I saw that happen to a T that was minding its own business. You might post a link or details to your source as you aren't the first to have befallen such a fate nor will you be the last.
I think I have a leak
- Thread starter cjames431
- Start date
OP
OP
I think I have had a catastrophic seal/hose failure. Coworker came into the office to inform me that a puddle had formed under the bike. I have new pipe elbows, elbow hoses and o-rings on order. Unfortunately, when I called to check on the order the local STealer voice message states they are closed until next week due to Covid exposure 
OP
OP
4 weeks ago I placed an order with Mother Honda for the left and right water joints and the short hoses. When I clicked submit I didn't receive a confirmation page so not wanting a double order/charge I gave it a week before resubmitting. I stopped into the stealer on Friday (27AUG) to double check on the order. The Honda order system sent my order to the junk file. The parts guy resubmitted with an overnight shipping request. I did not receive a call on Friday nor yesterday and I have a trip starting 10SEP.
Happy little box of parts sitting on my workbench.
Happy little box of parts sitting on my workbench.
OP
OP
I'm replaced both the L and R water pipes and connecting hoses to the thermostat. Double checked to make sure all the clamps were tight and still have coolant coming out the square hole.
Kevcules
Site Supporter
You may still have some residual coolant in the V of the engine. Give it a few days of riding to clear up and hopefully no more leaks.I'm replaced both the L and R water pipes and connecting hoses to the thermostat. Double checked to make sure all the clamps were tight and still have coolant coming out the square hole.
A couple things you may want to check for your coolant leak(s).
Did you over tighten the large hoses? They are very soft, and can easily be damaged by tightening them too much, causing leaks (which can run down the hose, and into the V, coming out the square hole etc.)
Did you remove all the hoses on the T-stat housing, and clean them before tightening them?
If not, they could be pitting, and tightening the hoses will just bunch them up and cause more leaks.
Did you replace the water pump cover gasket? If not, they leak down the front ledge which exits the square hole, making you think its in the V etc.
Did you overtighten the T-stat housing cover screws, this will also cause leaks.
Your pictures also show coolant stains up around the radiator cap etc.
Have you checked or inspected your cap/seal etc.
Did you happen to soak/clean the radiator out completely when you had it off, then dry everything off, then inspect for leaks from stone hits on the radiator itself?
Spray it with foot powder, and see if you have a pin hole that's leaking when it gets under pressure etc.
Did you over tighten the large hoses? They are very soft, and can easily be damaged by tightening them too much, causing leaks (which can run down the hose, and into the V, coming out the square hole etc.)
Did you remove all the hoses on the T-stat housing, and clean them before tightening them?
If not, they could be pitting, and tightening the hoses will just bunch them up and cause more leaks.
Did you replace the water pump cover gasket? If not, they leak down the front ledge which exits the square hole, making you think its in the V etc.
Did you overtighten the T-stat housing cover screws, this will also cause leaks.
Your pictures also show coolant stains up around the radiator cap etc.
Have you checked or inspected your cap/seal etc.
Did you happen to soak/clean the radiator out completely when you had it off, then dry everything off, then inspect for leaks from stone hits on the radiator itself?
Spray it with foot powder, and see if you have a pin hole that's leaking when it gets under pressure etc.
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OP
OP
I have not changed the water pump gasket(have one though), hose bibs were in good shape, I try to only snug hose clamps not the "I have hose material expressing through the worm clamp slots" tight.A couple things you may want to check for your coolant leak(s).
Did you over tighten the large hoses? They are very soft, and can easily be damaged by tightening them too much, causing leaks (which can run down the hose, and into the V, coming out the square hole etc.)
Did you remove all the hoses on the T-stat housing, and clean them before tightening them?
If not, they could be pitting, and tightening the hoses will just bunch them up and cause more leaks.
Did you replace the water pump cover gasket? If not, they leak down the front ledge which exits the square hole, making you think its in the V etc.
Did you overtighten the T-stat housing cover screws, this will also cause leaks.
The leak does present above idle so I use the throttle lock to hold 4k rpm.
OP
OP
Off the top of my head I don't recall the size, however, Honda did use a metric hose.
As far as replacing them, yes I have, and if your wondering about how to fish it through its path, simply tie a piece of string to one end and pull it slowly out, paying attention to where its routed.
Then tie the string on the new hose and work it back into place.
Has your clutch slave cylinder been replaced? I was just wondering if that was damage from scraping the gasket off, since its right next to the corner of the gasket.
I use a steel ruler between the corner and the hose, to protect the hose from damage.
