Coolant leak at the cylinder head

[bowerman61028]

After a fun but hard ride last weekend I was filling up my sled with oil and noticed something around the cylinder head. After I looked closer I see coolant accumulated above the power valves and a small sign of seeping around the head. I'm hoping that this is not something I have to fix right away but I don't want to ignore it and have to pay with the engine. Have others had this problem? I'm thinking it is just the outer head O-ring, but could this also be leaking coolant into the cylinders? If it was how could I even tell? Here are some pics of the problem along with a parts fiche. I think the problem lies with part #2 but what are the chances of them both going wrong at the same time. Could this just be a result of a hard powder ride then storing it in the garage?

 

[Rixster]

If it is leaking into the motor you will smell it burning. It is hard to miss. Have you checked your head bolts? They really don't have to be very tight. I think torque spec is 18-24 ft-lbs. Could be that it got hot enough to cook those o-rings a bit. Maybe even warped your heads.

 

[bowerman61028]

Ok, headed to check them now. I rode last Sunday and it ran GREAT, I'm riding this Sunday and hope for the same thing.. a sled with no problems

 

[Idcatman1]

If you are leaking into the cylinders it will build pressure in the cooling system from cylinder compression and will start blowing antifreeze out your overflow. It will be hard to miss when that happens. That happens when the inner O rings leak.

 

[diggerdown]

It would only take you about 20 minutes to put new o-rings in...why would keep running it like that and take a chance on running low on coolant and frying your engine. I find it odd that both sides would start leaking at the same time.

 

[Rixster]

It would only take you about 20 minutes to put new o-rings in...why would keep running it like that and take a chance on running low on coolant and frying your engine. I find it odd that both sides would start leaking at the same time.

I was thinking the same thing. It is a little odd.

 

[dchgos69]

Replace them both when you do it.

They change shape when removed and are very hard to get back into the little groove. You must use OEM parts as ones bought from the hardware store do not fit and do not seal. Yes, we tried it on a 600 triple.

Local dealer gets $20 a cylinder for the set. Takes 20 minutes. 18-24 lb-ft is the correct torque value.