question about liquid cooled cycle

[shadowfist]

I had a quick question about my other motorcycle (not a GS), thought I would ask it here because you folks are just SO AMAZING.

now this question is about a 1993 kawasaki vulcan EN500 which is my current fixer-upper. (liquid cooled, belt drive, twin)

about 2 weeks ago i took it out for a quick 30 minute ride or so and when i got back into my garage i noticed something. after hitting the engine kill switch and climbing off the bike i noticed smoke or steam coming off the bike. upon closer examination I found that there was some antifreeze that had dripped down onto one of the mesh hoses that goes into the transmission (right side) this made me look even closer... i also found some antifreeze inbetween the horizontal fins on the side of the right hand cylander... and some splatters of antifreeze (i can only assume this was from the wind while riding) on the front corner of the right carb as well... untill this point I have never noticed it leaking any antifreeze.

so where should i start my coolant leak witchhunt? I looked around at the radiator and such but didnt notice ANY other bits of antifreeze other than the ones I already mentioned.

[jabberjoe87]

Check the connections of the hoses to see if anything is seeping out. Maybe its a head gasket also

[BassCliff]

HI Mr. shadowfist,

The standard procedure is to clean the surface(s) well, spray with powder (foot powder) and look for the wet spot.

Good luck. Let's see a picture when you get a chance.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[80GS1000]

When you last changed your oil, was there any sign of coolant in the oil?

Any chance there's a pinhole leak in the radiator or one of the hoses?

[Nessism]

On the EX500 engine (similar to yours) the water pump is on the right side engine cover. These pumps were not the most reliable so check out if it is leaking. Based on what you say though, the problem sounds like a head gasket.

I've rebuilt one of those engines and they are very easy to work on. Head gasket is metal and can be reused so tear downs are not very expensive if you have to do it.

Good luck.

[KGB]

If you do it "old school" find a pressure guage for the radiator.
By putting pressure on the radiator and hoses not in the head.
Try it witha cold motor as this will test the hoses and radiator,not the internal or head gasket


How hot was the motor? Fully up to temp? 30 minutes of running, does that bring it up to temp? Maybe

Does it have a thermostat? Could be the original and not operating correctly, as in opening at the right temp.

Take a screw driver or wrench and tighten every connector you can find.
Don't overtighten as this can pinch the hose and cause a leak.


And yea, the folks on here are amazing !