Coolant problem

Message

Gio · #1 Post by **Gio** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 10:34 am

Ok, I've tried all the usual electrical things (relay switch, fuse, fans) I've followed the service manual about checking the coolant thermistor (the wiring works as when you conect the 2 wires together the fans run with the ignition on).
So I think its the thermistor that needs replacing, but I wanted to check first as the engine gets very hot but the coolant in the radiators doesn't. The only other thing it could be (IMO) is coolant pump failure.
Can anyone help please

Falcopops · #2 Post by **Falcopops** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:25 am

Sound very like a problem with a mates VFR that appeared in Milan much to his disgust and our amusement.

If the engine is getting hot, but the rads aren't it might be the thermostat that isn't opening so no coolant is flowing past the thermo switch to turn on the fans.

You can check the thermostat by taking it out and putting it in a pan (don't use one of the wife's best ones) of water, heat it up and see if it opens. Use a thermometer in the water to see what tempp it opens at 75 degrees according to the parts list at aprilia yorkshire. Part 15 in the diag.

D-Rider · #3 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:05 pm

Yep - if water's not getting hot then suspect the thermostat or if that's not it, maybe an airlock in the system.

Gio · #4 Post by **Gio** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:49 pm

Cheers guys

I'll let you know what happens

fastasfcuk · #5 Post by **fastasfcuk** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:42 pm

as D says, air lock sounds more probable.

Gio · #6 Post by **Gio** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:53 pm

Well around the sensor there wasn't any water at all, and just to help I've not been able to get antifreeze, that'll have to wait until tomorrow when the local shop gets more in.

If it is an airlock how do I get rid of it?

Don't fancy sucking a pipe to clear it

Falcopops · #7 Post by **Falcopops** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:01 am

Gio wrote:antifreeze

You should be using proper coolant not water/antifreeze mix.

Falcopops · #8 Post by **Falcopops** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:05 am

Have a look HERE might help solve the problem

fastasfcuk · #9 Post by **fastasfcuk** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:04 pm

try holding the rev's at 2-2500 keeping an eye on the temp untill the therm opens that should push any air through the system,if it starts to get hot let it stand for a couple of hours that should clear it.on tick over the pump is'nt going fast enough to move any air so it sits at the highest point.

Samray · #10 Post by **Samray** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:27 pm

Gio has forgotten how to 'burp' his baby ......... been a long while.

D-Rider · #11 Post by **D-Rider** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:43 pm

Samray wrote:Gio has forgotten how to 'burp' his baby ......... been a long while.

A fine Dad he is

.... I hear he's putting his baby up for adoption ....

Gio · #12 Post by **Gio** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 7:55 pm

Well it worked for 10 mins, there's a fecking leak in the left had rad, only occurs under pressure as well.

I'm fecking pissed off now, need a rad as they can't be fixed.

xrphil · #13 Post by **xrphil** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:32 pm

is it worth putting a tin of radweld or whatever its called in? suppossed to seal smaller leaks quite well. that or an egg!

the duke · #14 Post by **the duke** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:37 pm

Depends on where the leak is if it can be fixed

Mine went on the top of the left rad where the mounting bracket attaches and it can be re-welded. It's a bit of a weak point as the bracket is only rivetted on and painted over. I would say that it's worth looking over there if you have a leak.

Gio · #15 Post by **Gio** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 7:10 am

The leak is on the bottom left hand corner near the drain screw, trouble is it pisses out when under pressure, I'm going to ring a radiator service firm here in the next half hour and there's a rad for sale on ebay.

Well I got the rad off ebay £50 inc postage, dunno how much these things cost though. Plus my rad is in being looked at, if it can't be fixed then its cost me nothing.