Radiator question

[redbone477]

About a week ago I rode my 300 around the yard for about 10 minutes or so. Put the bike back in the garage and left for vacation the next morning. When I get back there's a small puddle of antifreeze on the floor. Looked like it came from the overflow tube. So I top it off and go riding the next day, bike ran fine, no over heating or boil over to mention. So today after cleaning, I'm inspecting the bike and decide to check the level in the radiator. The bike was cold and had been sitting for over a day. When I removed the cap it had a little pressure on it and the level was low again. Is this normal or do I have something going on here?

[twowheels]

The normal level for the radiators cold is for the fluid to just cover the top of the internal fins. More than that and you will likely burp fluid.

if your trans fluid looks good then just monitor your levels. If you're worried about it you might consider removing the thermostat.

[redbone477]

Can I use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze from an auto parts store or does it need to be motorcycle specific?

[GMP]

Auto antifreeze coolants typically have fine abrasive added to keep systems clean. It's evident if you put some in a clear container overnight. Used to be Toyota antifreeze did not. Perhaps things have changed but to avoid issues I just use Engine Ice. It's also polyethelene glycol base so safer being I have a couple dogs running around all the time. I drained out the factory fill, flushed with water, and reviled with EI before rode the bike. I don't beleive all the hype, but it's good stuff and available everywhere. In a year now my bike never lost a drop of coolant.

[Mslow]

Glenn, you think EI is any better than Water Wetter? I used to run WW in my track bikes because you couldn't run antifreeze at a higher level...mainly because of how slippery it was when you crashed and left it on the track.
Just wondering if it's worth investing in EI or using up the WW I have.

[GMP]

WW is fine, as is EI. I have EI in the bike now as I had some. WW may boil a bit easier but never had a problem with in in GGs., and its cool now too. The Beta seems to have a good system with no heat issues like some of the KTMs, anything would likely be good. Not sure about WW resistance to freezing however so be carefull this winter with storage.

[Mslow]

WW is fine, as is EI. I have EI in the bike now as I had some. WW may boil a bit easier but never had a problem with in in GGs., and its cool now too. The Beta seems to have a good system with no heat issues like some of the KTMs, anything would likely be good. Not sure about WW resistance to freezing however so be carefull this winter with storage.

Yeah, I'll likely drain off half and add antifreeze if it's going to sit for a few months. Hopefully we'll be riding all winter though.

[redbone477]

I'm still having problems with my radiator! Ever time I take the cap off, hot or cold it has pressure on it. I drained the oil and no sign of water/ antifreeze. Checked because my radiator level always seems to be low. Drained the radiator and flushed. There was some black looking residue floating in the antifreeze, not sure what. Anyway checked the overflow for plug, everything was fine. Refilled everything and went for ride. Let bike cool and went to take the cap off the radiator and boom, here it comes. Is it maybe a bad cap or something? Please advise.

[redbone477]

Any body have any idea or experience with this problem?

[Hammer]

Pull the head and check O rings.