Front of bike smells sweet like boiling coolant.

I have been riding around in the warmer weather now and after a while I noticed that the overbearing smell of what I think is boiling coolant gets overwhelming. But my bike is not overheating and the thermometer is indeed working as it starts cold and if I disable the fan temporarily it can overheat so the thermometer is indeed working. The motor isn't overheating but the tubes near the thermostat seem very hot as I think is pretty normal and the overflow tank is only barely warm with the appropriate amount of coolant in there which is regular colored. there are zero signs of any leaks or drippings anywhere that I can find. I traced every tube and everything is dry no cracks in the line or any abnormalities. Maybe perhaps the coolant is too cheap and I need a higher grade?

XDM:copyright: wrote:

I have been riding around in the warmer weather now and after a while I noticed that the overbearing smell of what I think is boiling coolant gets overwhelming. But my bike is not overheating and the thermometer is indeed working as it starts cold and if I disable the fan temporarily it can overheat so the thermometer is indeed working. The motor isn't overheating but the tubes near the thermostat seem very hot as I think is pretty normal and the overflow tank is only barely warm with the appropriate amount of coolant in there which is regular colored. there are zero signs of any leaks or drippings anywhere that I can find. I traced every tube and everything is dry no cracks in the line or any abnormalities. Maybe perhaps the coolant is too cheap and I need a higher grade?

Cheap coolant? no matter what brand it has to meet spec. More than likely it's a minor seepage maybe the radiator cap isn't quite locked in place? A little of that stuff goes a long way in the I can smell it category. As it's 50% water evaporation is quick.

oldwingguy wrote:

XDM:copyright: wrote:

I have been riding around in the warmer weather now and after a while I noticed that the overbearing smell of what I think is boiling coolant gets overwhelming. But my bike is not overheating and the thermometer is indeed working as it starts cold and if I disable the fan temporarily it can overheat so the thermometer is indeed working. The motor isn't overheating but the tubes near the thermostat seem very hot as I think is pretty normal and the overflow tank is only barely warm with the appropriate amount of coolant in there which is regular colored. there are zero signs of any leaks or drippings anywhere that I can find. I traced every tube and everything is dry no cracks in the line or any abnormalities. Maybe perhaps the coolant is too cheap and I need a higher grade?

Cheap coolant? no matter what brand it has to meet spec. More than likely it's a minor seepage maybe the radiator cap isn't quite locked in place? A little of that stuff goes a long way in the I can smell it category. As it's 50% water evaporation is quick.

question, if i go open the rad cap, wont that put air in the system? the only time i ever removed that thing was when i blead the whole coolant system in 2019

>question, if i go open the rad cap, wont that put air in the system? the only time i ever removed that thing was when i blead the whole coolant system in 2019<

No it shouldn't make any difference. If you're going to check the cap for tightness take a look at the gasket too. What was done last with the cooling system? If the last time you did a system check was 2019 and you just now noticed the smell you may well have developed a small leak, perhaps checking the clamps. I would want to pin point the leak area 1st.
Now last and not least you don't have some " friend " that maybe messing with you like the old put some used motor oil under the motor area stunt I've seen pulled.

There is a weep hole at the bottom of the pump. You might check that area.

oldwingguy wrote:

>question, if i go open the rad cap, wont that put air in the system? the only time i ever removed that thing was when i blead the whole coolant system in 2019<

No it shouldn't make any difference. If you're going to check the cap for tightness take a look at the gasket too. What was done last with the cooling system?  If the last time you did a system check was 2019 and you just now noticed the smell you may well have developed a small leak, perhaps checking the clamps. I would want to pin point the leak area 1st.
Now last and not least you don't have some " friend " that maybe messing with you like the old put some used motor oil under the motor area stunt I've seen pulled.

Actually I have always noticed the smell, even soon after I changed the coolant. But only noticable in the warm weather and ESPECIALLY so when idling in traffic for long.
Also I check my bike every 3 months and then a DEEP check once a year.

Also rad cap is healthy and strong

Here is a little temperature map (red, hot) orange, warm and blue cold)

It could be any hose clamp just slightly loose. Coolant turns to steam strong smell just not dripping.
Look for a trace of coolant whatever color you used at hoses or radiator connections. Water pump is on the left side and it hard to see. I had a good photo of pump but new computer it's hard to find it now if it still here. F Get a good flashlight and look everywhere for just a seep.

Found photos. Top hole is coolant weep hole. Bottom is an oil seal and mine was leaking oil just a drip of oil. Replaced pump no more oil leak. It's not easy to replace water pump. You will find the leak.