Coolant Leak-- I got one

[AZST]

I am convinced after a 50 mile ride today....smell of coolant is getting stronger and I have dried white coolant trails down the front of the engine and out the bottom.

Taking it in to my dealer next week. :(

Wish me luck. :(

Merry Christmas :(

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[STnAV8R]

I am convinced after a 50 mile ride today....smell of coolant is getting stronger and I have dried white coolant trails down the front of the engine and out the bottom.

Taking it in to my dealer next week. :(

Wish me luck. :(

Merry Christmas :(

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

That's what mine was in for when it was swiped from the dealer's shop. A small puddle of coolant on the garage floor. Dealer says the water pump needs replacing. '04 model with 6800 rural and hwy miles.

[Mark]

Nasty news!
Good luck,
Mark

[AZST]

That's what mine was in for when it was swiped from the dealer's shop. A small puddle of coolant on the garage floor. Dealer says the water pump needs replacing. '04 model with 6800 rural and hwy miles.

Whatever it is... I am expecting it to be fully covered under warranty. This is the first real test of my dealer's competence to find and solve the prob.

I have not seen a puddle at all. I have suspected the leak for a couple of weeks now. At intersections I have been getting a whiff of coolant being baked on the engine...but was not fully convinced it was me and could not see any real evidence. The old adage "he who smelt it, dealt it" apparently holds true. Then I began to notice the white dried up trails of dried coolant on the lower panels. Tonight (with the tupperware on) I spied long trails of dried coolant all over behind the header pipes on the right side and traced them all the way to the front of the engine and then up behind the rad.

Sucks. Called my Honda guy and told him...he told me to bring it in whenever.

Mark, I was really hoping to join you guys for the TortillaS FlatS run on 1/1/06....now I am REALLY not sure.

Trying to remain calm. :( :mad:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Lola]

Just got mine back from the dealer. Mine developed another coolant leak. the mechanic said it was coming from around the water pump area. After he took the water pump cover off he discovered the main cover behind the water pump, I think where the impeller came through had a crack (chip) in it. All replaced under warranty. Going for a ride today to check it out!

[newbornst1300]

Had the same issue back in the Spring.
Tightened up every gear clamp I could find when I had the tupperware off for an other project.
I was really surprized how loose some of them were from the factory.

[Rob Hephner]

Taking it in to my dealer next week. :(

Wish me luck. :(

Merry Christmas :(

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:


Good Luck, I hope it is not T&C, it took them a month to fix my oil leak and I even told them where it was and how to fix it!

Additionally, I delivered the bike to them with no tupperware.

[Mike]

Wished I could be so fortunate as to have only a loose clamp. Have a leak with drainage from the weep hole, second time now! I am just going to ride it until the weep becomes a stream.

[AZST]

Good Luck, I hope it is not T&C, it took them a month to fix my oil leak and I even told them where it was and how to fix it!

Additionally, I delivered the bike to them with no tupperware.

I try to avoid T&C, Metro and USA....have heard horror stories. Took the ST back to Canyon Honda in Scottsdale where I bought it. Took my bags off and will hope that they don't damage anything else. Hope to have it back Monday.

I tried to take some pics to post but they didn't come out well. I'll let you know how I make out with it.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[STnAV8R]

Had the same issue back in the Spring.
Tightened up every gear clamp I could find when I had the tupperware off for an other project.
I was really surprized how loose some of them were from the factory.

They may have been tight as received from the factory, but came loose due to vibration, thermal cycling (expansion & contraction) or both. Standard practice with aircraft is to safety wire them so they absolutely cannot come loose (one thinks differently about these things when your *** is at 5000 ft as opposed to 3 ft over the highway on your motorcycle). An easier way though not as good as wire is to put a dab of RTV over the screw.

