K11 Owners Group

1der · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Western NY

My 94 K1100LT started to spit out antifreeze from the reservoir. Checked for restricted hoses, none that I can find. I took out the thermostat and put it in hot water to see if it opened it did at all most 200 deg. It should open at 185 so I'm thinking that the thermostat is not working. does anyone know if there is a replacement other than the $45.00 OEM? PS. Fan did come on when it got hot. Taking a trip with my son in two weeks so would like to figure this out soon. Thanks for any input.

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:31 pm Post subject:

I think you should first suspect the radiator cap. How old is yours?

K bike experts suggest replacing the cap every 5 years or so.

Others here may disagree but I think that is your problem (and it is 1/2 the price of the T-stat)
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

1der · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Western NY

Thanks for the reply John. The cap seems to be working as fluid from the system is back flowing into the reservoir once it gets hot. Fluid flows from the reservoir cap and then the fan comes on. I put the thermostat in water that was 180 deg. and it did not open. It did open at around 200.

Inge K. · Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 5:51 am Post subject: Re: Thermostat

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 6:08 am Post subject:

At the risk of beating the dead horse, I am still suspecting the radiator cap.

I did a search of the BMWMOA website and the cap is a strong candidate for causing your problems.

Paul Glaves, one of THE K bike experts, reminds us that while the cap looks good and seems to function well, the spring will fatigue over time.

With a weak spring, the cooling system is going to "boil over" at a lower temperature. Pressure inside the system is what allows it to run at higher temperatures.

Not to say that I have the only answer though. And I have been wrong once or twice in the past Rolling Eyes

Good luck.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

1der · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Western NY

That one my do BUT it is in Australia. Where can I get something in America?

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 7:15 am Post subject:

The thermostat is available in 2 temperature values, substitutes are available other than BMW. If it's opening at/near 200, you could have a 195deg(89c) stat. If so then it's working.

Read this thread and see if it helps you.

You can probably find a stat for a '94 Toyota Corolla at your local AutoZone or other parts store.
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Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Inge K. · Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 7:55 am Post subject:

1der · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Western NY

Inge K.
Thank you for the links. The last on really helped.
Thanks everyone that responded it was a big help. Now I'll have to go to the auto parts store to see if I can get the parts. I'm going to try a t-stat first may still wind up getting a cap.

kioolt · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 2:15 pm Post subject:

If you find a non-oem thermostat at your local autoparts store would you please post what it is? e.g. Fits 94 Toyota with 2 liter.
_________________
2004 R1150RT 186,800 miles
1991 K100LT 128,700 miles
1982 R100RT 106,900 miles
Total 422,400 BMW miles
AMA,BMWRA,BMWMOA
The cheapest thing on a BMW is the nut that connects the handlebars to the seat.

1der · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Western NY

kioolt, In went to NAPA and told the clerk I needed a thermostat for a 1994 Toyota Corolla. He gave me a NAPA 156 thermostat AND a gasket. I used a little silicone grease and it pushed right in. the temp rating for the OEM was the equivalent of a 185 deg. t-stat the NAPA was 180. Sorry for the late response but we (my son and I ) went on a 2000 mile trip through New England and just got back. The K1100LT ran great. Now we have a fork seal issue. Oh well after 125,000 that's not bad. (just replaced the seal 6,000 miles ago)

Jim · Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 8:09 pm Post subject:

If you don't have gaiters on the forks, I highly recommend installing them.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 9:14 pm Post subject: