My overflow bottle has always leaked. From the hose and the cap (and yes, it's on tight). So I got to thinking it might be nice to lose the leaker....
If I remove the overflow bottle and use a high pressure radiator cap, will that be enough to keep from overheating? Should I also change coolant type? If so, what kind?
Keep in mind 90% of my riding is in less than 80ºF, but if it's 80º and sunny, there's a 100% chance I'm out on the trails beating the crap out of the bike(and me). I'm thinking for really hot weather trail riding, I could put it back on.
I have only ever heard the fan come on once while riding. That was after an attempt at climbing a muddy hill, it ended up being like a tractor pull (start out fast, but slow down, as the weight moves forward on the sled, all while gunning it).
I know the Bake tank went where the overflow bottle is, but did the overflow bottle get moved or taken off?
TIA

 

The cooling system is designed to expand/contract as engine temp changes so you really need to have some type of reservoir. What exactly is leaking? Mine would puke some coolant from the overflow tube on the rear fender-turns out that the pressure cap wasn't sealing properly and would allow the reservoir to overfill when the engine got to temp.

 

My bottle had an uneven edge at the mouth of the bottle. A few minutes with a razorblade and it hasn't leaked since.

 

Well, I just bought a Bake tank from an ADV inmate, maybe it'll show up as a complete kit with a relocated bottle, that doesn't leak.
Might look for a smaller bottle to mount up front if the Bake doesn't come with it.
I know some have run without, like many dirt bikes do...we'll see.

 

Yeah, I don't think it's normal for these bottles to leak, but if one does, and it's not from a crack or such, it's got to be an easy fix to stop the leak...maybe even a gasket in the cap. I like the security of the bottle if you ever have an overheat.

 

MaximusPrime: I've always loved removing useless crap and the idiotic bits that lawmakers are sure will save us. I started looking and thinking about the coolant tank and decided to take the tank and it's hoses off. I now have a short hose where the hose to the tank was and it points up. If the radiator cap starts blowing off pressure,"Old Faithful" will be about a foot and a half away. Go to Thermo-Bob's page. I can't believe that there's a klx250 owner that is not using his product. Just go and read about.

 

Maximus, point it down, if the cap releases coolant due to overheating the overflowing coolant can flash to steam.

 

Bake Tank???

 

I still have the bottle on the bike....waiting for my, new to me, Bake tank to get here first. I'm also hoping the new PM Racks will fit over the tank. I need something to keep my bags out of the muffler and the rack might save the tank too.
Hopefully the tank is the full "kit", but I think it's only the tank. Right now I'm leaning towards moving the bottle, until I can't find a spot or a smaller bottle. Does the overflow work as a siphon? In other words, can I mount it lower than the radiator? If so, then I have more options.
If I can't work it out, then I'll take off the overflow, add a high pressure cap, a Thermo-bob(which I need anyway for winter), and use some Engine Ice.
If I take it off, I will make sure the overflow line points away from me and the bike! I've been hit with high pressure coolant before, not pleasant, thanks for that safety reminder.
Then it's finally time for some displacement!

 

Sorry, that's the makers ADV name. It's a Baker Distance Tank, it's 1.1 gallons and goes where the overflow bottle does, and is apparently no longer available.