[Blrfl]

Count me in, too. Cranked her ('04, 12K) up this morning and was presented with a few ounces of coolant on the driveway once it warmed up. :radleak:

I didn't have a lot of time to look at it closely (had to get to work), but I'm rooting for loose hose clamps and will check them out tonight. I guess if the bike is going to have to be down for a water pump, January is as good a time as any. (Except for the rest of this week, which is supposed to be nice. )

--Mark

[STPilot]

Managed to sneak out yesterday between storms for about 50 miles. Today, I have a small puddle of green goo under my bike.....:( and she rolled 16K, I guess I'll be trying out that new Honda shop sooner than I thought. :confused:

[STPilot]

Seems to be the trend here lately. Hope yours isn't leaking also

[Blrfl]

This morning I got around to tearing off everything I could without draining the radiator or removing the throttle body assembly. I didn't find anything that was going to be an easy fix, nor did I get any more clues about whether it source is a leaky O-ring or something above it sending its spewage around the inside of the water pump cover.

The closest STealer (Loudoun Motorsports in Leesburg, VA) doesn't have a reputation for good service, so I think I'm going to ask HRC they'll tow it to someplace I trust (Motorcycle Factory in Woodbridge, VA) or let me pick up the difference.

--Mark

[Blrfl]

The job doesn't look difficult, but January is looking to be a busy month for me, and I'll be up to my ears by the time I can get replacement airbox funnel shims. If the bike were out of warranty, I'd have torn it down in a heartbeat. But since it's not, Honda should pony up for the parts and labor, especially if it turns out to be the O-ring in the water pump cover, which will require another order/ship/find-time-to-work cycle.

Maybe if they find themselves spending a lot of money having hose clamps tightened, they'll start torquing them correctly before they leave Hamamatsu.

But thanks for the input. My dealer isn't really a problem... They're decent and haven't given me any reason to be apprehensive about putting my scooter in their hands. (In fact, they got bonus points for calling me up during the recalls to say they needed to keep it another day because their senior guys got tied up and they won't let anyone else work on an ST.)

--Mark

[AZST]

Just got back from the dealer-- Canyon Honda, Scottsdale.

Total bill- $232.13

Service Mgr advised that the leak was coming from hoses. They replaced hose (near the Thermstat and one near the carb), replaced O-ring, replaced four hose clamps, flushed and replaced the coolant.

I took my bags off before dropped it off. No scratches on plastic and all pop rivs were back in place.

So far, I can't complain. They got it back to me when promised. I will test ride the next few days and keep a close eye (and nose) out.

Part Numbers:

913161-MCS-A10 O-Ring (43.5x2)
19504-MCS-010 Hose, R. Water
19506-MCS-010 Hose, L. Water
19517-ML7-691 Clamp, Hose (22-29)
90454-MC7-000 Washer (12mm)
Coolant

I love this bike....ride home was great. :)

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[AZST]

Rob,

Thanks for keeping me sane during this downtime. I cannot believe how much I missed riding this machine.

I actually started having doubts about the purchase and thoughts of selling began to creep in.

No way. Gave strict instructions to my wife to never let me sell or trade this great ride. Except, of course, for the ST1800 (Pearl Blue of course) :D

To others with leak probs....have patience.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[wishey1]

Just got back from the dealer-- Canyon Honda, Scottsdale.

Total bill- $232.13

Service Mgr advised that the leak was coming from hoses. They replaced hose (near the Thermstat and one near the carb), replaced O-ring, replaced four hose clamps, flushed and replaced the coolant.

I took my bags off before dropped it off. No scratches on plastic and all pop rivs were back in place.

So far, I can't complain. They got it back to me when promised. I will test ride the next few days and keep a close eye (and nose) out.

Part Numbers:

913161-MCS-A10 O-Ring (43.5x2)
19504-MCS-010 Hose, R. Water
19506-MCS-010 Hose, L. Water
19517-ML7-691 Clamp, Hose (22-29)
90454-MC7-000 Washer (12mm)
Coolant

I love this bike....ride home was great. :)

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:



Hello,
I developed a coolant leak (2K) today and took it in.....
My question is, if it is in warranty, why the charge of $232.13....?

what was that for?

tia

Wishy

[Keith_UK]

I also noticed a small puddle of [green-coloured] coolant during the last oil and filter change back in November. Pictures attached below.

I'm a bit more relaxed about it all now after reading this thread; clearly I'm not alone. I think I'll firstly let the dealer's mechanic have a go at resolving the issue. But after reading these messages it does occur to me that I could probably fix the problem myself.

