Posts
458
Joined
1/27/2010
Location
Beaverton, OR
US
Edited Date/Time
10/2/2021 4:38pm
I have a 2020 Kawasaki KX250 that is seemingly leaking oil from the valve cover on the left side.
The thing is, the bike has only 18 hours on it, and it seems to only happen when it starts to get hot out.
This bike did have a recall with the valve seals, or cover, can't really remember which off the top of my head, but it did have this service done. The dealer that did it is pretty reputable, too.
I have a 1.8 tusk rad cap that shows the temperature as well, and according to that the bike was far in the red zone. So, could the bike just be getting too hot? Someone I know suggested maybe the trans vent hose is clogged up? Maybe this, and new radiator fluid?
Let me know your thoughts guys.
Also, oil change every 5~7½ hours with new filter, new air filter almost every ride, and the manual followed.
The thing is, the bike has only 18 hours on it, and it seems to only happen when it starts to get hot out.
This bike did have a recall with the valve seals, or cover, can't really remember which off the top of my head, but it did have this service done. The dealer that did it is pretty reputable, too.
I have a 1.8 tusk rad cap that shows the temperature as well, and according to that the bike was far in the red zone. So, could the bike just be getting too hot? Someone I know suggested maybe the trans vent hose is clogged up? Maybe this, and new radiator fluid?
Let me know your thoughts guys.
Also, oil change every 5~7½ hours with new filter, new air filter almost every ride, and the manual followed.
Timo, it was reading pretty dang high, around 350.
Any thoughts?
The Shop
Last time I checked my radiator fluid was about 3-4 rides ago, and I've never worried enough about it to be really thorough about checking it. Because the bike is brand new, I've just basically shook it and listened for sloshing from the radiator.
With the high temp I decided to change the radiator fluid out with some engine ice. When we were changing it out very little actually came out, and at first we thought it was oil because of how thick, brown, and nasty it was. It definitely wasn't oil, but it was in very very bad shape.
Do you guys think it was just never filled all the way from the dealer? Could the bike have lost a ton whole riding in the heat?
I haven't torn anything down yet, but everything on the bike seems to be in working order still, not a single noise or anything out of place.
Before I get any pitchforks, I realize that it was a mistake to trust that everything was fine just because it was a new bike, without really inspecting everything, outside of normal maintenance. That's something I won't be doing again.
How concerned should I be about the bike though? Again, haven't torn anything down.
There was very little coolant in the bike and it was toasty. I also did an oil change and it was fine, shockingly.
So, as far as I know, or at least so far, we're good lol.
Here's hoping that I caught it in time 🤞
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