[Discussion] Technical - Coolant & Radiators

[gpan]

Went to a reputable workshop. The mechanic revved the bike until the temp light came on. Then some coolant spewed out....the mechanic says that the head gasket is most likely the culprit, suggesting a top overhaul....

[Ah Pek]

Went to a reputable workshop. The mechanic revved the bike until the temp light came on. Then some coolant spewed out....the mechanic says that the head gasket is most likely the culprit, suggesting a top overhaul....

 

LOL!..LOL!..LOL!..golden parang.

[gpan]

What do you suggest to be my first step?

[gpan]

What do you suggest to be my first step?

[Ah Pek]

What do you suggest to be my first step?

 

Pay a small labor cost to take off ur thermostat or have the return tube to ur reservoir check for clogs. If I were you..go asked a few more mototiam what they think is wrong and if the problem is not consistent and only occasional..just live with it. There are more reputated mototiam out there. Just so you know..when you rev and coolant spews out..it means you GOT A HEALTHY COOLANT PUMP!...and you don't need to rev to see the red light of the Temp light comes on..stationary idling for 10-15 mins it would already come on by itself.

[gpan]

Thanks for the info. I agree with you, of course. Checking the thermostat was priority but the workshop wasn't keen. I think I'm gonna get my hands dirty and just remove the thermostat myself....Living with this isn't an option, I feel. Would likely become a real problem, so I'm keen to solve it.

And yes, a second option is always important, that's why I'm asking here, haha.

[gpan]

Seems my water pump is kaput. So I'm going to do basically a full overhaul of the cooling system-pump, thermostat, radiator cap, fan switch....Thanks for all the advice.

[gpan]

Shockingly,my water pump had no impellers!!!!!

[gpan]

So,for rides below 30mins,the issue doesn't surface....fyi

[gpan]

Changed my water pump, thermostat, radiator cap and coolant....hope she's running cool now!

[Ah Pek]

Changed my water pump, thermostat, radiator cap and coolant....hope she's running cool now!

 

The problems are caused by useage of tap water mixed with coolant and rusty has take its toil on your pump impeller blades and theromostat. Be sure to top up with proper coolant premixed type or if you have to mix..use distilled, pure or deionized water.

[xstorm]

What could be the reason to cause reserve coolant tank's coolant to emptied fast after top up ? Does it contribute to the temp light heating up as well ?

[Ah Pek]

What could be the reason to cause reserve coolant tank's coolant to emptied fast after top up ? Does it contribute to the temp light heating up as well ?

 

The coolant has to go somewhere off the bike of course. If there is no sign of physical leak anywhere from all the hoses joint points, radiator or coolant paump..than for sure it's your radiator cap rubber seal harden and cracked and coolant in vapor form is emitting out from it. Go LAB buy one..cheap cheap and replace.

[xstorm]

The coolant has to go somewhere off the bike of course. If there is no sign of physical leak anywhere from all the hoses joint points, radiator or coolant paump..than for sure it's your radiator cap rubber seal harden and cracked and coolant in vapor form is emitting out from it. Go LAB buy one..cheap cheap and replace.

 

Thanks for the advice, there's no sign of physical leak. Should be the radiator cap then.

[Aneng]

Does anyone ever tried this coolant brand Evans? I just heard from 1 of my friend tat it's very good.. Currently im using Engine Ice.. Can i get some advice from anyone? Thanx...

[snowclobber]

Hi Bros, need advise. Does your s4 temp light ever light up on a normal riding and then when the fan kicks in it will go off? Is it normal. Sorry noob question. Me riding a vtec 1. Thanks.

[vespa-lover]

Dear All,

 

I m also having this problem. riding a Version S.

High temp light pop up but fan is not running.

 

1) May I ask, if the red high temp light ON, mean the fan will cut in izzit?

2) How to check the fan, understand you guy say ground. What does that mean? Where is the terminal to ground.

3) How much does LAB radiator fan cost?

4)How much does the LAB radiator switch cost?

 

Will be checking on my pump this coming sat. So if any bro and sis can guide me to trouble shoot the radiator fan.

Thanks:(

[gpan]

Dear All,

 

I m also having this problem. riding a Version S.

High temp light pop up but fan is not running.

 

1) May I ask, if the red high temp light ON, mean the fan will cut in izzit?

2) How to check the fan, understand you guy say ground. What does that mean? Where is the terminal to ground.

3) How much does LAB radiator fan cost?

4)How much does the LAB radiator switch cost?

 

Will be checking on my pump this coming sat. So if any bro and sis can guide me to trouble shoot the radiator fan.

Thanks:(

 

I'm also a newbie but let me tell you what I've learnt.

No, the red light just means that the temp is high. Could be a few reasons why, not only the fan.

To trick the fan to activate, you have to ground the temp sensor-on the left of the radiator, there is an electrical connection. Unplug it (pull it gently) and touch the metal part of the wire to a metal part of the bike frame. You may use a bare wire to connect the wire to the frame. The fan should activate? If it doesn't, means the fan doesn't work. Of course, the ignition switch should be in the ON position, engine need not be running.

