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Offline madmangil

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cr250 losing coolant
« on: May 14, 2019, 04:49:45 PM »
2000 cr250
coolant comes out of the overflow hose. I might lose 10-15 ounces in a half hour ride.
I tried another cap and the same thing. I bought a new cap at the autoparts store (15psi) and the same thing. I made another seal from an innertube so that there were 2 seals (the seal that keeps coolant from getting to the overflow) and the same thing. The coolant is new, the waterpump impeller looks good and turns with the kickstarter.
It doesn't idle high as if it were overheating. It will start leaking in about 5 minutes after starting cold and letting it idle in the garage. The radiator seems clean and the rim where the seal sits appears smooth and undamaged.
What could it be?

Offline rsmith

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2019, 06:28:00 PM »
First, welcome!

You probably have a leaking head gasket, that is over-pressurizing the cooling system.

--Ron.

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2019, 08:25:21 AM »
I agree with Ron... you're getting pressure into the system from somewhere...  I'd replace the head gasket.
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline madmangil

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2019, 04:13:21 PM »
Thanks for the advice, I will give that a try.
If that is the case, should I see any sign of a leak on the gasket when I remove the old one?

Offline rsmith

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2019, 05:08:52 PM »
Yes, in most cases you will be able to see where the issue was.

--Ron.

Offline madmangil

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2019, 05:21:52 PM »
cylinder head gasket was replaced. The old one looked like it lost some of the rubber coating from the inside edge to one of the coolant channels. It didn't leak after a 10 minute idle. It will be at least another week before I can get a ride in. I will post the results.

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2019, 09:10:51 AM »
It seems as though you found the problem...  keep an eye on it and keep up informed.

Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline madmangil

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2019, 05:07:39 PM »
Eric, Ron, thank you for the help. It has been a while but I finally got to ride again a few days ago. No leaking. Also, the gasket did show where the leak was.
Gil

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #8 on: September 17, 2019, 06:21:59 AM »
Great to hear you found the issue....  ride on!
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline rsmith

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Re: cr250 losing coolant
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2019, 07:58:18 AM »
Excellent!