Mysterious Panigale Coolant Issue?

[Zero1]

Wondering if any of you guys can make a connection with what the issue is.

I brought in my Panigale 899 to change out the race water pump wheel set which is made out of plastic gears and they wear down and get into your oil...WTF Ducati? I purchased a metal set built to replace that system. Since the clutch cover casing was going to be removed for the work, I decided to get a 959 clutch cover so I can install a Woodcraft clutch cover/slider. Also changed out the clutch plates. That was the only work done.

When I picked up the bike, only got about a mile and the temp was over 230. Brought the bike back and had them take a look. Coolant was leaking. So the bike now has this new issue.

My question is this, how could a coolant issue happen with the above work done? There were absolutely no issues with cooling system before I brought the bike in. I can't figure out how this could have happened.

 

[ST Guy]

Well, first off, you changed more than one thing. Second, you failed to say where the leak is coming from. This is very important and could easily tell you what the problem is.

Might be as simple as the system needed a good burping. Or?...

 

[stangmx13]

Race water pump wheel set? So they worked on the cooling system and failed to put it back together correctly? That doesnt sound like a new issue and you shouldn't pay for it.

 

[Zero1]

Well, first off, you changed more than one thing. Second, you failed to say where the leak is coming from. This is very important and could easily tell you what the problem is.

Might be as simple as the system needed a good burping. Or?...

Don't know yet, they are going to do a pressure test.

 

[DannoXYZ]

one single hose clamp 1/2 turn too loose...

 

[kuksul08]

Most water pump gears are plastic and they never wear out. Weird to see that failure.

 

[Zero1]

The main question; is the shop responsible for fixing the issue without charging me?

 

[Zero1]

Most water pump gears are plastic and they never wear out. Weird to see that failure.

It is a thing on Panigale's:

 

[Maddevill]

It is a thing on Panigale's:

It's a known issue because the wheel is made out of pressed pasta.

Mad

 

[haybaler]

Is the shop responsible?

The main question; is the shop responsible for fixing the issue without charging me?

Well, that depends on what happened.

First of all, please find a mechanic who will test run your bike long enough to get to operating temp, and check to be sure the fan works.

What happened?

If mechanic made an error, and put something together incorrectly, shop is responsible and should fix for free.

If mechanic made no errors, but managed to disturb any dirt or corrosion that was keeping the system from leaking, then shop not technically responsible. But, some shops will cover the labor to replace any worn parts that are no longer usable.

 

[NoTraffic]

The main question; is the shop responsible for fixing the issue without charging me?

Depends on how ethical the business is, if I were the owner I would cover the labor on finding out what's causing the leak. Any competent shop should do a test start/ride prior to handing over to the customer to insure the bike is given back in the same or better condition.

 

[Zero1]

Update: So the bike was taken apart and there are no issues with the work that was done. I was told it is a thermostat problem so they are going to replace that unit. I still find it curious that the thermostat somehow went bad coincidentally after the above work was done? Also will be getting a new Radiator cap.

 

[stangmx13]

A new thermostat and radiator cap sounds like they guessed at the issue. Its the standard fix for a lot of undiagnosed cooling issues.

"What's wrong with the thermostat?"
"Its not working"
"You tested it in some boiling water and its not opening?"
"Uh no. But thats gotta be the problem cuz we dont make mistakes"

Thermostats most often fail due to corrosion. No way in hell your bike has enough corrosion inside the cooling system to cause that.

 

[ST Guy]

But it could, on the off chance, actually be defective.

OP, make sure they run the bike up to full temperature and "burp" the cooling system.

I don't recall you saying where the leak was from. I'm betting the coolant overflow vent tube.

 

[Zero1]

But it could, on the off chance, actually be defective.

OP, make sure they run the bike up to full temperature and "burp" the cooling system.

I don't recall you saying where the leak was from. I'm betting the coolant overflow vent tube.

That is correct, the leak is from the overflow vent tube.

 

[ST Guy]

Well, geez, what are they replacing the thermostat for?

If they don't run it up to full temp and make sure all the air is out of the cooling system, then you're going to gave the same "problem" again.

 

[seadog]

When you go to pick up the bike do the following:
1. Start the bike in the shop's parking lot.
2. Watch the temp and let it warm up until the cooling fan comes on. Note temp.
3. Watch the temp and watch the until the cooling fan turns off. Note temp.
4. Check for leaks and let the cooling fan complete an on/off cycle again.
5. If there are any problems turn off the engine, go back inside and say; "Dude, WTF?" But seriously, you're already there and haven't taken delivery of their work yet. Call it a parking lot acceptance test.
6. If no problems, let'er rip. Ride fast, take chances.

 

[haybaler]

Now what?

When you go to pick up the bike do the following:
1. Start the bike in the shop's parking lot.
2. Watch the temp and let it warm up until the cooling fan comes on. Note temp.
3. Watch the temp and watch the until the cooling fan turns off. Note temp.
4. Check for leaks and let the cooling fan complete an on/off cycle again.
5. If there are any problems turn off the engine, go back inside and say; "Dude, WTF?" But seriously, you're already there and haven't taken delivery of their work yet. Call it a parking lot acceptance test.
6. If no problems, let'er rip. Ride fast, take chances.

My two cents worth: I almost agree, but I've lost faith in this particular shop. Maybe they're out of their depth with the Panigale. At this point, I would send a motorcycle tow service to pick up the bike and transport to someone qualified to work on that motorcycle.

 

[PaleHorse]

I chased a similar issue on my GSXR for months and ended up replacing the entire cooling system trying to figure out why it was boiling over. Ultimately, there was air getting into the system. The radiator filler neck to radiator cap was not creating a seal. I highly doubt its the thermostat. The comment above about tightening the hose clamps 1/2 turn might not be too far off.

A pressure test is great but in my case, that would not have solved it.

When you run it up to operating temp, can you see the coolant bubbling (boiling) in the overflow reservoir when it starts to leak?