I just bought a temp switch from LAB-$17 for a 85 degree switch. There is also a 100 degree switch (stock temp). I rather then fan activate earlier rather than later.

I don't know what a fan cost, sorry.

I hope this helps, if I'm incorrect, please enlighten me....thank you.

[vespa-lover]

Hi Thanks.

Great. Now I understand what is the meaning of grounding. I will DIY and trouble shoot this coming Sat.

By the way, you change the temp switch by yourself? If yes, may I know if there is any other gasket needed when I remove the switch?

 

Thanks

[gpan]

Yes, I changed it myself. The sensor comes with a gasket.

You can do it with minimal coolant loss as well, check out YouTube for guidance. Start the bike after and check for leak. I noticed that mine leaked and I used white plumbers tape to tape the thread and no leak after that.

Hope this helps.

 

 

Hi Thanks.

Great. Now I understand what is the meaning of grounding. I will DIY and trouble shoot this coming Sat.

By the way, you change the temp switch by yourself? If yes, may I know if there is any other gasket needed when I remove the switch?

 

Thanks

[vespa-lover]

Thanks for the Bros valuable advice.

 

1) Did a test on my radiator fan. Changes the radiator temp switch and now my radiator fan is working. No high temp appeared.The switch cost $17 from LAB.

However, with the new switch, the fan is almost ON throughout my journey from town to jurong west. But I am fine with it. since it add cooling to my system.

 

Im riding a Cb 400 VS,

 

1) Now I have few problem, wonder if any bros have encountered similar problem. My bike cant start in neutral, when I click there was not even a tick sound (I suppose that there should be right, like relay tick sound). Except that the neutral indicator light will blink once when I depressed the start button. But when I engage to first gear, and hold the clutch, then I click the start button, the bike will crank and start. Funny right.I changed my starter carbon brush est most 2 year back, for the past 2 year, my riding mileage is ard 5K for 2 year (leisure rider).

 

2) Plus, my CDI (I think so, the black small box located below the tank) is leaking with some yellow glue, wonder how long can it last and also is that causing my bike having problem to start.

 

Anyone can give me some advice.

 

Thanks

[vespa-lover]

Sorry double post

[Ah Pek]

Thanks for the Bros valuable advice.

 

1) Did a test on my radiator fan. Changes the radiator temp switch and now my radiator fan is working. No high temp appeared.The switch cost $17 from LAB.

However, with the new switch, the fan is almost ON throughout my journey from town to jurong west. But I am fine with it. since it add cooling to my system.

 

Im riding a Cb 400 VS,

 

1) Now I have few problem, wonder if any bros have encountered similar problem. My bike cant start in neutral, when I click there was not even a tick sound (I suppose that there should be right, like relay tick sound). Except that the neutral indicator light will blink once when I depressed the start button. But when I engage to first gear, and hold the clutch, then I click the start button, the bike will crank and start. Funny right.I changed my starter carbon brush est most 2 year back, for the past 2 year, my riding mileage is ard 5K for 2 year (leisure rider).

 

2) Plus, my CDI (I think so, the black small box located below the tank) is leaking with some yellow glue, wonder how long can it last and also is that causing my bike having problem to start.

 

Anyone can give me some advice.

 

Thanks

 

If the radiator fan switch you bought from LAB is in Gold color..the cut on threshold is at 65-75 degreed Celsius..original is supposingly at 102. If it keeps running often, the fan motor coil would wear out faster. The coil is the most expensive part of the whole extractor fan assembly..just for your info.

 

Changing the radiator fan switch is not the way to test the extractor fan..next time, just ground it to see if its working..no need to change anything first. So to say, your fan cuts on at a earlier temperature helps cool your radiator coolant sooner. At any rate, if you are fine with it..just live with it.

 

The CDI expoxy has reached its life expectancy of "bonding"..no worries..your CDI would always work and matter of factly, it runs cooler without the expoxy. Don't get con by mech telling you that it would break down soon...so, just keep using it.

 

Your bike starting problem is due to the netural engine stand-down safety cut off switch. Sometime it's just dirty due to accumulation of chain oil all clustered there. Do some cleaning with kerosene first and splashed it with mild dish washing cleansing liquid mixed with water. If you can hose it with water, better still. The switch is located near the side stand just underneath the engine crankcase...lie low and see..when you see a thin wire into the engine crankcase, just clean al those dirty greasy sticky ludge away. if problem not solve..have it changed..u may have to drain off eo. Good luck.

[vespa-lover]

Hi,

If that is the case then I better get another higher temp radiator switch

Will head down to LAB during lunch.dont want to take any risk else later end up fan lifespan reduce.thanks for the great infor.

 

Will go back and try cleaning the neutral switch after work today. Will update and share later

[vespa-lover]

Hi,

If that is the case then I better get another higher temp radiator switch

Will head down to LAB during lunch.dont want to take any risk else later end up fan lifespan reduce.thanks for the great infor.

 

Will go back and try cleaning the neutral switch after work today. Will update and share later