Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« on: May 10, 2011, 07:13:45 PM » |
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OK, I have something strange going on with my Valk. She keeps running hot and when I check the coolant level she is low in the radiator but OK in the reservoir. This has been going on for about two weeks now. I noticed she was hot riding home from work today so I checked the coolant levels again and the radiator was almost empty but the reservoir was almost full. I've already changed the cap. The one I had seemed fine but the rubber was looking a little rough so I went ahead and changed it out with a new Honda cap. It appears that I have about a 60 - 90 mile range now before heat starts becoming an issue. Any ideas?
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need?  |
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Valkpilot
Member
Posts: 2151
What does the data say?
Corinth, Texas
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« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2011, 07:56:43 PM » |
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OK, I have something strange going on with my Valk. She keeps running hot and when I check the coolant level she is low in the radiator but OK in the reservoir. This has been going on for about two weeks now. I noticed she was hot riding home from work today so I checked the coolant levels again and the radiator was almost empty but the reservoir was almost full. I've already changed the cap. The one I had seemed fine but the rubber was looking a little rough so I went ahead and changed it out with a new Honda cap. It appears that I have about a 60 - 90 mile range now before heat starts becoming an issue. Any ideas?
Is the cap tightening down correctly? Seems like I recall that the retaining tabs can get bent so that they don't lever the cap down properly when you screw it on. |
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VRCC #19757 IBA #44686 1998 Black Standard 2007 Goldwing   |
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2011, 08:01:23 PM » |
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s the cap tightening down correctly? It screws down tightly with no wiggle after tightened. I'm wondering if maybe it has a weak spring. |
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need? |
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Six Guns
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« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2011, 07:07:59 AM » |
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I've already changed the cap. Chuck, Was this happening before you changed the cap or since you changed the cap? Just trying to figure out if the new cap has anything to do with your problem. |
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99 Valkyrie Interstate VRCC Member # 17,369   |
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4896
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2011, 07:09:44 AM » |
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You might check the siphon hose for good connections on both ends and no cracks or leaks.
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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Wanderer
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« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2011, 07:16:29 AM » |
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Be sure you let her burp or belch when you add the new antifreeze. Leave about an inch of fill space rather than topping her off to avoid overflow when she does belch. Once she belches and the antifreeze is circulating shut her down and top her off. Put the cap on. Otherwise she will air lock and cause just the kind of problem you seem to be having, Chuck. Might check the tubing between the overflow and the radiator for obstructions while you are at it just to be sure. ~Jeff
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More Valk Pics...had a couple of Valks once upon a time 2004 DRZ400S 2005 GS1200 1978 CB550K 1977 CB550F
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2011, 03:35:36 PM » |
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Was this happening before you changed the cap or since you changed the cap? I checked my reservoir one day and it was empty so I checked my coolant level and it was a little low, I inspected the cap and it looked like it should be changed, so I did. I have been having coolant issues ever since. It may be from the cap or I may have caught the problem just as it was starting. You might check the siphon hose for good connections on both ends and no cracks or leaks. It looks good on the ends that are easy to see and the coolant is readily making it from the radiator to the reservoir. Unless a gremlin stuck a check valve in the middle where it is hard to see I think it is OK.  Be sure you let her burp or belch when you add the new antifreeze. I'll give that a try after dinner Might check the tubing between the overflow and the radiator for obstructions while you are at it just to be sure. See smart @$$ comment left for Disco  |
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need? |
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2011, 04:07:04 PM » |
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I more thought, although I hope not the case.
Have you checked the oil? Is it high or kinda' milky in appearance? As in head gasket issues?
That would drain the radiator and cause the motor to overheat as well.
Again, hope that is not the case.
