Coolant smell

Fatboyjohn · 01-15-2007, 12:24 PM

Hi all, I recently bought a CBR1100XX, 2001(Y) plate, I like the bike, however when I ride it and pull up at a junction I can smell coolant yet I can't see a leak anywhere, is there a common fault on these? where is thwe first place to look?

John

YO-XX · 01-15-2007, 1:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatboyjohn

Hi all, I recently bought a CBR1100XX, 2001(Y) plate, I like the bike, however when I ride it and pull up at a junction I can smell coolant yet I can't see a leak anywhere, is there a common fault on these? where is thwe first place to look?

John

Check the coolant reservoir under the seat. There might be too much coolant in the system. The level should be checked with a cold engine and the level should be between the marks.

What does the coolant temperatur gauge say?

Fatboyjohn · 01-15-2007, 1:22 PM

The gauge is fine, I have only done around 300 miles since I bought it, first ride was 171 miles, it was fine. It smelt then aswell though

John

YO-XX · 01-15-2007, 1:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatboyjohn

The gauge is fine, I have only done around 300 miles since I bought it, first ride was 171 miles, it was fine. It smelt then aswell though

John

Well check the coolant level then. If you can smell it there must be something wrong. Also check your radiator-cap and all the tubes involved with the coolant-system...

PJNXX · 01-15-2007, 1:36 PM

Check the hose clamps. On mine, it turned out to be the hose clamps on the hose that connects to the thermostat. You will need to lift the rear of the gas tank to gain access. See my thread entitled "Coolant leak" in this forum.

bartonmd · 01-15-2007, 1:43 PM

Do be sure to check for leaks everywhere, but I will say this: I've noticed that anything I'd put the "all makes, all models" coolant in, has had a slight coolant smell when it's hot, because it seems that water can eveporate out of the stuff, like DexCool...

I'm not saying there isn't something wrong, but it's just something I've noticed on cars...

Mike

n51jr · 01-15-2007, 3:53 PM

I have had a Radiator coolant leak on my 99 and then again with my 01.
BOTH where the radiator hose worm gear clamps, simply retightened and all was good.
I never had a visible leak only a faint odor.

I would check all coolant clamps ( INCLUDING THE SMALL LINES TO/FRO INDUCTION SYSTEM )

Fatboyjohn · 01-15-2007, 4:21 PM

Ok guys, thanks for your help, I will have a good look at it one night this week or at the weekend, I normally do my own services but cos this has full Honda service history I am going to take it to Honda it's just turned 19000miles, what do you think it will cost, i'm in England
Thanks John

gudgravy · 01-15-2007, 7:16 PM

(Dr. Evil) "ONE MILLION DOLLARS!!!"

gudgravy · 01-29-2007, 12:51 AM

fatboy john,
Something else to think about is your radiator cap. It is designed to relieve excess pressure (when there is too much); conversely it seals and pressurizes the cooling system enabling the coolant (ethelyne glycol) to have a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point when the entire system is under pressure. So, you may be smelling, I suspect, blow-off from the cap. I get the same thing when I stop at a light after running highway speeds (or more) but I can find no visible leak. Something to think about.....

YO-XX · 01-29-2007, 1:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gudgravy

fatboy john,
Something else to think about is your radiator cap. It is designed to relieve excess pressure (when there is too much); conversely it seals and pressurizes the cooling system enabling the coolant (ethelyne glycol) to have a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point when the entire system is under pressure. So, you may be smelling, I suspect, blow-off from the cap. I get the same thing when I stop at a light after running highway speeds (or more) but I can find no visible leak. Something to think about.....

I agree with you gudgravy. The cap is in most cases the leak in the system and the damage is often not even visible at the outside. Borrow or buy a new cap and take her for a spin. That will give you a clue.