VFR coolant leak

[Zabel51]

Looking over my new to me 2015 VFR and noticed that the coolant reservoir was low; as in barely above the outlet. I decided to take off the bodywork!! to get at the rad cap to see if the rad was full. The level is about 1" below the pressure washer level. I presume it should be flush.

The bike has 3,000 km following service at a local Honda shop , so I'm assuming it's leaking and therefore looking for a leak. I found a location on the left side immediately above the pump at a three-way junction that to me looks like a potential leak. I'm looking for some help with this. Does the white deposit indicate a leak? Is it any good to tighten the clamp or given the time and effort with the bodywork take it apart and clean it? Maybe this is like discussing engine oil change interval.

 

[timtune]

That's very dry. Have you seen that area wet? Nothing there would concern me. Have you seen puddles under the bike? Are you topping up repeatedly?

 

[Zabel51]

That's very dry. Have you seen that area wet? Nothing there would concern me. Have you seen puddles under the bike? Are you topping up repeatedly?

Haven't driven the bike yet. Bought late last year and futzing about, my concern is the empty reservoir and lower level in radiator. So now I'm looking for a leak.

 

[TwistedKestrel]

I agree the white deposits are a likely indicator of a leak. I would say *check* the tightness of the hose clamp, and tighten it if it is loose - don't crank it down excessively.

I don't know what "pressure washer level" means, I presume that it was auto-corrected from something. Fluid level in the rad with the rad cap removed should up to or very near the overflow outlet level. Depending on the orientation of the rad cap, the bike being on the side stand or centre stand (if equipped) makes a difference. However, as someone who goes through a lot of used bikes, it is common for me to receive them with coolant reservoirs that are not full. I'm not really sure why, perhaps it is from tip-overs?

 

[Wind Shear]

You haven’t ridden it yet? Have you even brought it up to temp idling?

Coolant in the reservoir can evaporate over a long enough period.

Fill it, ride it, see how it goes.

 

[JZ67]

If it were me, I would take a quick look at the inside of the oil filler cap and make sure there isn't any milky looking residue.

 

[Zabel51]

I agree the white deposits are a likely indicator of a leak. I would say *check* the tightness of the hose clamp, and tighten it if it is loose - don't crank it down excessively.

I don't know what "pressure washer level" means, I presume that it was auto-corrected from something. Fluid level in the rad with the rad cap removed should up to or very near the overflow outlet level. Depending on the orientation of the rad cap, the bike being on the side stand or centre stand (if equipped) makes a difference. However, as someone who goes through a lot of used bikes, it is common for me to receive them with coolant reservoirs that are not full. I'm not really sure why, perhaps it is from tip-overs?

I tightened the clamp a bit and followed Wind Shear suggestion by warming up the bike until the cooling fan cycled. There was no leak at the hose and after it cooled down the coolant level was up to the overflow outlet level.

If it were me, I would take a quick look at the inside of the oil filler cap and make sure there isn't any milky looking residue.

I checked the oil filler cap and there is no residue. Looks like everything is good and I can replace the bodywork and go for a ride this week.

 

[Relax]

You didn't add any coolant at all, or you filled the reservoir to the appropriate level first? Whatever level the overflow bottle started with is what you should see when the engine cools down to ambient.

A small leak might not be noticeable until you've ridden the bike for a while while pressurized. If the fairings are a pain to re/re, I'd leave them off for your first ride and check again after an hour or two of riding.