Radiator leak

[Froggymanny]

Thanks for explaining! Yes, adding bits and bobs is fun... at the cost of extra weight I reckon, but hey 

[Kevin t]

i would like to thank you both for the reply, big thumbs up, well panic must have set in, i have never experienced a bike steaming up so much in my life, it was like a mobile sauna, i also put the bike on the side stand and the water run down the hose from  the rad, apparently this is normal for cbf 1000 when ridden in the rain, so its time for a fender extension and some sort of diversion for faring water build up, its a slite on Hondas part, once again thanks guys, ride safe.

[nasosrr]

Greetings gents.

Apologies for “high jacking” an existing thread, I prefer to not start new threads if I find a relevant one and this one indeed seems very relevant. So, I hope it’s ok that I write my question(s) here. Thanks in advance.

I am a very happy owner of a white Mk2. Bought it used (3rd or 4th hand, not sure right now) a couple of years ago and so far I haven’t had anything to complain about. Last Sunday I was out for a ride and when I stopped to take a photo and returned to the bike, I noticed drops on the top of the front fender. Did a quick inspection and realized in terror that the radiator was leaking. A better description would be that a very thin (0,2 mm) jet of coolant was shooting from the radiator. Drove to the nearest town, bought a bottle of coolant (just in case) and drove home without any issues whatsoever (didn’t even have to add coolant to the reserve tank). The leak stops 4-5 minutes after I switch off the engine, I am guessing the hole isn’t big enough for coolant to leak without pressure in the system.
I can’t think of any other possible explanation other than an unlucky stone strike that caused it.

Regardless of what caused it, it needs to be fixed. I wasn’t able to find anyone who can (or is willing to) repair it in the area where I live. A new OEM radiator costs about 950 EUR, which is an insane cost, I think, for a 12-year old bike. So, I am resorting to ebay to find a more viable alternative. And I am seeking your advice, because the collective knowledge in this forum makes me feel much more confident, compared to asking friends in the area.

So, I have found this item. Not sure how long the link will be alive, but right now it works. It’s a radiator that is described as “Water cooler for Honda CBF 1000 CBF1000 year 2010-2016” and my model is listed in the compatibility table. It's in black colour, exactly like the one installed on the bike now. And it's from Poland and it costs ca 160 EUR, so almost 800 less than the OEM.

I also have the Haynes manual for my bike, so I might try to install it myself. Or take it to my mechanic, it’s also an option.
My questions are:
Is there any reason why one shouldn’t trust anything other than an OEM radiator? What can go wrong?

Do you have any other suggestions? Please take into consideration that I live in Sweden, so ordering parts from the UK, post-Brexit, is almost impossible due to unpredictable and almost always very high customs fees.

Third question: Haynes suggests that the fuel tank needs to be removed in order to access the radiator cap and I have no reason to know up front whether this is true or not, so I will probably follow the steps in the book. And in it, it states that Honda specify to replace the fuel pump hose retainer clip (part nr 17711S0X931). Do I really need to replace it? It’s not a big deal, I just want to know if I need to order that as well.

Last question: That "K-Seal" product that is mentioned above... Sounds a bit too good to be true. I am also almost certain that I saw somewhere in Haynes manual that it isn't a good idea to use such products. But if you suggest it, then I might give it a try, hoping that it won't result in my engine exploding in flames. 

Thanks a lot, lads. I really-really appreciate your help with this.

Best,

Nasos

[Art]

The radiator you link to should be fine. The only reason to buy an OEM part is for it's reassuringly expensive price tag, save you're hard earned for go go juice and source pattern parts. No need to disconnect the fuel lines or remove the fuel tank, just lift and support the front end

If you're allowed spanners and you haven't already you can download the Honda Workshop and Owners Manuals here where the procedure is fully explained in detail with colour photographs.

Top tip #1 When you disconnect the fan wiring attach a cord so you can easily pull it back through where it needs to be routed, the length of the stock wiring is tight.

Top tip #2 When tightening the radiator hose clamps go easy, over tightening them can cause the inlet/outlet pipes to deform and if you need to replace the hose clamps look no further than Mikator W4 stainless steel hose clamps on eBay.

[nasosrr]

Hell Art! 

Big thanks for your response and the tips! 

I am buying it right away then. If I'm lucky, I might have it delivered and installed in time for the national holiday on June 6th. 

What does "If you're allowed spanners" mean?
I downloaded the zip-file. There's one file (02-) missing. Is there anything important in it?
Btw, would you happen to know where I can find the service manual for the 2007 CBR600RR as well=

Oh, huge relief that I don't have to remove the tank. I was really not looking forward to fuel spilling in my garage. Thanks a lot man!!! 

[nasosrr]

@Art
I'm so sorry, I just noticed that I wrote "Hell Art" in my previous post. 
I obviously meant to write Hello. Honestly sorry about that! 

[Art]

LOL I read 'Hell' as Hello, only noticed it after you pointed it out no problem.

What does "if you're allowed spanners" mean? It's a positive spin on "some folks shouldn't be allowed spanners". They know who they are but sadly most of them will not admit to it. Sadder still, some folks who shouldn't be allowed spanners choose to vlog their clumsy and incompetent attempts at mechanics, a good example of this being Saffy Sprocket, and I pray she vlogs for click bait, comic value or eye candy. I hope anyone picking up any of her cast off vehicles gets them at a good price! Here's 20 minutes (or an hour if you watch all 3 episodes) you'll never get back.

[nasosrr]

 
Hahaha, now I understand. I'm definitely one of those who should not be allowed anywhere near spanners in that case. 
But I still like the adrenaline kick. Hahaha.

No, seriously. I'm not good at it. Of course not. But it's embarrassing to not be able to perform basic tasks on one's bike, even with the help of detailed information from manuals.

What I don't like at all is needing to take care of liquids and especially motor oil. But I would like to be able to change drive chain, brake pads etc. And the only way to get there is to start somewhere. So far I've only removed body parts, installed crash protectors, heated grips, USB-ports etc. So nothing difficult. But I think I will give it a try with the radiator. Although my mechanic is informed and waiting for me. 

I'll check this gal's channel after work. The way you describe it, it looks like fun. 

[Froggymanny]

Originally Posted by Art

Here's 20 minutes (or an hour if you watch all 3 episodes) you'll never get back.

I started the video while doing something else - I stopped it not even halfway through and yet it felt like the longest video ever... 
But thanks Art, it's indeed a very good illustration of "being allowed spanners"!

[nasosrr]

Yeah, that was honestly painful.
But I didn't even get to the "spanners" part. She might as well be better at this than I am, and if anything, she tried (I suppose? ). But the whole concept of the video? Naaaah, sorry.