And the correct level is in the coolant reservoir.

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mindglove1

Discussion Starter · #12 · 3 mo ago

knight rod rob said:
Like already said coolant hoses. Check radiator cap and vent hose that runs down between rear of engine, see if it routed correctly. And make sure it's not overheating. And both the engine fans are coming on. I would think it's not overheating. And the correct level is in the coolant reservoir.

Seeing as how I'm completely new to VRODS I'm going to have to look this up, and when I go back to test ride again I'll be able to check more in depth. They said the were going to fix it so we'll see what happens.

Knut J said:
Welcome to 1130cc.
IAC = Idle Air Control:
View attachment 613400

Do not touch the two screws until you have preheated them. They are fixed from the factory with blue loctite and in the worst case scenario they can break during disassembly and that in a place you don't want it to happen = trouble! Better safe than sorry..
Like Ron says, get a manual. I recommend a genuine H-D shop manual. Well investment.
Congrats with yer new ride, MoCo did a nice Anniversary model.

Ohhhh, I haven't bought it YET! I need to make sure this thing gets fixed and the weird idle/dying issue are resolved. COMPLETELY!

Rick Beucler

· #13 · 3 mo ago

I doubt if there’s engine damage from the coolant leak.

Reactions: 1

mindglove1

Discussion Starter · #14 · 23 d ago

UPDATE!!! Howdy folks, returned to the dealership after the water pump was replaced and no more fluid leak. Test rode this beauty again and am about to pull the trigger on Wed 5/10/23!!! I AM getting a Preferred Warranty Inc. 3yr. warranty on this but I just wanted to get some wisdom and guidance as to cure this or steer clear of this as a potential issue. PLEASE COMMENT!

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frogman_h2o

· #15 · 23 d ago

On the video it's popping a tad and hunting for idle, would have the plugs changed (and old ones to look at) and the IAC (idle air control motor) checked and cleaned. V's do at times hunt for idle but usually only for a short time, then they settle down to a smooth idle. Again, early V's had problems with the pintle on the IAC coming loose, see if dealer can confirm it has been changed to newer version? Also, the pipe coming out of the rear cylinder seems to show heat discoloring? with less than 3k on it..........

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Knut J

· #16 · 23 d ago

mindglove1 said:
but I just wanted to get some wisdom and guidance as to cure this or steer clear of this as a potential issue.

Have the triple sprocket bolt checked!

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Does anyone have the video showing the procedure of checking and applying locktite to the Triple sprocket bolt? I clicked on links I have found in other threads, but I keep getting an error with that link. and I haven't found any threads showing any pictures either. I think I have a good...

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mindglove1

Discussion Starter · #17 · 22 d ago

frogman_h2o said:
On the video it's popping a tad and hunting for idle, would have the plugs changed (and old ones to look at) and the IAC (idle air control motor) checked and cleaned. V's do at times hunt for idle but usually only for a short time, then they settle down to a smooth idle. Again, early V's had problems with the pintle on the IAC coming loose, see if dealer can confirm it has been changed to newer version? Also, the pipe coming out of the rear cylinder seems to show heat discoloring? with less than 3k on it..........

That's what I was wondering about.( the discoloration) I was told it had just been sitting for a long time, so it just probably needs a new full tank of good gas and it should get better. Like I said, I'm a Newb to HD and VRODs. Thanks for the heads up frogman!

frogman_h2o

· #18 · 22 d ago

Is it at a Harley Stealership? Dealer should make it run right, drain gas and put in fresh, new spark plugs, etc. before sending you out on the road. That's a 2013 not a 2003? thought it said 100 years, they've sorted out most of the issues in 10 years ........... Can't remember if "keep alive memory" is wiped when battery goes dead or is disconnected, if so they have to relearn idle.

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mindglove1

Discussion Starter · #19 · 21 d ago

frogman_h2o said:
Is it at a Harley Stealership? Dealer should make it run right, drain gas and put in fresh, new spark plugs, etc. before sending you out on the road. That's a 2013 not a 2003? thought it said 100 years, they've sorted out most of the issues in 10 years ........... Can't remember if "keep alive memory" is wiped when battery goes dead or is disconnected, if so they have to relearn idle.

No, it's not at a stealership. Independent dealer.

mindglove1

Discussion Starter · #20 · 21 d ago

frogman_h2o said:
On the video it's popping a tad and hunting for idle, would have the plugs changed (and old ones to look at) and the IAC (idle air control motor) checked and cleaned. V's do at times hunt for idle but usually only for a short time, then they settle down to a smooth idle. Again, early V's had problems with the pintle on the IAC coming loose, see if dealer can confirm it has been changed to newer version? Also, the pipe coming out of the rear cylinder seems to show heat discoloring? with less than 3k on it..........

Hey Frogman, nice catch on the color changing on the rear cylinder! I have a question about that... What could cause such a dramatic change in the pipe color between the last time I test rode it to this one? I was told they just had replaced the water pump.

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