SX500R Antifreeze in Exhaust???

[snowmanhat]

Just bought a 2001 Yamaha SX500R on ebay with only 1000 miles on it - thought everything would be fine. When running it at 5-10 MPH for about 15 minutes while my son learns, the red temperature light comes on the dash and the slight smell of antifreeze is noticed when I lift the hood to let it cool. When running at 15-35 MPH for an hour or so the red light doesn't come on and every thing seems fine - still noticed smell of antifreeze when stopping but never saw anything. When I looked closer and decided to disconnect the exhaust, there was a white foamy resiude in the exhaust ports and a little into the pipes (both). Is this problem usually a leaky head gasket or is it more involved? What should I do?

Thank you for your help.

 

[>yamaha<]

I have had the same thing happen and it was the head gasket.

 

[Snowfix]

sure sounds like a head gasket. You could pressure test the coolant system to check. Most auto parts stores will loan them out for free with a deposit.

 

[snowmanhat]

Difference between Blown Head and Base Gasket???

sure sounds like a head gasket. You could pressure test the coolant system to check. Most auto parts stores will loan them out for free with a deposit.

Could coolant be coming from the carb lines? What is the difference in symptoms between a blown head gasket and a blown base gasket?

Thank so much for your help.