Shiney left boot syndrome

[Kev L]

Anyone want to hazard a guess? Last couple of rides I have found coolant over toe of left Sidi. Not soaking just a covering. Going to take the panel off this afternoon I will let you know the cause.

[benny hedges]

could be a clip loose... if it is, maybe you want to replace them?
you dont want to lose a hose miles from home.

i had a similar thing with oil on the left boot.... turns out i'd fitted a cam cover seal upside down and was losing a drop of oil.... thought it was the cooler at first

[Kev L]

Thanks for that Benny. I have just taken the left fairing side off and can't find any reason for it. The hoses are all fine as is the radiator and clips. The only thing I did to the bike in the couple of weeks prior to this was a service (oil & filter, air filter & plugs). I took off the little belly spoiler and replaced it but nothing I can think of that would encourage gobbing on my boot!! I have run the bike up to working temp but no signs of any leakage, although there are the general stains of brown liquid spattered around the engine cases and fairing panels. But nothing in one specific area to point me toward the issue. Still onward and upward as they said in the days of the Raj!!!!

[Wicky]

Sprinkle on lavender talcum powder over the side of the bike and in and around where you suspect the leak is coming from - take it for a spin and check for incontintence... then check the bike for leaks

[Beamish]

I had the green left boot syndrome and it turned out to be a pin hole in the left rad. Only leaked after reaching operating temp. Good luck, finding a second hand left rad was a bitch I hope its just a hose.

[Kev L]

Cheers lads. Had a good look around but came up with zilch. Buggered if I am going to miss this weather so stuck it back together and will keep an eye on it. It's a 53 plate 12,000 miler and everything looks like it should, hoses sound, clips tight. Strange. I am 51 so maybe the incontinence theme is the way to go! How did you know lavender is my scent!

[Wicky]

... graffiti on a roadsign on the A133 > "Harwich for the Continent, Frinton-on-Sea for the incontinent"

[Kev L]

Ok, a little update on the original reason for posting. Took the newly cleaned beast out for a pootle round this afternoon. No sign of any leakage for the first couple of miles then a mist over boot and left leg of leathers. Bodywork has a mist over it as well. Seems it may be related to the opening of the stat, and given this is the case do we think radiator? When I had the fairing off yesterday I ran the bike up to about 85 degrees with no trace of any liquid. It is luminous green in colour so definately coolant. Given the distribution of the liquid i don't think the overflow pipe is now an option.

[Beamish]

Ok, a little update on the original reason for posting. Took the newly cleaned beast out for a pootle round this afternoon. No sign of any leakage for the first couple of miles then a mist over boot and left leg of leathers. Bodywork has a mist over it as well. Seems it may be related to the opening of the stat, and given this is the case do we think radiator? When I had the fairing off yesterday I ran the bike up to about 85 degrees with no trace of any liquid. It is luminous green in colour so definately coolant. Given the distribution of the liquid i don't think the overflow pipe is now an option.

Sounds identical to mine, it was a tiny pinhole in amongst the fins on the same side, probably made by a stone, was a bast to find but once at a certain temp it honked out.

[Kev L]

Sounds identical to mine, it was a tiny pinhole in amongst the fins on the same side, probably made by a stone, was a bast to find but once at a certain temp it honked out.

Thanks for that mate. I will take it off and pressure test the rad. Bet it's an expensive little bugger as well.

[Wicky]

Check the leak hole at the front of the clutch cover/waterpump cover (or spigot if later storm) could be the water pump seal leaking and it comes out the front rather than forcing through into the (oily) clutch.

Hence the talc suggestion (not kidding)

[tony.mon]

There's a small pipe that comes from the thermostat housing and goes into the front cylinder.
It's a pain to get to, but just try tightening the hose clips....
had this on a couple of engines now.

But this could be a pinhole on any of the pipes, or rad as suggested.

Oh, and the large pipe going to the top of the LH rad ( it comes out through the frame)- it rubs on the edge of the fairing, so might have worn through.

And if you don't fancy talc, you could wrap all the pipes you can see in kitchen roll, just look for the damp spots.