Triumphrat

whoa · 01-02-2005

After the overheating problem last week and the big coolant belch the temp has been in the normal range. But I took it for a 150 mile run yesterday and noticed some fluid on the right head. Today I cleaned it all off and took a 30 mile spin and checked the right side and the fluid is back.

I can't tell if it is oil or coolant. The coating is very light and doesn't have an odor. The bike is also becoming hard to start. I'll be taking it back to the dealer when they open on Tuesday but I'm curious as to what it might be.

Would you guess this a bad gasket or improper torque on the head? The dealer recently did valve work on the engine.

right head

I had to clean the frame by my leg and the covers on the right side.
right side

tango · 01-03-2005

whoa,

The first thing I would do is take the tank off and have a look, by the looks of things the fluid (it looks like oil to me) is coming from somewhere out of sight, and if you find the source take it back to the dealer and tell him exactly what you have found. Maybe the cam' cover hasn't been tightened equally all round.

I would also check the oil level to make sure it hasn't been over filled.

Either way you must have it seen to.

If it was coolant you would cerainly know by the odour comimg off the bike when you are riding it.

It also looks as though it is running down onto the header pipes at the manifold, again this would cause an odour due to burning of the liquid.

Don't ***** foot round them and make sure you have all the info' you need and let them know you know what you are talking about.

Freddy · 01-03-2005

I'm more than a bit clueless when it comes to mechanical stuff.

I seem to be having a coolant leak on the left side instead.

Its definitely coolant as it forms a little blue puddle on the floor if left overnight.

I think it is coming from where a rubber hose connects using a jubilee connector (I think thats the name)

Heres the question:-

I'm afraid to tighten it up too much as I think it could crush the piece underneath. (Told you I was clueless) What should I do?

tango · 01-03-2005

Freddy,

Just try tightening it you won't crush the connecting pipe. you'll strip the thread on the jubilee clip before any crushing starts.

whoa · 01-03-2005

Quote:

is coming from somewhere out of sight, and if you find the source take it back to the dealer and tell him exactly what you have found.

The pic doesn't do it justice. I can see the origin by the shiny glean at the top of the white box I drew. Just below the exhaust port.

Quote:

If it was coolant you would cerainly know by the odour comimg off the bike when you are riding it.

And I do get a feint odor. But I figured it was due to all the coolant that blew out when the system belched the other day. That was from the temp running hot until an air pocket cleared. After the belch the temp has been normal. But as a result it may have breached a gasket.

And the bike is going back when they open tomorrow either way. But this helps me understand better what is going on.

Thanks for the replies.
David

robbie · 01-04-2005

whoa

Sorry but thats a new head gasket needed at least

I dont want to be the bearer of bad news but following your overheating problem you need to check out the head aswell.

triumphs use a wet liner so this is a big job to get done properly.

how long have you had the bike? and what has the dealer done recently?

how did you sort out the overheating? was it the cap?

Freddy

use a screwdriver not a 1/2" socket or come over and I will sort it for you. you could bring my rack back

and collect your Xmas card that I forgot to deliver

Freddy · 01-04-2005

Sounds like a plan m8. I was holding the rack as ransom until you manage to get the Aluminum ones manufactured :razz:

-= ADVERT =-
Mohan prodictions make the finest quality racks for the Tiger, It's really functional, carries your load without it slipping forwards aginst the pillion and is made in such a way as to avoid ripping your tent with the bungee hooks. Clever eh! :wink:
-=ADVERT=-

whoa · 01-04-2005

Quote:

how long have you had the bike? and what has the dealer done recently?

how did you sort out the overheating? was it the cap?

I bought the Tiger used from a dealer two weeks ago. It was in the shop because someone set the mixture too lean and it required valve work. While there the owner decided to trade so it moved to their used stock. I take it the bike sat for a while so I was the first to put any real miles on it since the repair was completed and these repairs will be dealer warranty work.

As to the overheating, I drove it with the indicator going into red or high normal until the system (my technical term) belched. I could see coolant droplets on and under the tank when I got home. But after the belch the temp indicator remained in the low side of the scale.

But it was becoming hard to start and with the minor leaking I decided to take it right back. Dropped it off this morning.

So for now, it's back to the old VW Bug. Thanks for all the help guys. I better understand why you guys love these bikes so much. Can't wait to get back on the road.

doitright · 01-11-2005

Finally I took time to clean and grease my beast for winter storage. With a closer look I found a small coolant leak on a hose-connector. I could tighten all hose clamps about one turn.

I shouldn’t be surprised to find loose screws on a new machine as all screws need to be retightened to stick properly.

So to ya all just take a screwdriver and check out your hose clamps and other screws before something happens.

whoa · 01-12-2005

Stopped by the shop today and found out there was head warp caused from overheating. So now to Triumph to find out if the parts will be machined or replaced. Probably another week of downtime.

Good news is poor weather this weekend so home chores may be attended to.