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Help Balius radiator leak

Discussion in 'Kawasaki 250cc In-line 4's' started by Kwakhead, Jan 31, 2022.

  1. Kwakhead

    Kwakhead Member

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    Hi all,

    I’ve recently developed a leak coming from my radiator. It’s a little pin hole on the tank, close to where it joins up to the fins.

    My question is, what is the radiator made from? Is it aluminium or a copper/brass type? And too add to the question, has anyone repaired one of these radiators themselves or sent it to someone to have it repaired?

    Any advice appreciated, thanks
     
    Kwakhead, Jan 31, 2022
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  2. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    They are an aluminium alloy and can be repaired with a low temp alloy filler rod and gas blow torch, but if you have to pay someone to fix it then a new rad would be my choice as your is 20+ years old and will probably leak somewhere else soon.
    Look at aliexpress for new one as they seem to be well made for the price (Honda CBR250 is around $80) and work well.
    https://www.aliexpress.com/kawasaki-balius_reviews.html
     
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    Murdo, Feb 1, 2022
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  3. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

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    And the chances are if theres corrosion in the rad then the cooling system has been poorly maintained ... I would be pulling off the hoses and the water pump cover and changing the thermostat

    impeller crud.JPG

    IMGP0083.JPG Balius cooling.jpg
     
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    GreyImport, Feb 1, 2022
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  4. Kwakhead

    Kwakhead Member

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    Thanks for the advice mate, I think I’ll take it off and do some brazing with the aluminium filler rod. It is only a small leak at this stage so it’ll hold me off till I get a new one. Unfortunately in my searches I haven’t found any new radiators for a balius, although I haven’t dived really deep yet.
     
    Kwakhead, Feb 1, 2022
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  5. Kwakhead

    Kwakhead Member

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    I’m really hoping it doesn’t look like that, it is an 88 model so it’s quite old and I suppose to be expected at this age. Do you know where I could purchase a new radiator for a balius, I cannot find any new ones online, not easily anyway.
     
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    Kwakhead, Feb 1, 2022
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  6. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

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    GreyImport, Feb 1, 2022
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  7. Kwakhead

    Kwakhead Member

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    I did see that second hand one, but I wouldn’t be too confident that it’s much better than mine. And I don’t think there will be a new one for any less than a kings ransom. Looks like my best bet it the aluminium filler rod then and buy a spare in case that goes bad.
    Cheers for the help mate, much appreciated.
     
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    Kwakhead, Feb 1, 2022
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  8. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Find a good automotive radiator repair place. At work we use one, they will flush, clean, repair, test and paint a bike radiator for cheap.
     
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    Linkin, Feb 1, 2022
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  9. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    How close would the rad from a 250/300 Ninja be? Could it be adapated?
     
    Murdo, Feb 1, 2022
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  10. Kwakhead

    Kwakhead Member

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    I’ll call up some places and get a quote. If it’s cheap enough then that’ll definitely be the go. Cheers
     
    Kwakhead, Feb 2, 2022
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  11. Kwakhead

    Kwakhead Member

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    I’ll definitely look into that for future, cause long term that would be an ideal solution
     
    Kwakhead, Feb 2, 2022
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  12. Adamn

    Adamn Active Member

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    You could always try to repair the pinhole with some JBweld ?
     
    Adamn, Feb 4, 2022
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  13. Kwakhead

    Kwakhead Member

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    yeah i did think of that too, might give it a go to hold me off for a few days. I’m all for “dodgy” repairs, first thing I did was a bit of superglue which worked for 30 mins
     
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    Kwakhead, Feb 4, 2022
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  14. Robbiebaliuszxr

    Robbiebaliuszxr Active Member

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    Could someone help me please where does this hose go it goes to a nipple off the chrome cooling pipe

    Screenshot_20220208-142239_Messenger.jpg
     
    Robbiebaliuszxr, Feb 9, 2022
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