| Author | Message | ||
     Coastrambler |
What coolant temperature do you see on normal around town and back road rides? I'm seeing 180 to 210. Fahrenheit of course. | ||
| Stevel |
You are about right, but that's not the biggest cooling issue.The main issue is where the waste heat goes. It is not directed outboard as it should be. The net effect is the heating of the fuel in the tank, which causes many tuning issues. Once on the open road, it becomes a bit less of an issue, but city traffic is a killer. | ||
| Squish |
Interesting point about where the waste heat is directed, Steve. Side-note. Rumor mill discussions (back when the 1125 was designed) mentioned the parent company to Buell did not want Buell having the 1125 liquid-cooled sport motorcycle looking anything like a Japanese sport motorcycle. From which came the side-mounted radiators within side-pods. | ||
| Blake |
I believe that is inaccurate. The split radiators were to allow more engine forward configuration and other secondary beneficial reasons. It is accurate that the tyrants sabotaging Buell did forbid Buell from marketing an all out repli-racer sport bike. I heard one report that they required it to be a "gentleman's" sport bike, thus the huge fairing and windshield. Pure sabotage of the brand, just like so many other edicts and policies from the parent company. | ||
| Coastrambler |
Not to defend the fellows at 37th and Jueanu too much, but. Their view, in my view was narrow and short sighted. All motos are a comprise. I like the fairing and windshield. I appreciate that at 130+ mph it's an impediment. I don't often get that far up. Put on a Zero Gravity Double Bubble windshield, Really like it. Knight Design 2" drop footpegs, a Corbin seat and custom 2.5" up and back handlebars and I'm happy. Back to my original problem. Did a 30 mile ride and checked coolant level, was right where it started. Yesterday did a 12 mile ride, called it short due to high temp. Got the alert on panel. Put in just over a liter to get it to proper level. This in a 3 liter system. Am going to get a new radiator cap, see what that does. The one on now is original, 12 years old. If that doesn't help am thinking of pulling the thermostat. It's brand new. Course motor and it were assembled 12 years ago. | ||
| Coastrambler |
Should have added that exhaust is dry. I see splatter on side of muffler. So it's coming out the overflow hose. | ||
| Stimbrell |
Usually those symptoms indicate a head gasket has failed and is pressurizing the coolant system. | ||
| Coastrambler |
Could be I suppose. Am inclined to think not though. I've driven autos with a blown head gasket. Piston downstroke pulls coolant in where it turns to steam and goes out the muffler. My exhaust is dry. Also my problem has not been consistent. Hate to think a motor with 15 hours on it would blow a head gasket. | ||
| 1125rz |
Stupid question but are your fans coming in at 170 degrees? | ||
| Coastrambler |
Yeah. Fans come on properly, and it appears the thermostat opens properly as well. Did a 12 mile ride today. Added abt 1/3 liter coolant after. A defective cap would allow water pump to push coolant out overflow hose. And trying a $8 cap is pretty easy. Head gasket is a major matter. I note V-Rod has same cap and trip temps are 10 to 15 degrees F higher. | ||
| Xbuell12s |
Is it boiling over or disappearing other ways? I've seen where the crank nut is not properly torqued from the factory and caused the pin that holds the water pump gear to shear. You can check this by removing the water pump cover and checking to see if the impeller spins freely in both directions. | ||
| Coastrambler |
Don't know if it's boiling over or being pumped out. It is exiting from the overflow hose. There's spatter on muffler right in line with end of that hose. As to why it's inconsistent I've no idea. Have checked cap and mating surface. They're clean and intact. | ||
| 1125rz |
You could try a leak down test & see if you have bubbles coming out of the cooling system . That will tell you if you have internal leak at head gasket or cracked in the head | ||
| 1125rz |
You could try a leak down test & check for bubbles in cooling system, that would tell you if you have internal leak at gasket or head |
