Head leak

[dcmrn1959]

Was going to ask if anyone knew why my bike was losing gas milage. I discovered in between the head and the block is a antifreeze leak. My main question is. Is this something I can do at home or is it something best left to those who know how to work on bikes? Are there other things I should do to it while I have it apart? Thanks for the help Dan while I'm not a true mechanic I do most of my own work when possible.

[biggersm]

I'll give your post a bump but I'm no expert. I'm wondering if maybe you could work with JB Weld? Be sure you have a clean surface if you do so. I noticed your profile has Jefferson City listed. Your close to either Chris Near Kansas City and a bit farther away in the opposite direction is Carl Leo. I would consider sending a PM to either of them and ask if they might give a second opinion if you offer to get the bike to them. If you post pictures (as 640 x 480 or smaller links from a host site like photo bucket) of the leak it might help diagnose.

Still a coolant leak should not have any effect on gas milage. Have you evaluated to see if it is only coolant?

[Chris near Kansas City]

Most of the time, that leak is caused by the o-ring on one of the 2 coolant tubes up near the top of the engine, or a loose clamp or bad hose near there. I'd have to go double check, but I believe one tube is between the 1 and 2 spark plug and the other between the 3 and 4 plugs. They are visible from either side of the bike. Coolant runs down into one or more of the spark plug wells and then leaks, or seeps out the drain holes on the back of the engine at the head gasket line. There are 4 of those drains holes.

[dcmrn1959]

I emailed Carl and he told me the same info, however I appreciate any and all help while I learn about this bike. Am I dreaming or did I see a post with pics on this exact fix? Thanks again to everyone Dan. Chris near KC next time I'm up that way I"ll have to stop and say HI!

[Lumpy Rider]

Hi dc...had this same situation when i found coolant leaking down and across the block on the left side from exactly where the head and block mate. At the same time my fuel mileage was around 30 mpg at best. Turns out it was the coolant leak described here by Chris dripping down the front of the engine and blowing down the left side of the block right along the head gasket where it turned the block a brownish color. I removed the battery, battery tray and air box, tightened up the coolant lines, and synced the carbs. While opened up I replaced spark plugs and one disintegrating hard plastic spark plug boot. No new discoloration of the block and no coolant drips and my mileage is now up to 45 or better. Not saying for sure this is your problem, but it may be a good place to start/something you can do. Gots lots of feedback from owners saying that the Voyager very rarely develops such a problem. Air box removes easily but is a bear to reinstall. Was worth it to me!

[Lumpy Rider]

Additionally...found that the carbs were FAR out of sync. Not hard to calibrate them if you have vacuum gage setup or carbtune, a long handled screwdriver, and instructions posted by AVA members, and once you have the parts of the bike removed to access the carbs.