Quote:
Originally Posted by 1994Ninja250F
Hey guys,
The other day I unfortunately noticed a coolant leak dribbling right down the middle of the two carb intake boots on the backside of the engine. I've heard before that the 90 degree coolant pipe near the head can be problematic, so I took off the body work and fuel tank to have a look.
The leak looks like it's coming from the base of the coolant pipe, and the area where the pipe sits in the hole looks "wet". It only leaks while the engine is running. (See attached pictures)
I obviously checked the hose itself to make sure it's not loose, and it's not. On there nice and tight. So to me, this all points to the O-ring on the pipe as the culprit. Can anyone tell me how to do this? I'm definitely comfortable working on the bike and mechanically inclined, I just like to have a basic idea of what needs done. I do know that the O-ring is the same one that comes with the oil filters that fit the bike.
-How do you get the pipe out?
-Do I need to take off the valve cover?
-Does the coolant need drained first? Don't want to make a mess.
-Anything special about reinstalling the pipe, other than just being gentle?
Thanks in advance guys!
Attachment 43788
Attachment 43789
Attachment 43790 |
I have never pulled this pipe and I was very careful not to disturb it much when doing a recent valve adjustment but;
The cam cover, "cylinder head cover" - Kawasaki, has to be removed. There is a small tab welded to the pipe that the cam cover contacts to hold the steel tube in place. Absolutely drain your coolant before removing the cam cover or you will likely get coolant into you cylinder head and contaminate your engine oil. The steel tube should just pull out pulling straight up. If I were doing the job I would clean the area or hole that the pipe inserts into in the cylinder head. Install the new "O" ring with a light coating of lithium grease on it and a light coat of grease on the inside of the hole in the cylinder head. Reassemble and you should be OK. Not a big deal just a pain in the tail feathers.
Bill