Connecting metal water joint pipe

[Craigts]

Just completed a year's long rebuild on my NT700, added the new coolant and sprung a leak from a failed O ring, Not sure if this was due to the bike standing "dry" for a long period, either way its a complete strip down, exhaust/Rad/Cylinder head etc, new gaskets just for a £2 "O" ring. Funny as I changed every rubber hose but missed this small metal water joint pipe. it joins the two heads and consists of a small metal circular pipe, o rings at either end and held by two large clips. Total cost will be somewhere in the £300 GBP mark including labour and parts.

Worth thinking about if anyone is in this situation.

 

[Reniram]

That totally sucks big time...I'm thinking yours is an 07 with 80,000 plus miles...would it be a cardinal sin to add a can of Stop Leak and see what happens ? Maybe after a while the O rings may swell back to original size and no more leak.....

 

[Macka]

As far as I remember, those "O" rings can be changed without removing the pipe. Just remove the circlips and slide it both ways to replace the seals.

Macka

 

[Craigts]

Hi Both
Thank you for the suggestions and tips, obviously I will look into both. It would be great if the pipe moves both ways without striping it down.
Back in the day, we use to put an egg in if you can get an egg in these difficult times?

 

[NoNTnow]

Back in the day, we use to put an egg in if you can get an egg in these difficult times?

I've used black pepper and oatmeal as a temporary fix as well. The oatmeal gives you a nice aroma. The mechanic who did the radiator re-core was less than impressed. I started carrying a tube of Stop Leak after that one. That tube is 40 some odd years old now so I guess carrying one does stop leaks.

 

[mikesim]

Didn't Brillot have a similar problem awhile back? Perhaps he can chime in.

Mike

 

[Craigts]

Slept on the ideas of adding stop leak and/or sliding pipe across. If the Rad was,nt brand new at £450 I would use stop leak, and referencing the workshop manual it appears one head has to be removed in order to slide the pipe across, as the o rings both side prevent movement whilst in situ.
I have decided to bite the bullet, and get the pipe and o rings replaced, I have come this far and it will also be an opportunity to check the cam chain/guides etc as a "belt and braces". I will say, the NT700 is a breeze compared to my NSR400 rebuild some 15 years ago.

 

[mikesim]

Good man! There is a lot to be said for doing it right! I have on occasion used stop leak or similar products as a "get me home" solution to an on the road dilemma, but for peace of mind there is no substitute for the proper repair.

JMHO,

Mike

 

[moriniman2011]

The O rings can be replaced without removing cylinders, heads, radiator etc - have done it myself. Requires some dexterity, plumbers grips and removing a few bits of plastic, but is not as bad a job as first feared! Cannot remember exactly the procedure, will see if I did some comments elsewhere......