cooling system

[mustangfury]

I have a 1993 kx 125.  When i was riding the other day i noticed that any time i gave the engine gas radiator fluid would drip out of the overflow tube.  The drip rate increased or decreased based on how much gas i gave it.  Is this normal?  I know the system is building up pressure as it gets warmer but i didn't think it would make fluid constantly drip out.

Next: I was preparing to take apart the top end the next day to inspect it and first i went to drain the radiator fluid.  I unscrewed the drain plug and the screw shot out and fluid exploded all over me.  The bike hadn't been run since the previous day so it was not an issue of letting the bike cool.  I don't know why it did that and I'm hoping someone can tell me. Also I don't believe this problem is directly related to the first one because i have had the first problem for a while and have drained the radiator fluid before and not had a problem with it exploding everywhere.

Thanks.

[BDI]

sounds like a blown head gasket to me.

[mustangfury]

sounds like a blown head gasket to me.

Thanks for the answer but which question was it answering or was it answering both?  The dripping overflow, the explosive drain plug, or both?

Would a blown head gasket creating pressure in the cooling system due to the cylinder's compression leaking into it, creating a sort of air pocket?

Thanks again.

[BDI]

Yes to both, that Is exactly what happens.

[Hillclimb#42]

 It may be that you have a leaking head gasket, but the coolant always shoots out of there. Every time I drain the coolant, I'm ready for it, but it still gets all over. It comes out faster with the radiator cap off too. You always think its almost done, then crack the cap and whammo, another mess.
I'd be more worried, if it had all leaked out.

[BDI]

Yes that's true come to think of It my coolant comes shooting out pretty good too That could be normal. The dripping could be caused by a bad rad cap.

[mustangfury]

has anyone ever tried using a gasket maker on an old metal gasket to make it work?

I have a bunch of different types and they are so cheap that it would save me a but load if i could just remake the gasket every time i do the top end.  So far I have only found one gasket maker that resists gasoline though.  Most of them say they are not for use in contact with gasoline or on headgaskets but i found one that might work.

Any input helpful. THanks.

[Hillclimb#42]

 I think a head gasket is only 10 bucks and is available in different thicknesses for a reason. I always have used the thin metal, but wouldn't recommend any gasket compounds for that gasket. When freshining up the top-end, you can get the piston, pin, needle bearrings and gaskets for around 100 through Moto Sport Outlet.
 The best gasket compound that I know of is some stuff called Yamabond. I have never used it personally to know what its limitations are, but my engine builder uses it for the cases, and other places on the race bikes that get dissassembled often. I don't think a compound can withstand the compression. Look at Cometec gaskets or OEM from Midwest Action Cycle. You really shouldn't be tearing the head off very often.

[mustangfury]

Thanks for the advice.  The head cheapest head gasket i found was for about $22 but I'll look into those other brands.

Thanks again.

[mustangfury]

I replaced the head gasket and there is still some dripping.  It is not as much as before but it still drips a little.  This could be a radiator cap problem, but I was wondering if it is supposed to drip a little normally.  If not and it is the radiator cap that is the cause for the dripping, would it hurt it if I didn't replace the cap as long as it isn't dripping a lot, or would it cause damage to something.  I would just make sure that the radiator fluid was full every time i ride.

Thanks.

[Hillclimb#42]

It won't hurt any thing, as long as you have coolant in there. I don't think it could be normal, but a little bit is ok, espescially after it gets real hot. It probably will leak some after a fill up, but it should stop eventually. If it is constant, then you probably should get a cap for the confidence in your ride factor.

[mustangfury]

Thanks guys.  I'll let ya know how things go if i get a new radiator cap.

[steve1965]

I had the same problem and the cap was bad I changed it and can ride for about 4 hours in Arizona and do not loose any fluid at all. I would change it so that while out away from civilization you do not run the chance of it blowing and then you would have to push the beast back and that is not fun at all belive me. The cap is about $25 from Kawi and it is usualy in stock.

[stewart]

i like the rad caps from auto parts store,,, easy to get,, same as like a old toyota cap

[Rowdy-Yates]

Hello I know this post is kinda old but I am sure it is your cap. Fluid will come gushing out of your drain when the cap is removed. And a constant dripping while you are riding points me to the cap. The bike is a 1993 and the cap might be the same age. You would know if you had a blown head gasket. Trust me on that one.