Running with fairing off, and coolant leak?

Hi everyone, Newbie here - first post. I have a '98 VFR that's developed a coolant leak; had it in to a shop here once but they didn't get it fixed. (I don't do much of my own maintenance yet for lack of a place to work, but I think local shop rates are going to start encouraging me to do so anyway...)

So, I pulled off the left fairing and determined that the leak is coming from somewhere back up above where I can see from below, alas. So much for a quick easy fix. My main question is, how detrimental is it to run the bike with the fairing off, for short trips keeping an eye on the temp? That makes it easier to top up the coolant as needed until I get this fixed, but I assume that the fairings are needed for controlling airflow in general. Or I could just put the fairing back on with only a couple of the bolt temporarily, I expect.

Second question - if enough coolant leaked out for it to stop leaking (by virtue of being essentially out), how damaging would that be, assuming the weather is cold enough and trips short enough that the engine itself stays cool enough? I imagine the water pump wouldn't like to run without water in it, but if the leak is up high maybe enough coolant would stay in the system to protect it? Thanks! -Chris

 

There's no problem riding without fairings, but be sure the coolant is kept topped up to radiator cap opening. Get this fixed ASAP, since overheating will destroy the engine.

NOTE : you CANNOT use the temp gauge to tell you when to add coolant !!!!!!

Once level of coolant has dropped below thermosensor housing, the gauge is unreliable since sensor must be immersed in fluid to send accurate info.

 

Welcome to the Club.

 

Thanks - that makes sense; I assume that if I keep it between the upper/lower lines on the reservoir that should be safe though, right?

Lots of reasons to get this fixed, I know - even if I never overheat the engine, it makes a mess, and eventually I'm going to drive off through a puddle of coolant that will then be all over the back tire... whee.

Thanks!

 

Another misconception that can lead to disaster !!

Fill cooling system at radiator cap ONLY, not reservoir !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Oh - okay. Thanks! So coolant from the reservoir doesn't get back into the cooling system?

Goes to show a little knowledge (very little) can be dangerous....

Thanks!

 

The coolant reservoir, sometimes called an overflow bottle, allows a small amount of coolant to bleed past the spring in the radiator when the coolant expands as it heats up. When the system cools down, coolant is drawn back into the system. BUT! this only works on a system that has no leaks. Keep the reservoir between the min and max lines. You can do short trips as long as the leak is not serious enough for the system to boil over or lose enough coolant to become dangerously low. After a ride, allow the bike to cool completely before removing the radiator cap on top of the right radiator. BE SURE THE RADIATORS ARE COOL TO THE TOUCH BEFORE REMOVING THE CAP! Cover the cap with a rag just to be sure. Hot cooling systems will have 12 to 15 psi of pressure in them, you can imagine the results. As stated before, keep the system full up to the cap. If the leak appears to be coming from the top of the motor, remove the two bolts at the front of the gas tank, it will allow the tank to pivot rearward(with the seat off) and you will be able to access the top on the motor/airbox/fuel injection etc. Good luck fixing her, keep us posted.

 

Chud,

I would recommend carrying a quart bottle of water . . . just in case.

 

Don't know if this helps, but
a) running without the fairings is fine
b) when I had a small coolant leak alst year it was from the base of the nipple on the bottom of the overflow tank, I think it was vibrating back and forth against the hose and broke right as it attached to the tank

 

Double check all your hose clamps, that's where I keep getting little leaks on mine as they vibrate and loosen a little over time.