Modern Vespa

Hi everyone,

Finally getting some warm weather here in SJ.

I put the MP3 to bed for the winter in late October. When I removed it from the garage yesterday, for the first time this year, I noticed some fluid below where it was parked for the winter. I found where it is emanating from but I cannot ascertain what the gasket in question is part of. I tried repeatedly to find a blow up of the mechanical portions of the MP3 but could not find anything relating to this specific location. So, I'm hoping one of you can give me a hand. I attached pictures, including a photo of the drippings which appear to be some type of light oil that is pink in color. The location of the area in question is above the kickstand and on the right side, when sitting on the MP3. Really disappointing as the total mileage is only 2,037

Thanks in advance for any help you can lend.

Greg

When was the coolant last changed?

That is coolant. Check the thermostat housing and bleeder valve/needle.

The bleeder has O rings. Ditto on the thermostat housing

Welsh Plug issue I think , seems same place as mine leaked, corroded welsh / freeze plug

my first thought is loose hose clamp eg the one on the thermostat cover

Do they put salt on the roads in NJ? Even if they do, just 4-5 years is quite soon for a freeze plug to corrode out.

I'm with Steelbytes - look for a hose leak at the top of the engine.

Thanks so much for the quick responses.

No, I have not changed the coolant since it was purchased in August of 2021 as I did not think that would be required over such a short span of years. As for corrosion, it is pretty much non-existent as the only time it gets wet is when I wash it.

Being a homeowner, I try to address problems that arise but my auto mechanic skills are pretty limited. Not sure how I would even begin to access the hoses on top of the engine. Would the seat need to be removed to inspect the hoses?

DOH!

These bikes require a coolant change every couple years since the engine is constructed of different metals and the factory uses a substandard coolant.

I use genuine VW/Audi G12+ coolant

See link

?si=1ElSQyhN3LrDEqoo

That was the freeze / welsh plug , in the video that was the issue in my MP3 Yourban. Luckily no milkshake. Only dripping, coolant.

I fitted a thread cut plug and all perfect again.

YourBan 2013 coolant leak need a smart fix please

Thanks again for the inputs provided by all. I plan on dropping it off at the dealer in West Chester to have the anti-freeze changed out and hopefully a simple fix for the leak.

Good luck and keep us updated curious what the update of the dealer finds

Will do.

On Tuesday of this week, I removed the reservoir cover for the coolant and found that nothing was visible. So now it was off to the local auto store to pick up a gallon of Peak Pink Euro Anti-freeze. Fifteen ounces were required to reach the recommended level between min and max. I then took the scoot for a half hour ride. The thermostat remained at the proper position during the journey. After I returned home I removed the reservoir cover again and found the level had not changed. I then placed a container under the problem area and nothing was visible until 3 hours had passed. It was then that I noticed one drop.

The next morning it appeared that there was only one additional drop so I felt confident that I could drive the 50 miles into PA without any issues. The cooling system was flushed followed by the addition of new anti-freeze. The mechanic looked for leaks before starting the procedure and found nothing. I asked about the condition of the old anti-freeze and he said it looked fine.

I waited until today to post this message as I wanted to make sure anti-freeze would not be visible within the container below the MP3 and I'm happy to announce that IT IS DRY!!! Sorry that I cannot say for certain what caused the leak.

My thanks again to everyone that responded to my original post.

Greg

Sorry to say, but there is no such thing as self healing technology when it comes to motor vehicles

If the level drops it is going somewhere

💯

I had same issue as this. the core plug rusted up and was leaking.
Easy replacement if you fancy a go.
I measured best I could the size of the hole then bought some mixed sizes off ebay.
To get the old one out I just run a self tapping screw up into the rust then just levered it out.

Replacement was the reverse but I put some sealant around, just incase