Bike is running really hot.

Hey guys I am having an issue. I had problems with this before where my bike wold get close to dabble in the redline on the temp gauge in even just minor traffic.

Now it gets to the point where the needle will go full on into the red all the way to where today I pulled over on the side of the road 3 times to turn it off and let it cool for a few minutes. I am not riding it hard when this happens. I am doing 25-50 mph. It even gets pretty hot on the freeway. I don't want to kill my bike but I am not sure what this could be. Last time I had dirty coolant. I've since flushed the coolant system and refilled the bike as the pdf write up on here explained to do.

It gets to the point where I have a hard time enjoying the ride because I am stressing about my bike over heating under me. Is there anything I can do? can these bikes just not handle hot weather? It was 95 out today. I plan on doing a 600 mile road trip coming up pretty soon and want to make sure this is ironed out. Is there anything I can do to "upgrade" the coolant system? I would love for the gauge to just be dead center unless there is an issue... Would make me a whole lot more comfortable. So questions...

My fan on the radiator blows away from the radiator and onto the engine. Is that normal?

Is what I am experiencing normal? How could any buddy Daily Ride in traffic if mine can't take more than 2 stop lights in a 1/2 mile without getting to the red. I would really like to be able to DR this bike.

When It does get into the red is it best to speed up so more air flow hits it? or just pull over and wait?

Would using a stronger coolant mixture help? Like 70 coolant 30 water? As opposed to 50/50?

Dang I'll be glad when I get this issue fixed.

 

Are you sure your water pump is working and actually circulating coolant? How does the inside of the radiator look?

 

Is there an easy way to check that it is actually circulating? Good as far as I could tell. I disconnected it and rinsed it out as well as installed some new hoses from chacal when I had it apart.

 

if it's not circulating the rad won't be very hot. i think most engines get a little hotter when you shut them off, no circulation at all.
could the gauge be wrong?

 

I'll take it out real quick and let you know if the rad is getting hot. Thats what I dont know because it does not run different but I mean you can definitely feel that the bike is hot but is hotter than normal? idk. Just seeing that needle slide up into the red scares me.

 

Think about replacing the thermostat. I may not be working.
I would also verify the temperature gauge is accurate. A thermometer secured to one of the rediator hoses will show you.

 

Alright guys here is what I found..

Took it for just 10 minutes. temp gauge starts out less than halfway. 25-30 for 1/8 of a mile. Stop turn. Get on it in first till about 9k then shift into second. Coast around 40mph. Still the same. Stop at a light. Go right get on it through 1st and 2nd puts me around 60 ish. Shift into third cruising at 60-65mph ride like that for 2 miles with occasional rolls up to 75. Gauge is now showing around the middle. Stop turn around head back down that road same thing on the way back. But this time get stopped at a light. Gets about %75 of the way up. Stop at light for 15 seconds to turn left back into subdivision bike is all the way on the red to the other side of the temp gauge. Start out slow keep the rpm's as low as possible to get up to 45mph keep it in fifth pulling in the clutch every now and then to hopefully bring it back down. It goes to a bit JUST below the red eventually. Like a hair off.

Radiator is definitely hot. Like can't leave my finger on it for more than a second. (A lot hotter than before I left) Which should mean its working quite well.

Just a normal analog thermometer? Like taped to it?

Would I need to replace the thermostat if I am installing a vapor aftermarket gauge? I would think so because it triggers the fan right?

 

I do have a mac 4-1 exhaust and am using a uni foam air filter from chacal. I don't think that would make a difference? Stock jetting I haven't touched them. It pops a bit on decel.

 

This is how it looks presently. The tank is still a little dented on the other side and I have yet to put on the gauges or the led turn signals.

The vapor comes with an oil temp sensor will that work to check the temp?

 

But you didn't tell us when the fan kicked on -
My guess is the thermostat.
You can remove the thermo-switch and the thermostat and boil them both on the stove, with a candy or meat thermometer, and a multi-meter hooked to the thermo-switch.

(while the wife stares . . . 8O )

 

I agree, its time to test the thermostat and fan switch.

 

The usual overheat symptoms on a Liquid Cooled Bike are Thermostat and Pump.

You should become familiar with Booster Pumps.
F-Y-I

http://www.daviescraig.com.au/Electric_ ... -list.aspx

 

Sorry about not mentioning when the fan kicks on I didnt even think to listen or check for that I was more testing the radiator for heat.

So are we talking about these?



#2?



Are there any pdfs or threads made on how to check those two? Is it relatively simple? I can't make a mess in the garge (not my place)

and Rick does that replace the waterpump or is it more like a bolt on coolant "turbo" if you will?

 

I see the thermo switch in the above diagram but where is the thermostat?

 

Wow I actually really like that idea. Seems like it would really help keep the engine a lot cooler. Do you have one on any of your bikes? Does it have any negative draw backs? If you are using one can I get a picture?

 

Triumphs need to be properly "burped" after filling/emptying to get all the air out otherwise they get hot. Try squeezing various hoses etc to make sure you have got all the air out of the system....otherwise could be water pump?

 

If your radiator is clean on the inside, I'm guessing it's the thermostat. Replace it and see if that fixes the problem.

 

From the pictures I posted can you tell me where the Thermostat itself is? I need the "for dummies" explanation. :lol:

 

I'll try this an an hour or so when I get home. Though I am pretty sure that it is good. I'm also going to make sure none of the radiator fins are bent.

 

No, I don't know where your thermostat is. A manual for your bike would show you. Do you have a Haynes manual?