I haven't been on my bike since Sept/Oct last year to my shame But since then this is the second time back from the dealers after big service end of last year, my bike lives in my front room which I don't use very often so I don't really see it. The first time I notice after about a month back from dealer it has an oil leak at bottom of fork leg so goes back to dealer, they say nothing found even after they test rode it for a few miles, although there was 10 to 15ml of oil on the floor and some all over the bottom of my inside of the stupidly expensive Ducati indoor bike cover. Now ive had it back around 6/8 weeks since and ive got this, only just noticed fluid on the floor a few days ago. Taking the side fairings off this is what I see, has anyone else had this kind of leak before and is there an easy fix? My bike has only done 3800 miles and ive had it since new on a 63 plate. Edit 3598 miles, the last 9 were done by the dealer when they took it for test ride after fork was leaking.
The bolt going in to the rad has been over tightened and end of the well nut broken. Coolant then leeks through from the rad. It’s a simple fix, the rad has to come off, well nut removed and replaced. If it’s not under warranty then consider taking it to West Mercia Radiator, they're a fair price and quick. http://www.westmerciaradiators.co.uk It looks like coolant, not oil.
It was my thought too that it has been over tightened. Bike not under waranty anymore but surely it would be dealers fault? Fluids were all meant to be done on that service just done and bike has never had any faults or leaks prior to this, apart from the usual spongly brake feel, which has lead to dealer bleeding them 3 or 4 times now.
Were it me I would remove the screw, then a few twists around the thread with ptfe tape just to see if it then seals. Now, this is not my bike so I would wait and see if any other suggestions come forward
I don't really want to start undoing bolts and adding ptfe etc, as far as I see it no problems before service, comes back after service the forks leaks, goes back to dealer then after they have test ridden it and only then has the correct water temp been achieved under a bit of pressure it then starts to leak out of radiator because it has been over tightened after they changed the coolant. Im due to contact them on Tuesday to see what they are going to do about it but just wanted some other opinions before speaking to them again.
If it was me I would have turned up at the service centre and say 'hi, it seems to be leaking coolant'. If they have just done the fluids it shouldn't be a problem.
My bike hasn't been on the road for over 6 months and I was about to tax it this week but then noticed this other leak! So I'm not happy to say the least and getting quite fed up with it having to go back yet again.
This is part of the problem. Going back to a shop and saying I've only just noticed a leak on work you did 6 months ago. I suspect they will say bring it over and let's have a look and that is your starting point. Can I ask is the dealer a general dealer, a Ducati franchise or a Ducati independent? Not looking for names
The problems is 1.Bike in for big service 2.Within a month there is a small pool of oil on floor (bearing in mind the bike hasn't been used in all this time) 3.Bike goes back to get fixed, they take for a test run say nothing worng 4.Another 6/8 weeks later another leak, coolant this time 5.Drawing my own conclusion, new coolant added on service bike isn't run to check for air locks or leaks but only once bike has been run (remember I havent used it its been sat in my living room all this time) and has time to get upto temp and pressure then the leak appears! It hasnt just been one leak as you say! It is a Ducati Independant, im not about to ride a bike that is leaking coolant.
The problems is 1.Bike in for big service 2.Within a month there is a small pool of oil on floor from the fork (bearing in mind the bike hasn't been used in all this time) 3.Bike goes back to get fixed, they take for a test run say nothing worng 4.Another 6/8 weeks later another leak, coolant this time 5.Drawing my own conclusion, new coolant added on service bike isn't run to check for air locks or leaks but only once bike has been test ridden by the dealer (remember I havent used it its been sat in my living room all this time) and has time to get upto temp and pressure then the leak appears! It hasnt just been one leak as you say! It is a Ducati Independant, im not about to ride a bike the 20 miles to dealer when it is leaking coolant.
