radiator leak in cold weather

[richardb, austin]

Rhinestone et al, I have a friend that probably needs the cylinder pipe o-ring fix for cold weather radiator leak. I was gonna direct him to an already-written tutorial here, or Wyz, or AB Bike Bd and all I found was this:
Water leak on the Voyager XII while in winter storage. This clears up once the riding season starts. The leak comes from one side of the horizontal pipe in front of engine (like a manifold) with two steel lines running into it coupled by a small length of hose with hose fittings on them. There are two possible answers:
Solution:
1. Dealer suggests endure the first few leaky experiences into spring and ride it the rest of the summer once the leaks stop. Alternative is to replace seals that dry out in winter, costs about $100.00.
2. This comes from Alex Mistal in Redding CA: Same problem but his leak came from loose hose clamps. Most of the hose clamps can be tightened without removing any plastic, but the ones on the top can only be reached if you remove the false tank, battery, and battery case. Still a job that the average biker should be able to accomplish without too much difficulty.

Am I missing something or do I need to write this tutorial up for the Tech Tips? Perhaps a better writer than me??

[suzib6sw]

While its not directly on the board here, I did write this up and posted it on another forum..
With the moderators permission... Here is the cross post to abbikeboard and the thread..

http://abbikeboard.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2937

If someone wants to cut/paste and edit for a "how to" then please feel free to do so..

Cheers..
Pete..

[Stargazer]

For what it is worth I just recently replaced the o-rings on my sealant pipe after discovering that pesky little leak. Was not all that difficult technically but there certainly is a lot to take apart for access. All seems to be okay now. While I was at it I also replaced the hoses.

[kjsett]

For what it is worth I just recently replaced the o-rings on my sealant pipe after discovering that pesky little leak. Was not all that difficult technically but there certainly is a lot to take apart for access. All seems to be okay now. While I was at it I also replaced the hoses.

Hope you don't mind my hijacking this thread (sort-0f), but I just pulled my cylinder Pipe (parts manual calls it that) because after replacing the oil pan, I guess i disturbed it. A couple of weeks or so later, fluid started showing up under the kickstand side (got constant over the last week), but finally traced it to the other side pipe inlet. I just pulled it out and couldn't see any cracks (a lot of stuff off to get to 4 o'rings) so just need the o'rings.
Is that a common part (does anyone know the part number at say NAPA or Autozone, or O'Reilly)?
Or will i need to order from Carl or Kawasaki. Part number in the manual is:
92055-1350 Ring-O,18.54x2.6
It is $1.92 (plus s&T) at Partzilla. That $ amount is doable but is it available locally (like a cross at the above mentioned.
Just asking.
Thanksgiving - good, but work. Fuel pump ( in tank) to get my wife's car back on the road, and a Water pump in my 98 Cummins diesel (5.9L 12V). At least now just my wife's car (AT fluid) the only one leaking (once i get this fixed on my XVII).
I put up with 4 dogs, 2 boys, for 3 days but it was worth it. My 36yr old Airplane engine mechanic son now is the one who schools the old man. Oh, we also changed the Fresh Air Vent Actuator in the 2001 Merc Sable (works around town, but after a couple of hours use would just shut, so no cooling or heating). Son's Japanese wife helped with that one as she fits under the dash much better than i do.
Oh and, Go Ducks (wife's alma matter - University of Oregon). PAC12 Championship next Friday.
Thanks for listening,
Ken
PS. May all have blessed holidays this year. No one knows the actual day, but we who choose celebrate His birth this time of year.

[suzib6sw]

I have in the past, got my O rings from Autozone but they were in a kit of various sizes.. An expensive way of doing it, but at the time, I was in a hurry.. take in your original and the kit contains several Viton Rings (brown).

I think this was it.. There are two the right size..
Make sure you grease the o rings before installing the pipe back into the cylinger heads, its easy to pinch and nick the rings.

http://www.autozone.com/fasteners/o-rin ... 47129_0_0/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[kjsett]

Hi, and thanks for the responses. Carl got back to me and said he didn't recommend trying the mix and match thing. I used to have an O'Ring kit so know of that process.
As I won't be able to work on it till Friday, Carl sent me a set by 3 day mail, so maybe more money ($13.00 total), but they have been "blessed" by the Master.
I will be riding my wife's breezy Vulcan (Vn800a) today because of travel conflicts, but should be back on my ride by this weekend.
Oh yes, taking advantage of covers off to add a second Wolo air horn (now will have them on both sides).
Only been a week and can't wait to get back on. How do you guys do this "winter-no riding" thing.
My leather coat is falling apart, but just got in a Tourmaster Cortech Advance coat with liner. Got it lightly used for $80 off ebay and gently washed it this weekend. Also found a pair of snow pants to put over my chaps when it gets cold enough, so good to go this winter.
Phoenix, we do get down into the 30's at night here occasionally, but usually dry. Days still in the upper 60's to low 70's (although low 80's last week).
Later, - Ken