Coolant on the left side of my engine case last night...

[Hobo]

Hesitant to post this since I haven't had time to determine where the leak is coming from yet, but I'll throw it out there in case someone has had similar experiences. Searched the forum and found a few threads on coolant leaks, but mine is showing up on the left side of the case in front of the shifter and oil tank rather than where most people seem to have had issues (pump cover gaskets, etc.). Noticed my leak after riding about 5 miles back from the airport last night. Yes, I wound her up a little bit since I'm a newbie to the R3, but never went over 6-7k rpm and it was only for a brief period. I didn't see anything coming from the rad or hoses, so I'll put a light on her tonight and see what I can find.

Other than what I would normally expect (hose clamps, overflow, head gasket, etc) are there any other common coolant leak spots that I should take a peek at tonight?

Thanks all! Still loving my third day of R3 ownership, but really didn't want to find an issue so soon. Oh well...

Hobo

 

[Chris Kelley]

I've been on the forum for a about two years (lurked before I created an account). Haven't heard about any coolant issues on these bikes.

The reservoir is up under the bear claw over there. May just want to check and make sure the cap is secure and not cracked and the hoses are in good shape. It's possible they just over filled it too.

 

[Hobo]

I've been on the forum for a about two years (lurked before I created an account). Haven't heard about any coolant issues on these bikes.

The reservoir is up under the bear claw over there. May just want to check and make sure the cap is secure and not cracked and the hoses are in good shape. It's possible they just over filled it too.

Thanks Chris. Having built way too many Harley engines in the past my mind immediately goes to the worst case scenario (but, oddly, I always address problems starting with the most simple and least expensive causes first and work my way up from there...)

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Zonechamp]

Mine does that from time to time, especially when it sits through winter. Regular driving and it goes away. Just drive it for a bit and see what happens. If it's like mine its barely a wet spot and only I can see it.

 

[cardinal93]

Has it had any mods or still using the original overflow? Has it been serviced recently? The rocket doesn't like having too much coolant. If there's any in your overflow tank when the bike is cold, it's too much IME. If you've got the original setup, the drain tube should be running out behind the block though. My guess is since you just bought it, they topped off the reservoir when they serviced it? The cap on the overflow may not be on well or the vent tube may be clogged up? You could try bleeding the system but my guess is she's just to full and spitting out what she doesn't want. Been there and done that

 

[Hobo]

Has it had any mods or still using the original overflow? Has it been serviced recently? The rocket doesn't like having too much coolant. If there's any in your overflow tank when the bike is cold, it's too much IME. If you've got the original setup, the drain tube should be running out behind the block though. My guess is since you just bought it, they topped off the reservoir when they serviced it? The cap on the overflow may not be on well or the vent tube may be clogged up? You could try bleeding the system but my guess is she's just to full and spitting out what she doesn't want. Been there and done that

I'm only on my third day of learning about this old girl, but she has triple K&Ns and has had the overflow relocated under the seat. I'll need to do some digging tonight. As was stated above, maybe the dealership added some to the overflow and just overfilled her since I just picked her up on Tuesday night. Time will tell. Thanks for the input!

 

[warp9.9]

If she keeps piddling check the little hose to the thermostat housing that bugger can make you think bad motor thoughts. The Dealer put red antifreeze in mine and it looked like it was bleeding

 

[IdahoRenegade]

You might try the easy stuff first-check your hose clamps. I had a real fight with my Tiger-would leak after a long, uphill run when it got really hot, but I couldn't see where it was coming from-by the time I could strip the bodywork off it evaporated. Finally traced it to a hose clamp. While Triumph (on that bike anyway) does use worm-drive clamps, they are odd-the thread is embossed rather than cut through. The stainless had pretty much galled and seized-even though I torqued hard on the screw it wouldn't tighten down. Finally replaced the clamps and all is fine. Not sure if the Rocket is similar, need to look mine over.

 

[Jag]

Maybe the overflow hose is chafed behind one of the throttle bodies and is leaking behind the oil tank down to the shifter area??

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Mine doesn't like to have the overflow "full" as Triumph says to. When I have tried to fill it to their level, she pukes a little until she finds her own happy level in the overflow box.