hi Guys, probably about 7/8 weeks ago stopped using the bike, washed and dried before putting in the garage, I did see some steam rising but after a wash, normal. Today I bought a petrol stabiliser and petrol to top tank up for the winter storage, I notice the steam again, looked at top rad and there is coolant oozing out, although not enough to be causing a puddle, I can’t see any obvious impact where it’s oozing from, I have taken both fairing off but nothing obvious at the rear, so I can only conclude it’s cracked, unless someone suggested otherwise. Ironically, Santa is brining me radiators guards tomorrow , Is it a straight forward job to replace it? Merry Christmas
Depends where the leak is coming from or if it is actually weeping from a hose and therefore gives the appearance of a leak from the rad itself. Try placing paper towels over all the joints/hoses around the jubilee clips while it's running to soak up any residual coolant that may be present and check the whole rad using a bright torch starting from the top and working your way down front to back, left to right and especially along weld lines. Obviously check that all clips are tight. Also check that all the horizontal water channels that run between the cooling fins are not damaged from FOD or rocks that may have impacted them having been thrown up by the front wheel. Check also for fractures at mounting points/brackets. As for replacing the radiator, you will have to unbolt the shroud from the airbox at it's four mounting points and ease it forwards to be able to undo the two lower bolts that hold it to the shroud, and then release the associated hoses. Before you do, you can drain the bulk of the coolant off with the bike on it's sidestand by undoing the drain screw on the left hand side of the lower radiator. I would also advise you tape some cardboard over the back of the radiator matrix, to prevent fin damage when you manoeuvre it out. If you want more info on removing it you can download the workshop manual here: http://www.ricambimoto.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=99_118
Thanks, mate, i will give it a more thorough examination, it’s strange because to my knowledge this has only became apparent today, and there is two different points approximately two inches apart and about one horizontal channel apart that the red coolants is oozing from, i have looked at the hoses and pipes/jubilees nothing from them. I just cant see any cracks, need a magnifying glass, me thinks I will let you know
my mate put a hole in his radiator whilst abroad a few years ago. He used some pliers to crimp the hole .. it never leaked again .
Hi guys, just an update, I contacted the dealer after the new year festivities were all done. Couldn’t have been more helpful, I got the bike in by van, a week later, I got a call bike will be ready for collection the next day, and the BEST bit of news was it was done under warranty, it was like Christmas all over again.. there was also a recall on the brake calliper that was done at the same time, the dealership, put the icing on the cake and delivered it free of charge, well done Ducati Glasgow
