Triumphrat

Tiger-G · 02-03-2006, 10:11 AM

Hi,

My march '99 tiger 885cc has started to seap a very small amount of coolant from the cylinder head area at the front of the engine near the exhaust downpipes. It does not happen when it's up to running temp, only when it has been sat cold (very cold lately !) for a day or two.

Has the cylinder head gone ?
Will it be ok to leave ?

Your replies will be welcome.

Cheers,
Graeme.

winger · 02-03-2006, 11:33 AM

Good question!!! you'll only find out when you strip it,normally in that kind of situation,if the head is taken of it'll need skimming depending on how much damage has been done.

My first 900 in 99 did exactly the same,it's common with the earlier motors.

Chyron · 02-03-2006, 01:09 PM

My 05 does the same thing, only it's not from the cylinder head. The leak is coming form where the hoses attach to the radiator.

tyrebyter · 02-03-2006, 02:25 PM

Didn't I just see you on the Shop forum?

whoa · 02-03-2006, 02:42 PM

I had to have mine decked because of that. Before that step, I cleaned the heck around the area and watched it close to make certain thats where the leak was coming from.

Tiger-G · 02-03-2006, 03:26 PM

Thanks for the info.

I posted this in a couple of other places on the forum to make sure of a good reply.

I think it's time to have a good look and maybe change the head gasket.

Once again, thanks for your help,
Graeme.

TucsonBill · 02-06-2006, 02:30 PM

My 1999 started doing the same thing. It left green spots on the floor on those "cold" Arizona mornings! I, too, thought it was a head problem, but when I tore it down I saw the leak was from the plastic fitting that housed the thermostat and coolent filler. Upon further teardown - we're talking less than an hour - I saw that an over-enthusiastic former owner or mechanic had tightened the hose clamps to the point of crimping the plastic hose fittings. I pulled the plastic part out - figured it would be $$$$$$ at the dealer - and took the heat gun to it and reshaped the connections by softening them with the heat and shoving a round screwdriver handle into them until they cooled. When I was done, the part looked brand new and didn't leak a bit. It's been perfect for the last 5K miles and I'm the only one who tightens my clamps!