Changed coolant - drip from left exhaust

gp55445 · September 14th, 2013, 07:32 PM

I bought my 2006 with 5600 miles and the coolant was dark in the reservoir tank so I changed it. ran it to get any air out of the system and the level in the tank is about half way between low and full which is the same level as before I changed it. I can't see any coolant when I take off the fill cap.

I noticed a drip coming from the left exhaust drain hole as it warmed up. There was also a faint amount of white smoke from only the left exhaust.

Prior to the change I never had this happen.

Is this normal? It's been raining so I haven't rode it yet to see if this stops.

Thx

GP

jkv45 · September 14th, 2013, 07:48 PM

Fill the radiator first, with the cap off, start it up and give it a couple quick revs to 2000 or so to get everything moving. Chances are it will burp a couple of times when you run it, and refill to the top when it does. Run it until the level just starts to overflow. Shut it off and put the cap on it. Fill the reservoir to the cold mark.

Start it up and take a ride around the neighborhood until the temp get to the normal range, but watch that it doesn't go higher.

Return home and let it cool before opening the cap. Fill it again if it's down and set the level in the reservoir to the full cold mark again if needed.

The drip and white smoke (steam) sound like normal moisture coming from the exhaust to me.

Motofool · September 14th, 2013, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gp55445

..........I can't see any coolant when I take off the fill cap............

You need to refill the radiator as many times as needed.

The tank is only additional room for expansion and contraction of the coolant: the radiator needs to be full in order to be able to induce that transfer with pressure and vacuum.

Don't worry about the exhaust, it may be rain water that sneaked in.

gp55445 · September 14th, 2013, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

You need to refill the radiator as many times as needed.

The tank is only additional room for expansion and contraction of the coolant: the radiator needs to be full in order to be able to induce that transfer with pressure and vacuum.

Don't worry about the exhaust, it may be rain water that sneaked in.

Thanks - didn't ride in the rain that's why I'm asking. I'll try the suggestions and give an update.

gp55445 · September 15th, 2013, 09:27 AM

Looks like no more drips and the levels look good. Thanks for the help.

GP

Motofool · September 15th, 2013, 11:59 AM

You are welcome, Gregg

n4mwd · September 15th, 2013, 03:38 PM

Keep you eye on the coolant level at the radiator and watch out for more white smoke after the engine is warm. If the problem persists, it could be a blown head gasket. If you notice any slime looking stuff in the oil, then stop riding immediately.

Its probably nothing, but if you notice a continual drop in fluid from the radiator, but not so much from the reservoir, or slime in the oil, then its more serious.

gp55445 · September 15th, 2013, 05:03 PM

That was my concern too. Went for a 40 min ride ride today - no white smoke and no more condensation from the left pipe. Levels are stable in the tank and radiator.

September 14th, 2013, 07:32 PM	#1
gp55445 ninjette.org member Name: Gregg Location: MN Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250 and 2013 Ninja 300 SE Posts: 20	Changed coolant - drip from left exhaust I bought my 2006 with 5600 miles and the coolant was dark in the reservoir tank so I changed it. ran it to get any air out of the system and the level in the tank is about half way between low and full which is the same level as before I changed it. I can't see any coolant when I take off the fill cap. I noticed a drip coming from the left exhaust drain hole as it warmed up. There was also a faint amount of white smoke from only the left exhaust. Prior to the change I never had this happen. Is this normal? It's been raining so I haven't rode it yet to see if this stops. Thx GP

September 14th, 2013, 07:48 PM	#2
jkv45 Rev Limiter Name: Jay Location: WI Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16	Fill the radiator first, with the cap off, start it up and give it a couple quick revs to 2000 or so to get everything moving. Chances are it will burp a couple of times when you run it, and refill to the top when it does. Run it until the level just starts to overflow. Shut it off and put the cap on it. Fill the reservoir to the cold mark. Start it up and take a ride around the neighborhood until the temp get to the normal range, but watch that it doesn't go higher. Return home and let it cool before opening the cap. Fill it again if it's down and set the level in the reservoir to the full cold mark again if needed. The drip and white smoke (steam) sound like normal moisture coming from the exhaust to me.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

September 15th, 2013, 11:59 AM	#6
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	You are welcome, Gregg __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

September 15th, 2013, 03:38 PM	#7
n4mwd ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: D Location: Palm Beach, FL Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Keep you eye on the coolant level at the radiator and watch out for more white smoke after the engine is warm. If the problem persists, it could be a blown head gasket. If you notice any slime looking stuff in the oil, then stop riding immediately. Its probably nothing, but if you notice a continual drop in fluid from the radiator, but not so much from the reservoir, or slime in the oil, then its more serious. __________________________________________________ My Ninja Blog Proud member of ABATE.My NYC Road Rage documentary - CENSORED!
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

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September 15th, 2013, 09:27 AM	#5
gp55445 ninjette.org member Name: Gregg Location: MN Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250 and 2013 Ninja 300 SE Posts: 20	Looks like no more drips and the levels look good. Thanks for the help. GP

September 15th, 2013, 05:03 PM	#8
gp55445 ninjette.org member Name: Gregg Location: MN Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250 and 2013 Ninja 300 SE Posts: 20	That was my concern too. Went for a 40 min ride ride today - no white smoke and no more condensation from the left pipe. Levels are stable in the tank and radiator.