Coolant leaking from S4R radiator?

[JimmyTheDriver]

Hey fellas,

Just got into work and noticed coolant coming from the radiator.  Is this an issue, or something like overflow and nothing to worry about?  The fluid tub has plenty of coolant in it.  I had the 7k major service approximately 500 miles ago.





******Edit******

Here are pics of the weld/reinforce job done by Mylers Radiators in Utah (http://www.motorcycleradiators.com/).  I shipped it there, had it welded, reinforcement bars put on, and a tub of coolant for $150.  Total time was about 2 weeks, but I was cheap and did the shipping freight/ground both ways.  I put the radiator on the bike and no leak so far.

Overall, I would say excellent work.  Looks good for the price and what they did.  I knew from the start they would butcher some fins getting to the crack.  The hose is in the way of the gnarled fins so it's not really noticeable.  The reinforcement straps, as seen in the pictures, look stock on the bike.









Thanks!
Jim

[BK_856er]

I don't think that's a normal place for overflow to accumulate.  You might have taken a rock to the frontside of the radiator.  Inspect it carefully for evidence of damage.  Could be just be a pinhole or tiny crack.  System needs to stay pressurized to work correctly.  Watch your coolant level/water temp until you get things figured out.

BK

[JimmyTheDriver]

Is there an easy way to fix this?  I remember on cars you can put some copper additive type stuff through it that seals the leak, or braise some metal over the hole.  Same story with these?

[Dirty Duc]

IME, stopleak is a bad idea... it tends to seal things it shouldn't and not seal where it should.

Brazing as a permanent fix should work (braising is for BBQ), although it will be aesthetically less than pleasing to many eyes.  Certainly cheaper than a replacement.

[Howie]

Your cooling system is a closed system.  Overflow goes into a tank.

I agree with Dirty Duc about stop leak with two exceptions; a) you are stuck in the desert and you need to get out before you become vulture food, b) Not worth the cost of a proper repair, and you would otherwise be throwing it out.First step is to confirm where the leak is.  Best way is with a pressure tester if you can find an adapter to fit. Do not exceed the pressure written on the cap.   Maybe worth a ride to a Duc dealer or independent repair shop.  You can also just run the bike until the fans come on, shut the bike off and observe.  Oh, clean all coolant deposit off before testing. 

Possibilities:
The hoses shrink over time, allowing seepage.
Overflow tank is leaking.
Radiator.

Cheap and easy first.  IMO, soldering or brazing aluminum is best left to a pro.

[axle167]

I'm also in this same situation with my s4rs. I can see coolant out coming from the top tube in between a few fins but can't see where the damage.

Have anyone tried mylers radiator repair? Just wondering what's radiator will look like after the repair.

[Silver duck]

My s4r started leaking from the back side like urs. Could not find a reason for the leak. These rad. Are major money to replace I was quoted 1200. I took it out and had a rad shop epoxy and pressure test not a prob since. 50.00

[JimmyTheDriver]

Silver Duck,

Appreciate the input!  Mine still leaks... I am taking it off to bring it in to a radiator shop this weekend.  

-Jim

[Silver duck]

50 bucks and u will be back on the road.

[JimmyTheDriver]

Did they just run the liquid straight through the lines, or bend fins out of the way to find it?

-Jim

[Silver duck]

They put fluid and pressure it up

[zooom]

Jimmy...where are you located?...I may know of a couple of car radiator places in MD that may be possible places to take it to?!?!?!

[JimmyTheDriver]

Bummer man I actually moved to Virginia Beach about a year ago, was in Northern VA.  MD would be a haul. I will dig around locally.  I appreciate the help... If I can't get someone local who seems to know whats going on, Ill reach out.

[LA]

That's exactly where mine leaked recently.  I sent it off to Mylers radiators in West Jordan, UT.  CHEEP and super good service. Don't make the beast with two backs with epoxy.

And just for grins, look up the price of a new radiator. No, really?  $1800.00


LA

[DucHead]

I have an extra radiator.  Not sure if the ad is still alive in the Parts for Sale board or not.