I found the cause of my coolant loss

[cornponious]

Looks like it wasn’t the radiator after all (as some had thought). It was this small hose. So, I’ll be replacing it along with all the others.

And whilst I’m here, a couple of more questions.

1. What is the best way to clean the mating surfaces where the thermostat housing o-ring goes? I don’t want to damage the surfaces, and they are quite cruddy.

2. There seems to be a small amount of rust inside the coolant pipe that attaches behind the carbs (around the opening that connects to the thermostat housing). Is this something I should be concerned about?

 

[rev ryder]

I can see why that hose may have seeping a bit. LOL I hate when that happens.

1. I use Purple Power and a coarse Scotch Brite pad. Takes a little work, but comes out perfect if the metal isn't too badly pitted. I'd bet steel wool would work as well.

2. Is that rust external on the pipe or internal? Either way, if the metal isn't just gone away, a little scraping and sandpaper/Scotch Brite clean-up might be all you need. If external, give it a little splash of paint to help keep it protected.

Hope this helps. Glad you found your leak and hope you weren't too far from home when it went to SPLOOSH city on ya. The O-rings on those pipes are kinda tough to replace, but while you're in there, I'm sure they're a few years past due too.

 

[connie_rider]

So, it "was" just a hose?
Yahooo!

Ride safe, Ted

 

[cornponious]

So, it "was" just a hose?
Yahooo!

Ride safe, Ted

Yes sir that appears to be all it was. But I’m going to let a local garage pressure test my original radiator just to see.

 

[cornponious]

I can see why that hose may have seeping a bit. LOL I hate when that happens.

1. I use Purple Power and a coarse Scotch Brite pad. Takes a little work, but comes out perfect if the metal isn't too badly pitted. I'd bet steel wool would work as well.

2. Is that rust external on the pipe or internal? Either way, if the metal isn't just gone away, a little scraping and sandpaper/Scotch Brite clean-up might be all you need. If external, give it a little splash of paint to help keep it protected.

Hope this helps. Glad you found your leak and hope you weren't too far from home when it went to SPLOOSH city on ya. The O-rings on those pipes are kinda tough to replace, but while you're in there, I'm sure they're a few years past due too.

I will try your suggestions.