RM
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2011, 05:49:27 PM » |
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Have you checked the oil? Is it high or kinda' milky in appearance? The oil looks good, probably due for a change but no water in it. I let it run with the cap off to 'burp' it like Jeff suggested. The coolant began to overflow the radiator within a few seconds and it dumped quite a bit of coolant on the ground. It eventually burped, the coolant level went down then began to flow. After about 30 seconds it quite flowing and began to rise and overflow the radiator again. Even though the bike was up to temp the coolant didn't rapidly flow any more and it began to dump on the ground. When I shut it off the coolant level dropped by about 5 inches. I'm beginning to think my thermostat may be bad and she really is just plain ol' overheating. |
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need? |
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5_19
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« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2011, 06:00:11 PM » |
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Chuck, start the bike cold with the fluid level in the reservoir at the minimum level. After it warms up the level in the reservoir will be at or above the max line and this is normal. I you do this with the bike parked you will find where you are loosing coolant, it could be as simple as the syphon tube connection or the cap. I had a crack on my reservoir where the tube connects and never had a leak on the floor.
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 Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle. IBA # 45723 2001 Honda Valkyrie Standard (Sold after 9 years) 2009 BMW R1200 GSA |
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Hoghead
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« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2011, 08:10:31 AM » |
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It looks good on the ends that are easy to see and the coolant is readily making it from the radiator to the reservoir. Unless a gremlin stuck a check valve in the middle where it is hard to see I think it is OK. You may be on to something with the check valve theory. It sure seems cap related to me. With pressure it lets water out and a suction lets it back in as temps lower. The cap may not be letting it back in. Try another cap. I know this is a long shot but i have had the overflow hose that was too long and it stuck to the bottom of the reservoir tank and created a check valve effect. by the way if you don't get it fixed by the wrench party you can ride it a few miles and let it cool and ride a few more. You should be here for some leftover BBQ.  |
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2000 I/S. Coronado Blue & Silver
1984 V65 Magna. Really Fast Black
E. Texas Patriot Guard Rider
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #11 on: May 12, 2011, 09:40:30 AM » |
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Try another cap There lies the problem, Honda wants $35 for a radiator cap. That's a lot of money to 'try another cap'. Unfortunately I threw the old one away 'cause I didn't think I'd need an old cap. |
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need? |
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Serk
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« Reply #12 on: May 12, 2011, 10:05:29 AM » |
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Wanna borrow mine? You're welcome to swing down to Rowlett and borrow it for a day or two just to check... Mine's stock (Chrome doodad stuck over OEM cap), and original to the bike...
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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roboto65
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« Reply #13 on: May 12, 2011, 12:26:45 PM » |
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Allen Rugg VRCC #30806 1999 Illusion Blue Valkyrie Interstate 1978 Kawasaki KZ 650 project  |
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #14 on: May 12, 2011, 03:24:54 PM » |
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I'll bring mine to the meeting tonight if you want to use it for a couple of weeks. I won't be needing it!
Mark
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2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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Westsider
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« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2011, 02:16:29 PM » |
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hopefully the radiator is just getting a "little low" if its "almost empty" thats a lot of coolant and its either getting all over your bike somewhere or your burning it..hopefully the earlier,holds 4 qts. right?
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we'll be there when we get there - Valkless,, on lookout....
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2011, 03:09:59 PM » |
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It appears that it was a poorly fitting cap. I bent the tabs down slightly making the cap difficult to put on but it has been working correctly since last Thursday when I bent them. Thanks for the suggestion VP.
You'd think a $35 dollar radiator cap would fit correctly the first time.
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need? |
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Valkpilot
Member
Posts: 2151
What does the data say?
Corinth, Texas
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« Reply #17 on: May 16, 2011, 07:51:39 PM » |
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It appears that it was a poorly fitting cap. I bent the tabs down slightly making the cap difficult to put on but it has been working correctly since last Thursday when I bent them. Thanks for the suggestion VP.
You'd think a $35 dollar radiator cap would fit correctly the first time.
Out of the junkyard of my mind comes an occasional nugget... |
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VRCC #19757 IBA #44686 1998 Black Standard 2007 Goldwing |
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HayHauler
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« Reply #18 on: May 17, 2011, 08:16:58 AM » |
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It appears that it was a poorly fitting cap. I bent the tabs down slightly making the cap difficult to put on but it has been working correctly since last Thursday when I bent them. Thanks for the suggestion VP.
You'd think a $35 dollar radiator cap would fit correctly the first time.
Out of the junkyard of my mind comes an occasional nugget... Keep them nuggets comin' VP! Hay  Jimmyt |
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