Disappearing Coolant 2015 Ultra
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: NJ
Disappearing Coolant 2015 Ultra
Hello, Long Time Lurker, First Time Register and Poster.
I recently bought a 2015 Ultra Limited Low from my local dealership. In the past I have been a Gold Wing rider, but being vertically challenged I decided to look at the Harley. Rented one in Florida and rode the Keys with my wife. We where both hooked and bought one on our return.
I had put about 1k miles on it when my check engine and temp light came on in about 20mph traffic. I pulled over and checked the coolant tank and it was bone dry. Called the dealership and they said to let it cool down and then bring it in the next day. I had already scheduled my 1k service for the next day, so no bother.
Rode it home and to the dealership the next day with no issues, but I was able to keep speeds over 50. Dropped it off and 3 hours later they called and said it was done. They had called Harley's tech line because they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Harley had them run 5 tests, they weren't specific, and it passed all of them. They re-added coolant and did a pressure test and everything came back fine.
That night I picked up the bike and they had noted on my service ticket that I should not add any fluid and bring the bike back in 500 miles to be checked. Rode the bike home and after it cooled off checked the fluid level. Just below full, Perfect! Go out on a 100 mile ride with no issues, come home and check the fluid level, bone dry again.
Back to the dealership we go!
The bike is stored in my garage on a clean floor. I checked and I have no puddles or drops. When riding the bike I don't smell any antifreeze being vaporized. I assume it isn't leaking in the engine because the oil looked good and I am not blowing white smoke out the tail pipe.
From reading here I have seen that the 2014's had issues, but it was resolved. Anyone else have this happen to them? The dealership is scratching their heads on what is going on.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
I recently bought a 2015 Ultra Limited Low from my local dealership. In the past I have been a Gold Wing rider, but being vertically challenged I decided to look at the Harley. Rented one in Florida and rode the Keys with my wife. We where both hooked and bought one on our return.
I had put about 1k miles on it when my check engine and temp light came on in about 20mph traffic. I pulled over and checked the coolant tank and it was bone dry. Called the dealership and they said to let it cool down and then bring it in the next day. I had already scheduled my 1k service for the next day, so no bother.
Rode it home and to the dealership the next day with no issues, but I was able to keep speeds over 50. Dropped it off and 3 hours later they called and said it was done. They had called Harley's tech line because they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Harley had them run 5 tests, they weren't specific, and it passed all of them. They re-added coolant and did a pressure test and everything came back fine.
That night I picked up the bike and they had noted on my service ticket that I should not add any fluid and bring the bike back in 500 miles to be checked. Rode the bike home and after it cooled off checked the fluid level. Just below full, Perfect! Go out on a 100 mile ride with no issues, come home and check the fluid level, bone dry again.
Back to the dealership we go!
The bike is stored in my garage on a clean floor. I checked and I have no puddles or drops. When riding the bike I don't smell any antifreeze being vaporized. I assume it isn't leaking in the engine because the oil looked good and I am not blowing white smoke out the tail pipe.
From reading here I have seen that the 2014's had issues, but it was resolved. Anyone else have this happen to them? The dealership is scratching their heads on what is going on.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 268
From: Southern California
Low Coolant? + No External Leaks? = Combustion Chamber or Crankcase.
For the former; pull an O2 Sensor, if the Exhaust Side is coated in a very fine gray/white powder the leak is into the Combustion Chamber (Coolant Residue). If the leak is large enough you (or others) may also see white smoke (steam) coming out the exhaust when you are driving. There are also tests which can be used to check for traces of Exhaust Gas in the Coolant. Google <exhaust gas coolant test strips> and take your pick.
For the Coolant in the Crankcase; check your oil level. It will be high and chocolate milk in color if the leak is into the Crankcase.
For the former; pull an O2 Sensor, if the Exhaust Side is coated in a very fine gray/white powder the leak is into the Combustion Chamber (Coolant Residue). If the leak is large enough you (or others) may also see white smoke (steam) coming out the exhaust when you are driving. There are also tests which can be used to check for traces of Exhaust Gas in the Coolant. Google <exhaust gas coolant test strips> and take your pick.
For the Coolant in the Crankcase; check your oil level. It will be high and chocolate milk in color if the leak is into the Crankcase.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: NJ
Thanks! The oil looked clean when I checked and I didn't see any smoke. When they give me the bike back if I still have problems I will have to try out the test strips you mentioned. What worries me is that they have said they have no idea why it is doing it on a new bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 7
From: Phoenix
I plead stupid. Didnt even know you had to check coolant levels. Hey, Ive only had the bike for a month or so, so still learning. I went right out to the garage and checked. I'm good. Thanks for the post. Hope it all works out.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,683
Likes: 8,415
From: Utah
Appendix C of the service manual. Figure C-4 the dealer can add a dye to the coolant and use a black light to see where it might be leaking. Also says to check the oil for dye, head gasket may be leaking. First page also shows pressure tests they should do.
Good Luck
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 6
From: kentucky
The hose that connects to the thermostat housing is a common place for a leak according to my dealer. had mine in for a radiator hose replacement, the hose was slid back just had a small drip occasionally.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 577
Likes: 19
From: Michigan
Mine has been back 5 times for the same problem. I am currently on a 2000 miles trip and i am acting as a test mule for the moco. The tech line stated they had some problems with casting and perosicty is the culprit. They put the dye in mine and when i get back i am going to take it in so they can pull exhaust and see if its weeping through the head. I will keep u posted.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 189
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From: Phoenix
I'm going to assume you can still run the engine with or without coolant. Coolant only cools the heads somewhat but basically it's still a Harley ... am I wrong? If I'm 200 miles out or away from a dealer do I dow it in or ride it in. Or, do I carry coolant as a precaution?
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: NJ
Thanks for all the input. Definitely gives me some things to check should they give it back to me not fixed.
Recon4: The dealership said that it wouldn't hurt it. "not sure if I believe that" Like I had posted I only had the temp warning light come on once and that was when I was stuck in slow moving traffic. Pulled over, let it cool down while traffic thinned out and went on my way. I can only assume the bike has been leaking since I bought it and didn't notice it until the light came on. Never checked the coolant before that. So I have probably run the bike with no coolant over 500 miles.
Recon4: The dealership said that it wouldn't hurt it. "not sure if I believe that" Like I had posted I only had the temp warning light come on once and that was when I was stuck in slow moving traffic. Pulled over, let it cool down while traffic thinned out and went on my way. I can only assume the bike has been leaking since I bought it and didn't notice it until the light came on. Never checked the coolant before that. So I have probably run the bike with no coolant over 500 miles.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,683
Likes: 8,415
From: Utah
I'm going to assume you can still run the engine with or without coolant. Coolant only cools the heads somewhat but basically it's still a Harley ... am I wrong? If I'm 200 miles out or away from a dealer do I dow it in or ride it in. Or, do I carry coolant as a precaution?
I went to the dealer and bought a gallon of Coolant $23. Now I have to decide if I want to carry a qt with us when we travel.