Coolant on the floor!

[Trumpertantrumike]

I have had coolant on the floor every single winter since I've had my Rocket. Hoses, rad, rad cap, water pump....you name it. That's my single biggest complaint about these bikes. Whatever it is about my rad I've never fixed it, it's just extreme cold that causes it. Once I run the bike and start using it, the leak stops. Clamps loosen all the time and I've doubled them up if it fits. Water pump O-ring is an easy fix. When my rad cap went I used the cap off my quad to get by until my Triumph dealer (who stocks nothing) got me a new one (2 weeks). My racing quad cap is 28lbs so needless to say it swole one of my hoses which started to leak. I changed those out as well. Once winter hits I park my Rocket over a pad, it catches whatever leaks. I leave it there so the leak dries and leaves me a nice white trail to follow. I fix whatever it is and ride the season, next year same thing.

Thank you...I'm starting to suspect the top hose(clamp) as that's where I see the leaking coolant on the front of the radiator...although I don't see it dripping down that particular hose.

 

[Nat67]

Thank you...I'm starting to suspect the top hose(clamp) as that's where I see the leaking coolant on the front of the radiator...although I don't see it dripping down that particular hose.

If you just release the 2 bolts at the top of the radiator , it will just swing far enough forward to tweak that hose clamp !

 

[warp9.9]

If it's set right you should be able to reach the hose clamp from the upper right side with a long screw driver - no need to remove anything. Unless some knumb*****installed the clamp wrong.

 

[Trumpertantrumike]

If its set right you sjould be able to reacj the hose clamp from the upper right side with a long screw driver no need tp remove anything. Unless some knumb*****installed the clamp wrong.

Hmmm...I swapped out the stock hoses for the Samcos, and everything "SEEMED" ok...and it rode for several outings with no issues. I did think it was a bit strange that the Samco hoses had a recommended torque spec. And of course, I used the "recommended" and EXPENSIVE stainless hoseclamps. Anyhow..all that said, I'm usually not "knumbdick" enough to install the clamp wrong...USUALLY. I'll check it out and let y'all know what I find out! Thanks again for the tips.

 

[Trumpertantrumike]

If you just release the 2 bolts at the top of the radiator , it will just swing far enough forward to tweak that hose clamp !

Thanks Nat67.

 

[warp9.9]

Hmmm...I swapped out the stock hoses for the Samcos, and everything "SEEMED" ok...and it rode for several outings with no issues. I did think it was a bit strange that the Samco hoses had a recommended torque spec. And of course, I used the "recommended" and EXPENSIVE stainless hoseclamps. Anyhow..all that said, I'm usually not "knumbdick" enough to install the clamp wrong...USUALLY. I'll check it out and let y'all know what I find out! Thanks again for the tips.

Sorry dude I was not trying to out you. I thought factory knumb nuts

I had better get nack to my beer before it gets warm

 

[Nat67]

Sorry dude I was not trying to out you. I thought factory knumb nuts

I had better get nack to my beer before it gets warm

I know what you mean warp . My factory fitted hoseclamp was tucked just behind the frame downtube , I had to pull the rad forward to get to it !

 

[Trumpertantrumike]

OK guys...first off...the leak was(is) from the top hose into the radiator tank. Second, there is virtually no way to get to that hose clamp w/o removing top and side trim(it may be different on the R3R, but not on the Touring...no biggie. Next, I tightened up the clamp a bit, and fired her up..didn't leak...for a while. Then when I was getting ready to reinstall the trim..drip, drip, drip. Coming from the same place. So I re-positioned the clamp a bit and cranked it tight. Warmed it up..not leaking. Filled coolant tank to Max line, put her back together and went for about a 50 miler. I smelled coolant a couple times, but am thinking it was residual from earlier leakage. I parked it and will check in the a.m. to see if it's all good. I must say I'm not happy spending 130 bucks for hoses and another 25 for clamps that don't work properly. I will contact Samco and see if this has been an issue before. I know I'm well over their recommended hose clamp torque spec..and don't want the hose to fail, obviously.
Thanks again for the replies and tips. Time for a shot o' Brandy.. Cheers!

 

[Nat67]

Glad you got it sorted mate , I have Samco as do many others here . Once over the teething troubles you will never have another problem with them and they certainly won't burst on you which is a far worse scenario !

 

[Trumpertantrumike]

Well let's revisit this, shall we?
After having fairly recuperated from a broken ankle and twisted knee back in May, I decided it was time for some Rocketing in October. With new tires, and a fairly confidant attitude(regarding this "leak"), I managed about Six hundred miles via a couple different rides(sometimes smelling coolant, sometimes not). Then, last week after washing the bike and getting ready to park her, during warm-up, drip drip drip..big puddle. So with my buddy here, we removed the chrome covers, etc. Waited for her to cool, then started her up again. As warm-began, and as she cooled down, drip drip..appeared to have been coming from the top tank, and under the mount for the frame. Removed radiator, took it to a Shop to be pressure tested. The guy tested it to 25 lbs. Couldn't find a leak!
So, at any rate, I'd already heard about a guy in Utah and a shop named Mylers radiators. I called him and told him of the sitchyashin. He said "it's a stress crack under that mount. I've seen hundreds of street bikes with that issue...and several Rockets." So, I've sent it off to him for repair and reinforcement.
I hate leaks and all that...but I hate mysteries more!
I'll keep you posted on the progress.