Main Menu

Over heating S4

Started by scooby, June 03, 2010, 06:28:55 AM

Previous topic - Next topic
Print
Go Down Pages1
User actions

scooby

June 03, 2010, 06:28:55 AM
So, my 2001 S4 is over heating lately. I have had issue first with the water temp sensor, it would turn the high temp light on when there was no over heating going on, so I replaced it with a used one off a parted out running bike. The fans are working fine, turning on and running... Now the problem is that the bike is going through radiator water/coolant faster then I can fill it up (almost). It is not leaking water, just boiling it away. I fill both the radiator and overfill reservoir daily at this point and can't ride the bike further then 10+ miles in fear of blowing a head gasket or worse...

So, do I have a water flow issue? Do I need to flush it for possible blockage? Take the impeller pump cover off and see if it is not working properly? Help!
What would ScoobyDoo?

ducpainter

#1
June 03, 2010, 06:32:51 AM
Have you checked the oil for coolant?

If the coolant was boiling you'd see some evidence of it I'd think.
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


scooby

#2
June 03, 2010, 06:35:20 AM
Oil seems pretty clean of coolant. However at 2k after the last change the oil was down 1/2 a qt. which is unusual for the bike. BTW, it has 33k on the clock...
What would ScoobyDoo?

Speeddog

#3
June 03, 2010, 06:37:35 AM
A) Perhaps your thermostat has given up.

B) Possibly is a broken impeller.
   If it is, you *have* to find the piece(s) that broke off.
   Otherwise they can get/stay jammed in the passages and impede proper coolant flow.

- - - - - Valley Desmo Service - - - - -
Reseda, CA
(951) 640-8908

~~~ "We've rearranged the deck chairs, refilled the champagne glasses, and the band sounds great. This is fine." - Alberto Puig ~~~

ducpainter

#4
June 03, 2010, 06:38:50 AM
Quote from: scooby on June 03, 2010, 06:35:20 AM
Oil seems pretty clean of coolant. However at 2k after the last change the oil was down 1/2 a qt. which is unusual for the bike. BTW, it has 33k on the clock...
Pretty clean?

There shouldn't be any, but it also doesn't sound like it's overfilling the cases with coolant either.

Is the temp light coming on?
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


scooby

#5
June 03, 2010, 06:41:17 AM
How can I tell tell if there is coolant in the oil? The light is coming on when the bike is just warming up...
What would ScoobyDoo?

seevtsaab

#6
June 03, 2010, 07:02:12 AM
You can send a used oil sample to a labratory (I've used Blackstone Labs - they'll send you a collection kit).
For $20+ you get a used oil analysis, I do it periodically for the cage.
Great way to feed your paranoia!
Knowledge is good.
Get your overheating problem squared away first though.
Don't know water cooled Ducs but sounds like you have blockage or a bad WP (or both).

ducpainter

#7
June 03, 2010, 07:07:43 AM
Quote from: scooby on June 03, 2010, 06:41:17 AM
How can I tell tell if there is coolant in the oil? The light is coming on when the bike is just warming up...
I'd drain it and look.

You'll see milky white.

You mentioned you had 2K+ on the oil so it wouldn't be like throwing away new oil.

You obviously have a problem that needs fixing, and assuming you're going to try and fix it your self you have to determine what it is.

I think Speeddogs' idea of a bad t-stat/pump impeller should be investigated too.

Do you see any steam  or smell coolant?
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


scooby

#8
June 03, 2010, 07:13:18 AM
Bad thermostat sounds logical...No on smelling coolant or visible steam, but when the bike is HOT and I stop, I can hear the coolant "boiling" in the radiator! I guess I'll pull the impeller cover first, see what's going on there, then drain and check my oil, then consider the thermostat. I am so so mechanically inclined, but have a buddy who can help. Thanks guys for the direction; I'll keep you all posted!

Peter
What would ScoobyDoo?

scooby

#9
June 05, 2010, 03:19:22 PM
Well, I think I might of solved the problem. Thermostat and impeller were both fine; checked the thermostat by putting it in boiling water and water it open up, cool trick. Totally drained and flush the system and re did the coolant/distilled water and it seems to be running at normal temp now. Think it might have been an air bottle lodged in the system...

Now if I can figure out why my newly replaced (used) temp sensor is turning the light on prematurely; had this problem with 2 sensors for ages...
What would ScoobyDoo?
Print
Go Up Pages1
User actions