September 29th, 2017, 05:05 PM | #1 |
‘94 Rider
Name: Colin
Location: Lewis Center, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1994 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F Posts: 81
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Coolant Leak from Head Pipe
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! bike1.jpg bike2.jpg bike3.jpg |
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September 29th, 2017, 05:15 PM | #2 |
‘94 Rider
Name: Colin
Location: Lewis Center, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1994 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F Posts: 81
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I probably should mention that the leak is NOT coming from that crappy looking area on the pipe, see last picture. The camera makes it look like there's a huge hole there, which is luckily not the case.
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September 29th, 2017, 10:14 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: J
Location: Tucson
Join Date: May 2017 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 254
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Have you worked on it at all before the leaks?
If not, then you need to take apart the area and make sure it's all sealed and not damaged/cracked. |
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September 30th, 2017, 06:48 AM | #4 |
in your machine
Name: Scott
Location: Summer Shade, Ky.
Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 25
MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15
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There are O-rings on the pipes odds are that's the problem, and replace them all and while your at it might've well flush and fill the system.
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violente et ignorantia ZX-2R BLOG Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform. |
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September 30th, 2017, 07:33 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: J
Location: Tucson
Join Date: May 2017 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 254
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Thank you ghost. I don't have those pictures yet, I'll be saving that.
But yes that's what I was trying to get at too make sure all the gaskets were in good condition. |
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September 30th, 2017, 08:35 AM | #6 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bill
Location: Port Huron, Michigan
Join Date: Mar 2017 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Kawasaki 250 Ninja, 1982 Honda Ascot FT500 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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
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Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results each time. |
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September 30th, 2017, 08:50 AM | #7 |
‘94 Rider
Name: Colin
Location: Lewis Center, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1994 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F Posts: 81
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Thanks for the great help guys, much appreciated. And to answer someone’s question, it just started leaking out of nowhere. Valves were checked/adjusted about 2 years ago (by me) when it was due, but yeah it’s been fine from then until now. Oh well, stuff wears out eventually Thanks again all.
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