OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
My oldest MP3/250 (12K Miles) took it for a Ride yesterday after work.
This morning, I noticed a few droplets of "Red Color" underneath.

I am concerned the dogs that sleep in the garage where the bikes are may decide to taste this, and that would not be good. So I need to get this resolved.

I have seen this before, never so red in color, and it was typically after I had done some work on the bike, so it didn't register as a problem immediately. It does not leak when hot, only overnight after the bikes cools down. I checked the coolant reservoir, and it didn't really look like it was low in Red Coolant. I even thought maybe it was overfilled, but no that was not the case.

The leak position is between the two front wheels, then further back just in front of the Gas Tank when looking underneath. It becomes visible from the center of the black ABS Panel that covers the front rim of the Gas Tank in front and goes down the middle towards the front.

I first thought maybe I overfilled the gas tank, and it leaked through the exit hole then underneath (But the fluid color was wrong.), so I experimented by pouring a fluid with the gas cover open pretending I overfilled, but where it leaks out from overflow is not at that same position. That tends leak over the sides of the gas tank then to the fllor.

I am thinking if could be coming from the radiator, and it is traveling along the black ABS or hose and dripping in front of the Gas Tank, but its actually coming from the hoses where they connected to the Radiator maybe? Looking at the hose diagrams, at that position there are no connections for the hoses, they are both one long length of hose going from pump to radiator. Unless, I have a hose that's split maybe? But based on the symptoms, I would think it would leak when Hot, not when Cold if it were a hose that is split.

The only way to know.. is to take the Tupperware off.
Fun

So this project is going to start this afternoon.
I will post some pictures of my findings as I work on this in my spare time.
If anyone has any ideas before I start taking all the Tupperware off, please reply. Anything that happens to this bike you typically have to peal off the Tupperware like a Banana.

Update/Edit: Added picture of Droplet where the Leak is visible and falls to the floor. I ran the bike for a few minutes this morning to try and get it to show up again.

Keith,
Marietta, GA
Notice Red Drop on ABS... Leak Position
Notice Red Drop on ABS... Leak Position
@hollybry avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2007 Piaggio MP3 250 (sold) and 2009 MP3 400 (sold) 2011 CanAm Spyder RSS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1843
Location: Floyds Knobs IN
 
Molto Verboso
@hollybry avatar
2007 Piaggio MP3 250 (sold) and 2009 MP3 400 (sold) 2011 CanAm Spyder RSS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1843
Location: Floyds Knobs IN
UTC quote
Sorry I cannot offer any help.
But I will be here watching for updates in case this ever happens to mine.
Popcorn emoticon
OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
Well I found the source to the leak...
See picture of Red Droplet that looks like a "Red LED"...

There is a "Pin Hole" just above the hose where possibly, the hose hit the the metal parts of frame/radiator???

I was thinking I could cut the hose back, and push it on to the Radiator, but it will be too short. So I will have to replace the whole hose.
Now the fun is to see how much of the bike has to come apart to remove this hose and install a new one.

I will sure add some more insulation on the hose so if it does rub against the Radiator it will shield the hose from any puncture.

I am wondering if I can "Fish the New Hose" through by taping it on to the old hose? My guess probably not... I am sure it is secured to the tubular frame somewhere, where I can't see...

Comments / Ideas anyone ?

Thanks,
Keith
Marietta, GA
Pin Hole Leak when I squeeze hose at the top where the Radiator could have hit it.
Pin Hole Leak when I squeeze hose at the top where the Radiator could have hit it.
@ponydrvr avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Honda CTX 700D
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1328
Location: Louisville, KY
 
Molto Verboso
@ponydrvr avatar
Honda CTX 700D
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1328
Location: Louisville, KY
UTC quote
It is not difficult to rerun the hose with the covers off. You'll do just fine. The only "hard" part will be bending a generic hose in those tight radii without crimping it.

Let us know how it works out.
OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
ponydrvr wrote:
It is not difficult to rerun the hose with the covers off. You'll do just fine. The only "hard" part will be bending a generic hose in those tight radii without crimping it.

Let us know how it works out.
Ordering parts now...
I figure if I have to change one, I will do both hoses.
I have your notes on taking the Tupperware off which comes handy.
Going to take it slow, isolate all the parts with screws, and see if their is anything else I need to do while it is all apart.

I may do my Fuse Block while its all apart.
I may complain alot, but I enjoy working on them.
Unfortunately, my Beagles want to help if your a dog owner.

I will be cranking up my other MP3/250 this weekend, so the benefits of having two... Thanks always for your help, I know you have had yours apart a few times.

Keith,
Marietta, GA
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
Well that is a new one. Glad you found it. While you are waiting on parts you may want to drain the coolant or wrap the area with some silicone rescue tape. This guy used it on his heater hose in his car last December and according to him it was still holding as of March 3rd. I am going to get some to keep on the scoot.

@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
lowes has that new bond tape as seen on the shark tank, suppose to fix any kind of leaks ,
OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
Funny you guys mention this Tape...

I have 10 Rolls of the GB Brand we sell at Home Depot, and use it for building Ham Radio Antenna's. (My Call K4KAL)

This is Great Stuff, it vulcanizes against itself, and resistant to UV...
I sure plan on putting my twist on these hoses when I re-assemble as an Insulator. I see you reference it as a Repair... I don't know, I would rather replace the hose.

