Creamy foam in cooling system

[dangdididang]

Hi guys it has been a while since I visited. I've got a bit of a problem so though to get some advice since all the garages are closed near me.

I was riding my 2002 plate Hornet yesterday and noticed the temperature shot up after about 10mins ride. I made my way back home and opened up the reservoir to find it completely filled with a white creamy foam. Despite the temp the radiator fan wouldn't activate at all, I checked this and the fan definitely works.

Anyway I attempted to drain the system coolant but all the hoses, radiator, reservoir etc are completely filled with this oily substance. Is there anything I can do to clean this better, I am thinking disassembling each bit and cleaning it.

I have also checked the oil and there is no sign of any coolant in there so any suggestion of what is actually causing the mix would be appreciated along with a solution.

I am really afraid it might be time to put the bike down which would be a true shame since I just put new tyres on.

[stinkwheel]

Is it oily, like mayonaise?

If there is oil getting into the coolant, it's usually either the head gasket or the water pump oil seal.

For cleaning mayo out, scrape out what you can reach, remove the hoses and flush them through, flush everything else with hot (boiling) water and detergent, then lots of flushing (hosepipe).

Don't just refill unless you know and have dealt with the source of the problem.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[dangdididang]

That is a very good description. It is almost exactly like mayo, there is no coolant I can see in the oil. How would I check to see if the water pump is the cause of the issue. There was absolutely no coolant left in the bike all of it had turned to mayonnaise, if the head gasket had gone wouldn't I find loads of coolant in the oil?

I will take your suggestion and clean the bike out tomorrow.

[stinkwheel]

With head gaskets, I think it depends where the leak is, stuff moves from high to low pressure so if it's between a high pressure oilway and the water jacket, I can't see how coolant could get into the oil. If it's between a low pressure oilway and the water jacket, you're going to get coolant in the oil.

That said, I'd check water pump first because it's simpler. You may want to strip it anyway if it's choked with mayo.

No idea how big a job a water pump oil seal is on a Hornet but it looks like it may be a bolt-on unit, which seems promising.

Another option is that an idiot has put oil in the radiator/expansion bottle at some point. Stuff like that happens. There is a famous thread on one forum where someone put NOS branded energy drink in their engine thinking it was a fuel additive.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[dangdididang]

The only idiot that has access to the bike is me. I changed the coolant late last year for some halfords crap, original coolant was fine but just past it's due date. The water pump is a bolt on and easily accessible. I will clean it all out, if I need a new head gasket then I have been told it wouldn't be economical to repair at that stage and to just get a new engine.

Annoying for it to happen just as the weather was nice.

[stinkwheel]

Can you post a pic of the sludge?

Do you still have the old coolant bottle?

There is another possability. If you mix OAT and silicone based coolants, you can get a solid forming.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[dangdididang]

Actually I was mistaken, I changed the coolant with https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/51748

I flushed the entire system with tap water during the change. I will post a pic of the sludge tomorrow, too dark to see now.

[Easy-X]

I read the title and thought: "sack your barista!"
____________________
Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Kentol750]

Easy x wrote..
'I read the title and thought: "sack your barista!" Smile'

Why? On a motorcycle forum?

You Twa T.
____________________
Some bikes.

[davebike]

Honda hornet well know in the trade fro blown head gaskets issue is caused by engine designed for cradle frame being used as a stressed member
Best cure is often a used engine as head is often distorted
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[droog]

Just to add to the excellent advice above - if the source of the oil leak isn't the water pump/head gasket then there is an outside chance it's a failed oil cooler 'O' ring. I think there are a couple of 'O' rings in the oil cooler assembly.

Fingers crossed it's just the water pump sealing 'O' ring.

[dangdididang]

Thanks for all the advice, I think once I clean the mayo out I will change the o rings in the water pump and the oil cooler. Did a bit of reading last night and other Hornets have had the oil cooler be the cause of this problem.

Hopefully that sorts it, I will post back how I get on, i need to source the parts first and lots of cleaning to do.

[Easy-X]