Antifreeze smell

[howardg]

When my 1800 first starts I get this antifreeze smell. I haven't seen anything on the floor and my reservoir is full. Why?

 

[mhgoldwing]

Common problem on 1800. You have a coolant leak on top rear of engine. It only leaks when cold. Once engine heats up hoses seal off again. Small amount of coolant burns off (the smell) and never hits the ground.

My bike did this last summer and overheated in Colorado. I called my mechanic and he told me to fill coolant per manual and keep driving as it wouldn't really hurt anything. When I got back home I took it to him and he tightened all connections and changed coolant, checked thermostat, etc. All has been fine since and no coolant loss.

 

[Red Wing One]

FYI for DIY

When my 1800 first starts I get this antifreeze smell. I haven't seen anything on the floor and my reservoir is full. Why?

If you want to tackle the job yourself, get a set of Fred Harmon DVD's at "Angel Ride videos".
He shows you how to remove the gas tank, which has to be done to get at the hose clamps.
I believe there are over 30 clamps on a GL1800. He shows you where the clamps are.