Barry.B Posted January 31, 2013 #1 Posted January 31, 2013 Hi Guys I have a 2004 midnight Venture and as I was working on it today I notice a anti freeze leak on the left side front block behind where the fins are bolted on, it is a rubber plug that goes into block that looked like it should have a bolt in it but it don't . there is one of the same on right side to but not leaking . Has anyone seen this before ,your advice is much appreciated . and I also notice that my carb's on left side are all wet .
Freebird Posted January 31, 2013 #2 Posted January 31, 2013 It's not uncommon at all. You can screw an old sparkplug into that hole and use it to pull the plug out. The new one just presses in and the fins keep pressure on them. A lot of people have taped a dime onto the fin just over where the plug is and it puts enough extra pressure on it to stop the leak.
Barry.B Posted January 31, 2013 Author #3 Posted January 31, 2013 Thank you Don for your advice I needed to change my antifreeze any way . Barry
Wrench Posted January 31, 2013 #4 Posted January 31, 2013 I did a temp fix on one on the left rear jug the other night. Don, how many of these plugs are there around the motor? I know I could look it up, but it's been a loooong day and I'm too tired.
playboy Posted January 31, 2013 #5 Posted January 31, 2013 I'm fairly center that there are just four. One under each Fin.
M61A1MECH Posted January 31, 2013 #6 Posted January 31, 2013 There are 4, one under each set of fins. If you do not drain the coolant before you pull one of those plugs, you will have a minor flood on your hands. Never run the bike with the fins off, those plugs will blow out. There is a very good write up in the tech sction on changing the coolant, with a very clever idea using an old water bottle as a funnel. It works really well.
Wrench Posted January 31, 2013 #7 Posted January 31, 2013 That's what I was kinda figuring/hoping. Thanks!! Gonna add that to the list of to-do's. BTW, I did get my air cleaner project finished, but the weathers been too crappy to get it out. Maybe Sunday, sposed to be around 45 or so. I can tell that the throttle response is quicker now.
Skid Posted April 14, 2016 #9 Posted April 14, 2016 Does anyone have a pic of this plug? I have discovered a small leak myself on the left side under the rear cylinder. Is this the plug popping out?
Skid Posted April 16, 2016 #10 Posted April 16, 2016 What is the best way to go, replace the plug or place a dime over it?
bongobobny Posted April 16, 2016 #11 Posted April 16, 2016 Personal preference!! I'm replacing mine...
Skid Posted April 16, 2016 #12 Posted April 16, 2016 I took the bike out for a ride and it has stopped leaking for now. Anyone have instruction on how to replace it?
Gray Ghost Posted April 16, 2016 #13 Posted April 16, 2016 I took the bike out for a ride and it has stopped leaking for now. Anyone have instruction on how to replace it? Drain the coolant, screw the top of a spark plug into the plug, pop it out and pop in the new one.
Skid Posted April 17, 2016 #14 Posted April 17, 2016 Sounds easy enough, Where is the best place to find a replacement plug?
Gray Ghost Posted April 17, 2016 #15 Posted April 17, 2016 I have looked at all the parts fiche I can access. Either the cylinder drain plug is mislabeled or they left it off the diagrams. You may have to check with a dealer because if they can't find it on the fiche either they can at least get the dealer help line to figure it out.
M61A1MECH Posted April 18, 2016 #17 Posted April 18, 2016 Yes that is the correct plug, they are found on the parts diagram for the crankcase, the drawing I am looking at it is item 9 on the 2011 diagram, I suspect the diagrams for all years would be similar.
Mikealiasmike Posted April 18, 2016 #18 Posted April 18, 2016 This thread could not have popped up at a better time! Mine just started leaking over the winter and I happened to realize my subscription was about up so here I am and so is this thread. Life is GREAT!
jakester Posted April 19, 2016 #19 Posted April 19, 2016 I put a dab of silicone sealer on mine and was quick to pull the old one and put the new one in. I lost very little coolant, and this worked good for me. The dealer did have to order the new plugs and a I think I used a penny ( I'm cheap) for a spacer til the new plugs arrived. Bill
Mover Posted November 10, 2016 #20 Posted November 10, 2016 There is a small leak on the front right of my RSV again which was supposed to have been fixed by a mechanic a couple of springs ago. I'm going to try the penny fix. Does anyone know the torque numbers for the bolts holding the fin on? Thanks Mover
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