[AZST]

Hello,
I developed a coolant leak (2K) today and took it in.....
My question is, if it is in warranty, why the charge of $232.13....?

what was that for?

tia

Wishy

Hi Wishey,

Just reread my original post. Sorry for the confusion. The $232 bill was what my dealer charged Mother Honda to fix the problem. I did not pay a dime because it is under warranty.

When you have warranty work done, you get a copy of the work order listing all parts and labor-- a total sum of what it cost, and a big "$0" at the bottom.

Sorry to have mislead anyone.

As an update, I have not detected any loose coolant anywhere since I got it back. However, I will be waiting a few more weeks before I send the newly received Honda Dealer Customer Service survey back.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[wishey1]

Hi Wishey,

Just reread my original post. Sorry for the confusion. The $232 bill was what my dealer charged Mother Honda to fix the problem. I did not pay a dime because it is under warranty.

When you have warranty work done, you get a copy of the work order listing all parts and labor-- a total sum of what it cost, and a big "$0" at the bottom.

Sorry to have mislead anyone.

As an update, I have not detected any loose coolant anywhere since I got it back. However, I will be waiting a few more weeks before I send the newly received Honda Dealer Customer Service survey back.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:


Thanks so much AZST Bryan. That is a great comfort.
Thanks also for the breakdown of the charges, really helpful.
I printed it for later reference when I get my sheet. I seem to be a couple
weeks behind you in getting "the leak". I hope the problem
is as easily fixed as yours. One thing I did learn NOT to say
to the Honda techs. or service manager;
"......those guys on the internet site said....."

Man, you can see that pressure rise....lol.....

[coty_jim]

Just rode the 04 Blue :04biker: home from dealer after their repair of the coolant leak (10,500miles). Dealer claimed hose clamps loose in valley near thermostat housing. My experience is that the leak only happens on cool/cold days (50° F or colder) and during the warm up time. Once thermostat is open (3 bars showing on temp gauge) the leak stops. I made a video of the leak for the dealer showing when and where, done with the tupperwear off bike. Also made copies of info from this forum (thanks a lot guys). Leak is fixed:) , but now I have an intermittent coolant temp gauge:mad: , probably caused by the connector being removed and not replced correctly during repair. I'll make an attempt to reconnect the sensor today, but dealer was very willing to get bike back in immediately and correct problem. Nice riding weather today, 40 and sunny.

[Blrfl]

Just got a call from my STealer (shouldn't call them that; they're good folks) and mine was a leaky hose clamp. They're going to keep it an extra day or so to let it get ice cold and make sure it doesn't leak again.

--Mark

[rwl1955]

Just got back from the dealer-- Canyon Honda, Scottsdale.

Total bill- $232.13

Service Mgr advised that the leak was coming from hoses. They replaced hose (near the Thermstat and one near the carb), replaced O-ring, replaced four hose clamps, flushed and replaced the coolant.

I took my bags off before dropped it off. No scratches on plastic and all pop rivs were back in place.

So far, I can't complain. They got it back to me when promised. I will test ride the next few days and keep a close eye (and nose) out.

Part Numbers:

913161-MCS-A10 O-Ring (43.5x2)
19504-MCS-010 Hose, R. Water
19506-MCS-010 Hose, L. Water
19517-ML7-691 Clamp, Hose (22-29)
90454-MC7-000 Washer (12mm)
Coolant

I love this bike....ride home was great. :)

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

********
Why did they charge you? Wasn`t the work covered under warrenty?

[AZST]

Hi Bob,

My post was slightly misleading. They did not charge. All of it was covered under warranty.

When I picked the bike up they gave me the invoice of the work performed. I posted all the details here for everyone's consumption. At the bottom of the invoice it says "$0"

My fault--
I should have made that more clear-- guess I was still distraught from not being able to ride :04biker: while she was in the shop !!!

FYI-- I continue to check and have found no signs of any leaky leaky :bow1:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Mark]

Glad to hear you haven't seen any more leak 'cuz they have Chris' right now.

Should be read to be picked up tomorrow....

fingers crossed...

Mark

[AZST]

Glad to hear you haven't seen any more leak 'cuz they have Chris' right now.

Should be read to be picked up tomorrow....

fingers crossed...

Mark

Canyon Honda or someplace else??

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Drew]

Just rode the 04 Blue :04biker: home from dealer after their repair of the coolant leak (10,500miles)......but now I have an intermittent coolant temp gauge:mad: , probably caused by the connector being removed and not replced correctly during repair. I'll make an attempt to reconnect the sensor today, but dealer was very willing to get bike back in immediately and correct problem. Nice riding weather today, 40 and sunny.

Ahhh...Honda dealers (most other brands too) ...what's the satisfaction rate among customers 1 in 10?:rolleyes:

Drew

[ride2day]

Hey Bryan mine is camped back at Canyon yet again for another Cylinder head. Took in yesterday they think it should be ready by Sat. Their getting REALLY good at yanking that engine. Note: I've again noticed coolant spits since we last road. I didnt even mention to them figure I will locate them on my own if and when I get it back. Maybe ready for a pounding on Sunday AM. if its back. Let me know if your game. Bruce

[AZST]

Hey Bruce,

Glad to hear that you are giving that extended warranty a healthy workout !!! :D

I assume that you must be getting pretty chummy with Allen (service mgr)....I suggest we ride over to his house on Sunday for Superbowl unannounced...

I am actually going to go into my office on Sunday and put in a few hours of work. However, if you want to make a short run somewhere in the AM, let me know.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[ride2day]

This visit counts against a part warranty since the previous head failed within 90 days. Al's getting better just a little short on his people skills. On the other hand owner Rob is a good guy were on a first name basis now. BTW they have an 06 non ABS on the floor. Looks nice but I like my dripping Silver better mucho easier to keep clean than that glossy black. Of cousre those oil leaks of mine tend to attract desert dust as well:mad: There were also 4 Phx PD ST's up at North Valley last week dunno if their still there. Those babies were almost black sitting there next to Cave Creek Rd for a few days.

[Littlejohn64]

Looks like I get to join the club!!!:eek:
Just over 15K miles
I noticed 2 drops of fluid after startup about 2 weeks ago, and actually had seen some of the white residue on the side plastic fins now and again.

I filled the resevoir 9only down a little since NEW) and just "kept an eye out" Last night after parking it, I smelled a pretty good whiff of coolant steam comin up from the steering head area. Guess Ill take a look at it this weekend.

Thanks to all that have provided info here!!!:bow1: Ill keep you updated.

[Mark]

Canyon Honda or someplace else??

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

Since they did a reasonable job with yours I dropped it at Canyon as well.
They had 3 ST1300s in there and tried to tell me there was a recall piece that they had ordered. I gently exclaimed that there were no recalls on an '05 and if there was a new one I like to know about it. Turns out someone put Chris's '05 into the system as an '03... :-)
The parts (o-rings, washers) are now on order (hey, who sucked up all their stock!) and it should be ready by mid week.

Chris is anxiously waiting for it.. :-)

We are going to ride it to the private screening of "The World's Fastest Indian" on Sunday the 12th, at noon http://www.worldsfastestindian.com/.
If you don't know of this private screening go here http://www.bmwmotorcyclesofscottsdale.com/miscpage_009.asp

Mark

[Duck]

03 ST1300, I had a leak last winter, at least discovered the leak then, had 21,000 miles. Same repair now is being fixed again. The main culprit seems to be the seal wearing a groove around the water pump impeller shaft. Both get replaced along with the appropriate gaskets and o-rings. This isn't a big leak but the classic weeping out of the weep hole of coolant and oil. not enough to get to the garage floor, but messy on the frt cover of the motor. Extended warranty may be a good value after all when i go in for my annual leak repair.

[tccox]

Well, my 04 has not developed the leak yet (Knock on wood) but be thankful guys. Its really sorta minor compared to the 02 BMW Oilheads, mine included that would start spraying gas all over your boot and exhaust system as you were riding down the road . Oh yes , there was a recall on it but one of the customers at my BMW dealer received 2nd degree burns when bike caught fire. Something about the clamps on the fuel lines. Mine did leak but I got it to dealer before fire.