Then I will also plan on doing this to the other MP3, the next time I take it apart. I need to run a high amp lead from the battery to the console similar to my older MP3 for Heated Gear, etc... So another item for the list to do.

Thanks Again...
Keith
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
I would actually classify using tape as a temporary repair with replacing the hose as a more permanent repair. It is interesting though how long the repair in the video is lasting though.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
I ran a BV125 for over a year that had a pinhole in a hose. I covered it with self-amalgamating tape and used some zip-ties to add extra rigidity. Replaced the hose eventually, but the repair held for thousands of miles.
OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
Surprised no one mention that guy on TV where he sprays this stuff on a Screen Door and uses it as a Boat...

I am having trouble removing the center bottom where the gas cap is..
I am missing something?
I need to go back read the doc I have, there must be some screws in the front near the horn maybe?
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
klaborde wrote:
Surprised no one mention that guy on TV where he sprays this stuff on a Screen Door and uses it as a Boat...

I am having trouble removing the center bottom where the gas cap is..
I am missing something?
I need to go back read the doc I have, there must be some screws in the front near the horn maybe?
the boats stuff is only good for gutters.

look at this. http://www.fiberfix.com/
@ponydrvr avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Honda CTX 700D
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1328
Location: Louisville, KY
 
Molto Verboso
@ponydrvr avatar
Honda CTX 700D
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1328
Location: Louisville, KY
UTC quote
Keith, I've been out for a while today so just now getting back to MV.

To get the center console off of the gas tank fill neck just stick a 1/2" breaker bar handle into the opening and gently pry it forward and the center console should lift right up and then carefully disconnect it from the kick panel.

Do the same when reassembling only then you will need to juggle all the interfitting plastic connections to the kick panel.
OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
ponydrvr wrote:
Keith, I've been out for a while today so just now getting back to MV.

To get the center console off of the gas tank fill neck just stick a 1/2" breaker bar handle into the opening and gently pry it forward and the center console should lift right up and then carefully disconnect it from the kick panel.

Do the same when reassembling only then you will need to juggle all the interfitting plastic connections to the kick panel.
Wanted to get back to you before going to bed...
I was juggling the dismantling of the MP3/250 and some other projects.
Appreciate your assistance on the phone today, I have everything ready for the arrival of replacement hoses. It was great to Talk to you.

Thanks again,
Keith
MP3/250 with Body Panels Removed.  It took me about 5 hours, moving slowly and cautiously to keep track of all the screws.  My Garage has removed parts all over the place, with little ziplock bags of the screws for each part.
MP3/250 with Body Panels Removed. It took me about 5 hours, moving slowly and cautiously to keep track of all the screws. My Garage has removed parts all over the place, with little ziplock bags of the screws for each part.
OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
jimc wrote:
I ran a BV125 for over a year that had a pinhole in a hose. I covered it with self-amalgamating tape and used some zip-ties to add extra rigidity. Replaced the hose eventually, but the repair held for thousands of miles.
Hello Jim,
I think you and OAD had a good idea, it would have been a lot simpler to band-aide, but the problem I have when I go on Rides, they are typically long ones. I would fear the leak could have opened up to a bigger problem when I am 200+ Miles away from home. So I wanted to opt with a more permanent solution that I could have the peace of mind I would have problems and need a tow.

Thanks,
Keith
UTC

Hooked
MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 140
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
 
Hooked
MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 140
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
UTC quote
stickyfrog wrote:
I would actually classify using tape as a temporary repair with replacing the hose as a more permanent repair. It is interesting though how long the repair in the video is lasting though.
I repaired a slit in a radiator hose on my Dodge Ram 1500 with Rescue Tape. 12,000miles later traded it in with nary a leak. Can't speak to the HD brand.
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
klaborde wrote:
jimc wrote:
I ran a BV125 for over a year that had a pinhole in a hose. I covered it with self-amalgamating tape and used some zip-ties to add extra rigidity. Replaced the hose eventually, but the repair held for thousands of miles.
Hello Jim,
I think you and OAD had a good idea, it would have been a lot simpler to band-aide, but the problem I have when I go on Rides, they are typically long ones. I would fear the leak could have opened up to a bigger problem when I am 200+ Miles away from home. So I wanted to opt with a more permanent solution that I could have the peace of mind I would have problems and need a tow.

Thanks,
Keith
And stickyfrog since I originally mentioned it. lol
OP
@klaborde avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
 
Ossessionato
@klaborde avatar
2009 MP3/250, 2012 GTS Super 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4309
Location: Marietta, GA
UTC quote
stickyfrog wrote:
klaborde wrote:
jimc wrote:
I ran a BV125 for over a year that had a pinhole in a hose. I covered it with self-amalgamating tape and used some zip-ties to add extra rigidity. Replaced the hose eventually, but the repair held for thousands of miles.
Hello Jim,
I think you and OAD had a good idea, it would have been a lot simpler to band-aide, but the problem I have when I go on Rides, they are typically long ones. I would fear the leak could have opened up to a bigger problem when I am 200+ Miles away from home. So I wanted to opt with a more permanent solution that I could have the peace of mind I would have problems and need a tow.

Thanks,
Keith
And stickyfrog since I originally mentioned it. lol
Yes let's not forget Sticky...

Keith,
Marietta GA
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