ST1300 - Solving the Coolant Leak Problem... For Good

[LetErBuck]

I just replace 9 clamps in total. All with Breeze clamps and without removing the throttle bodies. My wife had to get the last clamp on the top left as my hand was too big to get in there. We have had below freezing temps for the past week since this was done. Each day the bike has been started and ran. NO LEAKS !!!

[Mikedata]

Wow! What a thread! But methinks there is way too much work being done to address what is really a simple problem. Consider what we are dealing with here ... aluminum fittings, rubber hoses and steel clamps - three materials that are constantly expanding, contracting and (in the case of the hoses) compressing, and all at different rates. Throw in 250+ degrees of ambient and operating temperature variation and the extent of the challenge becomes readily apparent. So what's the fix? There are two actually. One is to spend a bunch of time working on your bike and doing your darnedest to create a perfect mechanical seal using one of several different hose clamp designs that are superior to the factory screw clamps. I admit that the perfectionist in me sees this as the ideal solution. But, there is another option. Accept the fact that the cooling system components and conditions on the ST make a long-term perfect mechanical seal unlikely, and treat the symptom instead of seeking an ultimate cure. Here's how. Go to you local auto parts store and buy a bottle of Bar's Leaks; be sure to get the original pelletized formula, not one of the newer metallic options. Add the appropriate quantity to your bike's cooling system and go for a 15 minute ride. Problem solved. If you want the whole story on how this product works go to http://www.barsleaks.net/barsstory.html, but take my word you will not be disappointed. Over the years I have used original Bar's Leaks on everything from Fiats to Jaguars and Mercedes' and it has never failed ... even on a 1958 Rambler radiator that had more holes than swiss cheese. Many automakers install this product on the assembly line to prevent warranty claims for the repair of minor coolant seepage issues, you know, like those on the ST1300! So, to paraphrase Harry Callahan, you've got to ask yourself ... do you want to juggle Tupperware an explore inaccessible areas of your bike for hours on end, or would you rather ride ... well, would you biker? As for me and my family, we will follow the road!