K11 Owners Group

Moondog · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:10 am Post subject: Thermostat

Has anyone tried a different thermostat in the K-bike? One that opens earlier? I hear some Volkswagon parts are similiar.

I was out Friday night and stopped for some Saudi Arabian gold (gas) and when I got off the bike there was fresh coolant on the ground. It ran out of my reservoir which was filled to the brim. I have not added any recently since spring and the reservoir level has remained relatively the same at the hot level when running. And the temps have been acting normal. Maybe a little hotter then usual but not alot. My fan comes on as designed.

If the thermostat doesn't open she would overheat, correct? Or is there enough airflow to keep the temps down? And if the pump isn't working I would assume it would overheat also?
_________________
"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges"!

I like the social aspect of riding. Rally's, socializing, drinking beer, fartin' and carrying on. Smile

2004 R1150RS
1996 K1100RS (moved on to new home)

Jim · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:48 am Post subject:

check the cap gaskets! If there is a problem with the cap, it can let the coolant go to the reservoir, but won't let it go back to the engine as it cools down.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Moondog · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:19 pm Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:37 pm Post subject: rad cap

I don't know about vacuum. My understanding of the cooling system is that as the engine heats up, that heats the coolant up. The coolant expands as it is heated, and is forced past the radiator cap to the reservoir. As the engine cools off, the coolant contracts, and coolant is drawn from the reservoir past the radiator cap back into the engine.

If the gaskets on the cap are somehow failed, instead of coolant being forced into the reservoir on expansion, it can be expelled out the cap.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Moondog · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:25 am Post subject: Re: rad cap

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:43 am Post subject: Re: rad cap

abreeze · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:50 am Post subject:

check you preassure cap. It should have 16psi to release/1.5psi suction(vacuum). If you have the original cap its probably toast.

there should be little rise in the coolant tank when the bike is HOT. The tank should be to the LOW mark when cold.

Jims example is right on. However, the engins coolant should be pressurized for best performance. And the engine hoses should be hard to squeeze.

Moondog · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject:

I removed the cap and checked as much as I can. The screen is sort of clogged. I have cleaned it off the best I can but it is starting to look like a cap. The over flow hose looks good. I am going to try and service it properly one more time and see if I can get it to do it again. Can those caps be broken down? Is there a spring or something inside the cap? I have never had one apart.
_________________
"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges"!

I like the social aspect of riding. Rally's, socializing, drinking beer, fartin' and carrying on. Smile

2004 R1150RS
1996 K1100RS (moved on to new home)