Where is all my coolant going? 2001 200. Things are usually ok but if I'm really riding hard I seem to be losing quite a bit of coolant. Appears to not be leaking anywhere. Heck I rode a hard 15 mile loop last weekend at Loretta Lynns and it was all gone from my resevoir. Cylinder didn't seem that hot to the touch. Other loops used up coolant also but not as much. Like maybe halfway between full and low lines. This was my first ride since installing Devol radiator gaurds. Could they make it run hotter? I seen other posts where they say the Devols made no diffence. Any ideas appreciated.

are you positive theres no leaks? what about a leak INSIDE the engine? that has happened before...also, are you using the correct coolant mix ratio?

Not to worry the coolant is escaping out the overflow tank's vent tube when the bike is being jarred around trail riding. Most people, including my self, don't run any coolant in the overflow tank. The level in the rads is maintained no problem and if the bike does overheat and dump its fluid it goes to the tank anyway. To confirm that's the case with your bike check the coolant level in the rad before you ride and again the next day. Be sure its cool before opening the cap. I'm sure you'll find the level is staying consistant.

David

Just a bump to bring this to the top.

David, are you saying that even with a perfectly tight system, one would expect to blow some coolant out the reservoir? I have lost maybe an inch or so from the reservoir in 15 hours of run-time since new. The temps have been low to mid 90's during most rides. I have never seen fluid coming out the tube, but at the rate it is going down, it would be difficult to see.

My overflow tank is always empty but when I check my Rad it's full every time. Some folks just toss the overflow bottle and run a hose down the frame instead.

Mine never stays past the low line. But as Canadian Dave said, the radiators are always full.

I would remove the tank. I had the same problems 10 years ago so I removed my reservoir and 3 KDX bikes later with zero problems.

My 01 220 does the exact same thing. I keep the overflow tank and just top it off to full line about every 3 to 5 rides. Takes like 2 secs with a 8mm socket to remove tank shrouds. It's just part of my normal routine along with WD-40 on chain, test chain slack, make sure air in tires, fire it up, grip it and rip it.

Seeya

Well, that settles it - no worries, mate.

More proof this forum is the best thing since disco.

I did a 50 mile loop last weekend in 90' weather at 4k to 8k ft and lost all of my overflow and about an inch out of my radiator. Half of the ride was single track low gear stuff. I thought I had lost my rear brake due to all the fluid on the rear wheel and brake rotor. Did I mention I dropped the bike 4 times? I have since changed from a 150 main to a 158 and put in a b9 es instead of the b8 es I had in. Any thoughts? Oil is clean, no water in engine.
tom
'93kdx200 stock