Aha! That's why it was $1000. I figured since the paint was all shot that maybe the guy kept the engine OK, but it's burning coolant furiously. Fortunately, I just fixed ('temporary') this problem a couple months ago on my blue 83 GS, so I know the routine.

Curiously, it doesn't emit white smoke on startup, and doesn't stumble. But the rad bubbles and burps and it burns a couple cups of water every day. Also smells like burning coolant.

So, I'll take it offline a couple days to plod thru the wash and rinse cycle and all the warmup/cooldown cycles. Fortunately, I have 3 other good running FBs and the REPU, so I won't be forced to drive a boinger. Phew! Dodged a bullet.

B

 

Yup, embarrassing as hell being caught driving a boinger---- almost as bad as being busted picking up a hooker. (Not speaking from personal experience of course. ).

Let us know how this fix works out. Never know when we'll need to try it ourselves.

 

You DO know how to do the treatments...

 

You're catching up to me!

 

I logged the day-by-day action here a couple months ago when I did the blue 83. Right now I'm trying to figure where to tap in that $5 Prestone adapter to make flushing and draining easier. Makes the whole procedure easier and quicker. On the SE the lower heater hose isn't as easy to reach.

B