Coolant puke

[martinyoung]

Just got back from a ride. Shut the motor down and lo - a big puddle of coolant on the floor. It seems to have puked the expansion tank contents out of the vent. Why would it do that?

[Diego]

> Why would it do that?

Any of the usual reasons:
* overflow reservoir was overfilled, leaving inadequate room
* bad radiator cap not keeping system fully pressurized, allowing premature boilover
* fan locked up or not receiving power when it should do
* bad thermostat
* air pocket in the cooling system

[BillT]

Speedy's like their coolant at the lower limit of the expansion tank. Every time I fill the tank, the coolant overflows after a hot run. I just make sure there's enough in the tank to cover the pickup hose, and no more overflows.

Do what Diego said, however. Make sure the cap is working properly.

[martinyoung]

If the tank was overfilled would it throw out "all" the coolant or "just enough"? The tank is empty now.

It didn't do it a week ago when I used it for the same run in similar temperatures so I doubt an airlock; the fan works fine; tank was not overfilled;

thermostat? hmm........it would surely overheat in no time or never warm up wouldn't it?

so that will be the radiator cap then. Well I'm off to the dealer in the morning to get some anitfreeze and distilled water so I'll price a cap as well.

thanks for the input.