Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => Drifter 800 Only => Topic started by: David Poirier on March 22, 2013, 06:43:20 AM

Title: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: David Poirier on March 22, 2013, 06:43:20 AM
Getting a "radiator/water" smell every once in a while, while riding.  Check all hoses, cap, overflow, radiator and can't seem to find anything wrong.  Any ideas? No water on the ground or on the engine after riding.  ???
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: CDNRatMan on March 22, 2013, 08:11:53 AM
 I was getting the same thing near the end of the summer, while I had the tank off I noticed some anti freeze colour on the top of the cylinder head. So I cleaned it all up and then just went around and snugged up the hose clamps, hope that was the issue. I'll wait to see if it happens again. Also going to do a complete rad flush and cleaning in the warm weather.
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: John Hopkins on March 22, 2013, 15:53:56 PM
There is a small bleed valve beside the radiator cap, this could be slightly loose allowing fluid under heat and pressure to escape..this could be the source of the hot coolant smell..

The reason you can smell it but see no trace of a leak is because the fluid will evaporate..

This is only a guess but I suspect whatever the cause, cap, hose, bleed valve..is under the tank and therefore out of normal sight..I think sooner or later you are going to have to take the tank off for a closer look..

John.
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: David Poirier on March 23, 2013, 05:47:54 AM
Well apparently the dealership (had new tires put on) checked the coolant and added some, didn't need to be flushed.  Unfortunately the cap was not on tight and I believe that was the source.  Will see today, cruising to Luckenbach, Tx for a couple of Lonestars.
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2013, 09:00:43 AM
  Well David hope that you enjoy your ride and please think of us snow bound northern brethern who are still waiting to get even outside and enjoy the spring.......without snow on the ground....March 23 now........
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: ChilliDrift on March 23, 2013, 09:29:47 AM
Quote from: David Poirier on March 23, 2013, 05:47:54 AM
Well apparently the dealership (had new tires put on) checked the coolant and added some, didn't need to be flushed.  Unfortunately the cap was not on tight and I believe that was the source.  Will see today, cruising to Luckenbach, Tx for a couple of Lonestars.
I'd like to throw a few of them back with you!
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2013, 13:52:02 PM
  Chilli off the meds again are we....why would you be throwing anything at David? He is just going riding and so are you on your other not cool bike...lol....

anything on my lost PM?
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: pcarrell on March 23, 2013, 16:09:17 PM
Ratman, that's "with", not "at".
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2013, 18:21:21 PM
 ok but why are they throwing things?
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: John Hopkins on March 23, 2013, 21:54:22 PM
Quote from: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2013, 09:00:43 AM
  Well David hope that you enjoy your ride and please think of us snow bound northern brethern who are still waiting to get even outside and enjoy the spring.......without snow on the ground....March 23 now........

We are snow bound here, worst weather for 40 million years or since records began or some such rubbish..Monday morning at 8am I will clear the snow from infront of my garage doors and ease the bike out to the nearest road, then attempt to ride 300 miles to my daughters town for four days, then ride back..

I can't remember the last time I completed a journey without getting rained on, so the snow will make a change..

I hope I don't fall off..

John.
Title: Re: Radiator/Water smell
Post by: CDNRatMan on March 23, 2013, 22:11:39 PM
  Mr. JH, Sir if you have a set of old ski's then you should strap them to your feet and use them as outriggers......lol.....