Coolant shooting out everywhere from the bottom of the bike

[khernik]

Hey, I gave my bike to the service for changing a clutch sensor and a wash, drove it back home. Then went for a ride again, I felt some water dropping on my leg, I thought it's from the water after a wash, so I drove 3km to the gym, and when I stopped the bike I noticed liquid literally pissing out from the bottom of the bike everywhere:

(sorry for the bad quality, it was 1am at night, I basically towed the bike after that)

It only happens when I start the engine, tons of liquid start dropping. As soon as I turn the engine off, it stops. It's definitely not oil, its transparent and has watery consistency. Its a bit slippery when I slide my foot over it on the asphalt.

Any ideas what could that be? Broken coolant hose maybe?

It's a 2016 model, with just 18,000km on it.

[Mareng1]

It is the mechanical seal of the coolant pump.   It won’t fix itself. 

You will need a new pump, and I’d suggest getting it done by the dealer.

[bakercymru]

Just had a similar problem on a one year old Gen2, but more of continual drip. Sounds like you’ll need to replace the pump which is tricky on the Gen2 - headers, pipes, sump etc.

[smithy]

Originally Posted by bakercymru

Just had a similar problem on a one year old Gen2, but more of continual drip. Sounds like you’ll need to replace the pump which is tricky on the Gen2 - headers, pipes, sump etc.

It's a Gen-1 and totally different to the Gen-2.

Looks like fuel rather than coolant, coolant doesn't evaporate away to nothing, it will usually leave a blue/green stain on anything it touches, water pump is at the right rear of the engine, not in the middle underneath.....is it not the dreaded split plastic fuel fitting under the tank.?? Does it smell like fuel..??


Smithy.

[khernik]

It might actually be fuel as well, it does smell like that, and there is no sign of blue/green color anywhere.

Dreaded split plastic fuel fitting under the tank? Dropping liters of fuel would be pretty bad if that happens during the trip ahaha. Is that expensive to fix?

[smithy]

Originally Posted by khernik

It might actually be fuel as well, it does smell like that, and there is no sign of blue/green color anywhere.

Dreaded split plastic fuel fitting under the tank? Dropping liters of fuel would be pretty bad if that happens during the trip ahaha. Is that expensive to fix?

"If" it is actually the fuel fitting split under the tank causing your grief...it's actually pretty common on the Gen-1's. Expensive to fix..?? No, but a load of tupperware and the tank has to be removed to get at it. Most of us fit a metal connector in it's place, if you take it to BMW they'll probably just fit another standard plastic one.

If you're handy with tools you can do it yourself fairly easily. Replace it with one of these and you'll be golden..:

https://www.gothamcycles.com/chrome-plated-brass-metal-gas-tank-fuel-pump-quick-release-disconnect-set-516-bmw-r1200gswrtwrwrsw-s1000rrrxr.html

Smithy.

[khernik]

Ok I just checked it with the mechanic and getting it replaced. It was fuel :( The plastic connector to the tank is leaking, I'm changing it to the stainless one. Are there any critical plastic parts like this that could be replaced with stainless for safety? I can't imagine what would happen if that fuel leak would happen ona long trip when riding 150km/h.

[smithy]

Originally Posted by khernik

Ok I just checked it with the mechanic and getting it replaced. It was fuel :( The plastic connector to the tank is leaking, I'm changing it to the stainless one. Are there any critical plastic parts like this that could be replaced with stainless for safety? I can't imagine what would happen if that fuel leak would happen ona long trip when riding 150km/h.

You won't get far when it leaks like that, most of the fuel will be gone quite quickly, there's ~70-75 psi of fuel pressure trying to get out. Mine started leaking whilst on my way to work one morning....on a motorway @110kmh, I didn't really notice until my fuel gauge started dropping very quickly....I pulled into a fuel station to fill up and left a puddle of fuel under my bike like yours did. I knew exactly what it was and I had parts at home to repair it....but not with me, had to call my missus and get her to drive 20mins from home to bring the new fitting and some tools for me...3/4 of an hour later and it was sorted, thank God for my missus.

That's about the only plastic part which fails on the bike that I'm aware of....it's under pressure and sometimes is squeezed at an angle by the polystyrene tray it sits in under the tank. Some split and leak..but most don't. If you get a chance to look at the fitting, check for a split in the retaining clip groove or O-ring groove, they usually split there as it's the thinnest part of the fitting.

Smithy. 

[Winger]

You know there’s been something i’ve Been meaning to do....thanks for the reminder the one on my K1200r Sport lasted 8 years before it went kaput and this X/R is 6 years old just ordered the metal replacement.....jeez has the price gone up .

[khernik]

Actually let me use this thread to ask one question - the manual recommends 5W40 oil, but I think 10W40 or 15W50 could keep the engine cooler in long trips. I live in a hot climate with over 30deg every day. Do you think I should stick to 5W40 that manual specifies, or is it fine to use 10W40
/ 15W50?

Also, does the brand of oil matter? Or can it be just something like liqui moly or motul?