Either that, or did someone use a hose clamp that was twisted and the tongue wore into it?
Either way, nice find.
Just what ever you do, don't remove the oil cooler base! as you will NOT be able to find an O-ring replacement for it.
As far as replacing them, yes I have, and if your wondering about how to fish it through its path, simply tie a piece of string to one end and pull it slowly out, paying attention to where its routed.
Then tie the string on the new hose and work it back into place.
Has your clutch slave cylinder been replaced? I was just wondering if that was damage from scraping the gasket off, since its right next to the corner of the gasket.
I use a steel ruler between the corner and the hose, to protect the hose from damage.
Either that, or did someone use a hose clamp that was twisted and the tongue wore into it?
Either way, nice find.
Just what ever you do, don't remove the oil cooler base! as you will NOT be able to find an O-ring replacement for it.
OP
OP
OP
OP
I was able to ring the courtesy phone and get a live person it was amazing. @Igofar gave me instructions on how to access the oil cooler and the knowledge that mother Honda no longer makes the o-ring for the oil cooler. I removed the oil filter and lost about a pint of oil, maybe. I removed the side stand too. I purchased some .25in and some 5/16in hose. Larry recommended using anti-seize as a lubricant for installing the new hose and that worked like a charm. I have a small pair of 90ish degree needle nose that fit up into the area above the oil cooler and allowed me to grab the new hose and push it into place.
She is now all buttoned up and sitting on her side of the garage. Ready for our big trip.
She is now all buttoned up and sitting on her side of the garage. Ready for our big trip.
OP
OP
I have a new drip. The round hole drain line. I noticed that the coolant was low in the radiator and the overflow container when I stripped the plastics off. My oil pan is blue front to back.
OP
OP
I've ordered the water pump impeller, mechanical seal, bearing, front engine cover gasket and the oil seal. Anything else I should? I already have the gasket for the water pump cover.
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You will need to get the mechanical seal, oil seal, prop, and bearings.
Some red lube if love
And search the correct depth, as it’s changed several times in the past few years.
Press it in with correct tool or threaded rod, don’t hammer it in, and clean hands are a must, don’t touch the seal, wipe it first with denatured alcohol.
Some red lube if love
And search the correct depth, as it’s changed several times in the past few years.
Press it in with correct tool or threaded rod, don’t hammer it in, and clean hands are a must, don’t touch the seal, wipe it first with denatured alcohol.
Buy the O rings at the top of the case cover for the antifreeze.
OP
OP
Got them.
I will have to take it to a local shop for the installation. I don't have a press or threaded rod.
Make sure you can stand there and watch!
Do NOT let the mechanic touch the surface of either seal with his dirty hands, even if he's wearing gloves (because their probably dirty at this point)
The seal(s) need to be wiped off with denatured alcohol before and after installing them.
Make absolutely sure of the depth measurement (have him check his copy of HONDA WRENCH) for the latest update on the correct depth, or you'll be doing this all over again.
Do NOT let the mechanic touch the surface of either seal with his dirty hands, even if he's wearing gloves (because their probably dirty at this point)
The seal(s) need to be wiped off with denatured alcohol before and after installing them.
Make absolutely sure of the depth measurement (have him check his copy of HONDA WRENCH) for the latest update on the correct depth, or you'll be doing this all over again.
STRider
Site Supporter
As I'm following @cjames431 adventure, I'm strategizing how to prepare for a similar service in my 1300's future.
For my 1100 I used this article on Mike Martin's website: http://koczarski.com/mmartin/Hose.htm
Not only is it full of tips, it also has a shopping list for the parts you should have on hand to do this properly.
Has a similar list been prepared for the 1300? I searched some obvious terms in the ST1300 Articles and didn't find anything.
For my 1100 I used this article on Mike Martin's website: http://koczarski.com/mmartin/Hose.htm
Not only is it full of tips, it also has a shopping list for the parts you should have on hand to do this properly.
Has a similar list been prepared for the 1300? I searched some obvious terms in the ST1300 Articles and didn't find anything.
OP
OP
I did the same but came up empty. @Igofar's list in post #35 is what I ordered. I also have the service manual to study.
The parts are on 2 different phisch. Front engine cover and water pump.
Is 24mm still the proper depth?
I find this hilarious. The manual states "weeping is normal." Yes, I weep every time I see a leak because I know how much work I will have to do.
I only have an 03-08 manual within reach at the moment, can someone with a newer service manual check the depth?
IIRC I believe they backed off the depth a bit…
Check several service manuals and updates.
Don’t rely on the kid in the shop to know.