anti-freeze smell

[YFZ450]

After i get done with a race or done riding im always smelling anti-freeze could this mean i need a new water pump?

[Stoopidbot1]

Possibly, how long has it been doing that? You can smell it, is it leaking anywhere? How is your coolant level afterwords?

[YFZ450]

I rebuilt the motor its runs good when i put more anti-freeze into the rezzy and filled up the rad. but when i put anti-freeze into the rad. i spilled some on it but it should of evaporated by now, it starts to smell once the bike gets warm. Theres no steam comin from anywhere, and the smell has been there since i filled up the rad. The coolant level has dropped some, and no its not leaking

[Stoopidbot1]

I'm wondering if maybe there is an air leak around the ressy. When it gets hot some of the vapors are leaking out and that is what you're smelling. (happen on the CR500) This would explain the coolant going down a little and the smell.

[Raptor8]

yeah if it's actually leaking it should leave an obvious stain. If you keep losing coolant then there is a problem, but I think Bot is right it is more than likely just burn off. Keep a close eye on it tho and let us know.

Your cooling system is just like a car, you shouyldn't normally have to remove the rad cap- i.e., the coolant in the rezzy should get sucked into the rad as it cools. It's designed to keep itself full.

So keep an eye on the rezzy- I'll bet it's just burnoff.

Edited November 25, 2008 by Raptor8
more info

[YFZ450]

Theres no leaks of coolant anywhere, just the smell of anti-freeze

the coolant in the rezzy is about 1 inch below the full line and i have only did 1 practice -4 hard laps, 2 races 6 hard laps and i have practiced twice at my track. the bike runs strong, im goin to put my water pimp i have from my 06 motor on, i know theres nothing wrong with that on.

[Raptor8]

whatever works for ya, let us know how it goes!

if the pump has a 'weep hole' a small hole on the bottom, check that for a leak stain. Not all of them have this hole.

Edited November 26, 2008 by Raptor8

[Raptor8]

if you can't find a leak, pop the hood and reinstall the radiator cap- it takes a fair amount of force. Also, tighten all the clamps on the radiator hoses while you are there. Don't go "HULK" on them just snug them up OK? :fact:

[dirtdevil96]

I think I'd try replacing the radiator cap before changing out the water pump.If the cap is like on a car it will have a pressure rating;if you had a tester or had it tested at a shop you could tell for sure if it's good or not.If the cap is not holding the proper pressure it will leak out in the form of steam.Alot of times it will not leave any traces of leakage other than a smell and low level in the res.Hope this helps

[Stoopidbot1]

I think I'd try replacing the radiator cap before changing out the water pump.If the cap is like on a car it will have a pressure rating;if you had a tester or had it tested at a shop you could tell for sure if it's good or not.If the cap is not holding the proper pressure it will leak out in the form of steam.Alot of times it will not leave any traces of leakage other than a smell and low level in the res.Hope this helps

That's exactly what I was getting at.

[Raptor8]

funny, that's what I was getting at too. I have seen MANY installed half way ON, but I have warrantied none. plus they are a weird size and I'll be surprised if you can find anyone to test it. Gas wise it's prob cheaper to just buy a new one. But let's try and take this logically so you don't waste a lot of time and MONEY. It doesn't grow on trees at least where I live....

[dirtdevil96]

If there was a company that made an adapter it'd probably be Stant.I bought a tester for automotive applications from a local tool truck guy and in the paperwork there was a bunch of different adapters available.Here's a link for the adapters Stant

[Raptor8]

yes I am an old tool junkie too. prob could have bought a house on what I spent in those trucks.......I'll bet the cap is cheaper than the adapter.