I smell antifreeze!

[CWCobra]

I bought a 2009 R3T with 2300 miles on it...seemed pristine.
Only concern is that lately, every time I ride, I smell antifreeze. This didn't happen until I filled the overflow tank after finding it a wee bit low when I was in the process of installing a light bar. Maybe I filled it too full??? I don't think so: it was between the "low" and "full" marks on the tank. There are no leaks on my garage floor; the bike doesn't smoke. The tank fill level seems only a tad bit lower than when I filled it, so there must not be much of a problem - if any at all. I've put another 1,000 miles on it in the 3 weeks I've had it, and the aroma of antifreeze is unmistakeable.

Gotta admit: the smell of coolant is preferable to many of the other odors one encounters on a ride, that's for sure!!

CW

 

[GPMAZ]

When cold the coolant level should be at the lower mark. The higher mark is where it will likely rise to when hot. If you're much above the bottom line when cold, it may still be venting a bit out. Check the hose under the bike when you return from a ride and see if its wet.

 

[tdragger]

the cap on the tank is a real pita to get back on right. maybe a second or third look at the cap would help.

 

[HellFire]

If there is a tiny external leak somewhere it will eventually show up as a white crust. So don't be too concerned unless the level is going down with no evidence of leakage. If the level regularly goes down and you smell it all the time there could be internal head gasket problems. Antifreeze smells even more pungent when it comes out the exhaust. If it's losing fluid consistently, a pressure leakage test might be a good idea before it's out of warranty just in case there is a crack inside.

Sniff the exhaust (carefully) and watch for white smoke/steam out of it.

 

[Captain Bob]

Interestingly enough, I found a loose hose clamp on my brand new 08 R3T. It was dripping ever so slightly. I noticed that fluid was slowly going down in the reservoir but didn't really see any leaks. Then one day I found a wet spot on the engine and tracked it to the hose clamp. The hose leaking was the one right in front of the oil tank. I did not have any smell however.

 

[CWCobra]

When cold the coolant level should be at the lower mark. The higher mark is where it will likely rise to when hot. If you're much above the bottom line when cold, it may still be venting a bit out. Check the hose under the bike when you return from a ride and see if its wet.

GMPAZ:
I like your way of thinking. When I refilled the reservoir, I filled it when cold, and filled it to half-way between "low" and "full". Consequently, it's probably venting a tiny bit when the engine is warm. Fill level remains at same half-way point, so there's not much going on - whatever it is.

I may just remove my windshield...that way I won't be able to smell it anymore - LOL!
Or, maybe I'll just get one of those pine tree things and hang it from my handle bars!

I'll let y'all know if it gets better or worse.

Gonna go ride now. Off to the Cherohala!!!

CW