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Overheating
Last few days noticed the bike is overheating. Checked the coolant and it's topped up ok. Did find something strange. With the engine running, rad cap off. I slowly increased the throttle. The coolant should start to swirl really fast, indicating the water pump is working. The coolant just sits there, no bubbles, no swirling. Is this a sign of water pump failure?
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#1 05-31-2011, 03:27 AM,
It could be a sign of no flow... ...but that could also mean your thermostat has gone south too. I always like to start with the cheaper easier stuff first. :YMPRAY:
Scotty P
Grafton, Ontario, Canada
1997 GL1500 SE
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1985 GL1200I
1985 GL1200A
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#2 05-31-2011, 03:39 AM,
Thanks for the quick reply.

Since I have the false tank off might as well change out the thermostat. What type do I need and hopefully an aftermarket one is available!
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#3 05-31-2011, 03:49 AM,
Thermostat should be 180 degree

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Ride safe have fun and enjoy. Lane
1985 Aspencade
2002 Vulcan
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#4 05-31-2011, 04:13 AM,
Test your thermostat prior to changing, otherwise you may end up chasing your tail, sure change it maybe when it's out but make sure that is the problem.


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The only stupid questions are the one's that are not asked.

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#5 05-31-2011, 04:43 AM,
Be sure to put the "bleed hole" facing UP! At the 12 o'clock position that is.. :d
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#6 05-31-2011, 06:37 PM,
Finally got back from a trip overseas and time to work on the wing.

Pulled the rad.

Checked the thermostat, its opening ok.

I tested the fan and it works.

Removed the front cover on the water pump. I touched the starter button and the pump is turning!

What else should I check?
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#7 06-20-2011, 10:41 AM,
check blockage in the radiator or hose(s). Is the thermoswitch functioning at proper temp?

Just because the thermoswitches can fail, I wired an indicator light (in parallel) with the cooling fan (in this way, if the indicator bulbs burns, the fan will still work). This way, if the thermoswitch fails and the cooling fan does not turn on (no indicator light) and she starts to run warmer than normal, I can turn on the cooling fan (with the toggle the previous owner installed) and possible save some costly repairs.

~O)
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#8 06-20-2011, 11:06 AM,
Flushed the rad and checked the hoses, no blockage. I do have a new thermostat which I'll use in place of the stock one.

Is there a way to test the thermostatic fan switch?
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#9 06-20-2011, 11:23 AM,
easiest way is to suspend the water side of switch in water and heat up water,with a meter attached to the terminals it should turn on at about 203-207F and should open back up somewhere in the area of 183 degs

while your doing this its a good time to install a manual bypass switch
1987 Aspencade 129K
1986 SEI 93K
2014 Tri-Glide HD 17K

Hancock,MD
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#10 06-20-2011, 12:27 PM,
Can you turn the water pump impellers with your finger?

My cheaper water pump from Saber Cycles (made in India) only lasted five months until the shaft broke off inside the engine, I thought it was OK at first examination and buttoned it all back up again until I thought about it and realized that I should not be able to turn them by hand.
'RIDE TO BE SEEN' :d

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#11 06-20-2011, 01:14 PM,
neoracer Wrote:easiest way is to suspend the water side of switch in water and heat up water,with a meter attached to the terminals it should turn on at about 203-207F and should open back up somewhere in the area of 183 degs

while your doing this its a good time to install a manual bypass switch

What kind of meter do I used to test it?
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#12 06-20-2011, 02:30 PM,
any meter that measures resistance.
1987 Aspencade 129K
1986 SEI 93K
2014 Tri-Glide HD 17K

Hancock,MD
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#13 06-20-2011, 02:32 PM,
unionjack Wrote:Can you turn the water pump impellers with your finger?

My cheaper water pump from Saber Cycles (made in India) only lasted five months until the shaft broke off inside the engine, I thought it was OK at first examination and buttoned it all back up again until I thought about it and realized that I should not be able to turn them by hand.

No it won't turn with my fingers, its on there tight.
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#14 06-20-2011, 02:40 PM,
Removed the switch and shows continuity between the connectors. No need to test it in a pot of coolant. Time for a new switch. Is there an aftermarket one available?
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#15 06-20-2011, 04:34 PM,


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