[journey]

Changed the coolant on 2007 vt750 yesterday. (Thanks for all the tips). I did however spill (overfilled) coolant .

After I closed everything up I noticed a drip coming from the bottom corner of the radiator. I never had any leaks prior to this flush so I assume it is from overfilling and the coolant running over and forming in that bottom corner (left side of radiator cover) bike on kickstand leaning in that direction. I still had concern so I checked the radiator cap again and the upper and lower radiator hose for leaks and found none. I then wiped down the lip of the radiator cover real well and took it for a 1/2 hr ride. I could smell antifreeze while I was riding.
I brought it home and put cardboard under and I dont see any leaks.

MY QUESTION IS: If it is only spilled coolant on the outside of the radiator that I am smelling, Shouldnt it burn off pretty quick once the bike is ridden for a while? IF NOT, should I be looking for something else???? Bike never leaked before .

 

[7xclm]

Anti-freeze leaves a slick coating so rinse the radiator off with a garden hose. Take the bike for a 1/2 hour ride to see if the smell goes away.

 

[5l1mm]

probably take a little wile.
a few rides, maybe a month or so?
i never closely monitored and documented it, but i recall coolant stink sticking around for a while.

 

["Captain D"]

IF you ain`t got no leaks "don`t worry be happy!"
Our Bikes do not run very warm, so it may take a WHILE to get that spilled coolant off the radiator and surrounding catch points...
IF you`re concerned about it, Wash & Rinse the area well with the garden hose or pressure washer...
Rinse and RIDE

 

[gdb069]

Coolant is not good for paint etc. so soap all the front of the bike well and rinse off. You do not want to wait until it "burns off" which will be never. You do not want to wait till it evaporates.

G.

 

[jpr1968]

Coolant is not good for paint etc. so soap all the front of the bike well and rinse off. You do not want to wait until it "burns off" which will be never. You do not want to wait till it evaporates.

G.

Coolant won't harm paint. Don't know where you got that idea. There is nothing in it that can dissolve paint.

 

[gdb069]

Coolant won't harm paint. Don't know where you got that idea. There is nothing in it that can dissolve paint.

Uhhhh from the Honda Shop Manuals and tech bulletins.

Honda Service Manual 1995-1997 VT1100C2 section 6
" avoid spilling coolant on painted surfaces"

Haynes Service Manual 1985-1998 VT1100 section 3 Warning 1
"Do not allow antifreeze to come in contactewith your skin or painted surfaces. Rinse off spills immediately with plenty of water."

Honda Service Manual 2001 - 2003 VT750DC section 6
"avoid spilling coolant on painted surfaces"

Techinfo.Honda.com

"CAUTION:​

Radiator coolant will damage paint. Quickly rinse any spilled​

coolant from painted surfaces."

So what manuals do you have that disagree?

Oh ya you wrote this about tires: "If no one tests mismatched sets, how do they know they are bad?" I am still laughing.

G.