I know this has been covered alot, but my 04 just started running too cool down the road. Even on 80 degree days, I'm only seeing 165 tops at cruise. On a couple 50 degree mornings I've had trouble hitting 150 - no Vtec for me! Anyway, how many of you have done it, and what's it like getting the air out afterwards?
Also, what should I get in preparation for this? Should I do plugs at 13,500 miles? The book says 32K, but I'm skeptical. They are like $18 a piece, which seems crazy! Coolant reccomendation - is hondaline the way to go? Any insight on this apparently major project would be great.....
Like I said, seen the posts, but they haven't answered all my questions. Looks like you have to tear half the bike apart - on board with that.........my experience with japanese cars is they are a pain to bleed the air from, and I'm looking for tips.
Like I said, seen the posts, but they haven't answered all my questions. Looks like you have to tear half the bike apart - on board with that.........my experience with japanese cars is they are a pain to bleed the air from, and I'm looking for tips.
just drain at the water pump, fill, leann bike way over to the left, and back to the right, but the top on go ride
I had my stuck t-stat replaced a few months ago. After warming up to normal operating temp before riding (and this was in cold late winter/early spring weather) the engine would quickly dip down into the 140s or even 130s once in motion. Stop at a stoplight and it would build heat again but wouldn't stay there once underway.
I had a shop do the replacement and haven't had an issue with the t-stat since. Hopefully I never will again, but who knows.
I did my thermostat at 24K miles. I also did the valve check for the first time while it was apart. It was tedious to take everything apart to get to it. I followed the manual and marked all the hoses and wire with tape, you can take pictures too. Get an 18" long #2 phillips screw driver.
I had no problem burp the radiator. I used Prestone and my water pump soon started leaking so it is the Honda coolant for me now on. Antifreeze w/ silcates eats water pump seals and you can't tell by reading the lable.
Those plugs are pricey but last forever. I changed mine at 55K miles with no sign of needing it.
Some suggested water wetter can open up stuck thermostat, I understand water wetter as being some kind of soapy fluid that could undo stuck parts. I'm willing to give it a try before undoing the whole enchilada, question is, should the whole system be filled with water wetter or mixed with regular coolant?
[image: View Post]Bruckner, on Jul 20 2008, 09:55 AM, said:
Some suggested water wetter can open up stuck thermostat, I understand water wetter as being some kind of soapy fluid that could undo stuck parts. I'm willing to give it a try before undoing the whole enchilada, question is, should the whole system be filled with water wetter or mixed with regular coolant?
Regards,
Bruckner
Mine is showing signs of being stuck open and not wanting to always stay in upper temps when riding... :dry:
Putting it off if able to so think I may give the water wetter trick a whirl since my VFR is an 02 with only 14.5k on the clock.
If that doesn't work I guess I am gonna have some fun swearing in the garage one weekend!
Mine had stuck open. Fix it. Milage went from 260KM/tank to several in the 400KM area (a 400.6km, and a 401.0KM, both back some city/highway trips). The bike responded better, the VTEC transition smoothed out, and it seemed to make a bunch more power. Lost the ability to steer with the front tire a couple times. It never did that before... :wheel: :biggrin:
Well to follow up, I tore into her and sure enough it was stuck. It actually had a ribbon of curled up metal in it from side loading so bad. Checked the plugs, (looked like new) blew out the filter, and put her back together. Used an aftermarket coolant and it bled easily. Warms up great now with no issue. Took the time to adjust the throttle cable play while I was in there (big difference!) I also found the the throttle body to engine boot clamps were loose, and one had actually fallen down. Had an area on that one that certainly showed signs of a big air leak. Runs better than it ever has now and I am a happy camper. :biggrin:
Like I said, seen the posts, but they haven't answered all my questions. Looks like you have to tear half the bike apart - on board with that.........my experience with japanese cars is they are a pain to bleed the air from, and I'm looking for tips.
Sorry. My Bag. Should have read closer. Good deal on gett'n it back together.
Did you use a non silicate coolant? Burp it on the side stand?
Like I said, seen the posts, but they haven't answered all my questions. Looks like you have to tear half the bike apart - on board with that.........my experience with japanese cars is they are a pain to bleed the air from, and I'm looking for tips.
Sorry. My Bag. Should have read closer. Good deal on gett'n it back together.
Did you use a non silicate coolant? Burp it on the side stand?
Yes, used a motorcycle coolant, just not hondaline. I did run it on the sidestand with the cap off until it was warm. Didn't appear to have any major air pockets though. Just put 280 miles on today with no issues.
Like I said, seen the posts, but they haven't answered all my questions. Looks like you have to tear half the bike apart - on board with that.........my experience with japanese cars is they are a pain to bleed the air from, and I'm looking for tips.
Sorry. My Bag. Should have read closer. Good deal on gett'n it back together.
Did you use a non silicate coolant? Burp it on the side stand?
Yes, used a motorcycle coolant, just not hondaline. I did run it on the sidestand with the cap off until it was warm. Didn't appear to have any major air pockets though. Just put 280 miles on today with no issues.
Now this has got me focusing on my bike's temperature. This morning it was 46 degrees. I have a 12 mile ride on side streets, boulevards and expressways. Speed 35-50 mph, temperature with a continuous 4-5 mile stretch was 152 to 158 degrees. Do you think mine is on the way out?
[image: View Post]Joe Rider, on Aug 29 2008, 09:45 AM, said:
Now this has got me focusing on my bike's temperature. This morning it was 46 degrees. I have a 12 mile ride on side streets, boulevards and expressways. Speed 35-50 mph, temperature with a continuous 4-5 mile stretch was 152 to 158 degrees. Do you think mine is on the way out?
Probably not. When mine was bad, i wouldn't see over 130-140F while riding in temps like that. Easy way to tell. Get the bike good and warmed up to around 190-200F with it idling. Then take off on it. IF the temp drops below 175F, it's stuck open.
[image: View Post]Joe Rider, on Aug 29 2008, 08:45 AM, said:
Now this has got me focusing on my bike's temperature. This morning it was 46 degrees. I have a 12 mile ride on side streets, boulevards and expressways. Speed 35-50 mph, temperature with a continuous 4-5 mile stretch was 152 to 158 degrees. Do you think mine is on the way out?
Try this simple test. With the bike cold, start it and feel the top on one of the radiators. If the temp of the radiator starts climbing immediately after starting, then the stat is open...how much you can't tell from this test. But, once the stat is stuck open, it's just a restriction in the coolant flow....preventing full flow when the bike really needs it...causing over heating. Allowing the bike to run at low temps will cause premature cylinder wear so if it's bad...fix it.
Replacing the stat is a serious job, but it can be done by mere mortals. The various posts and how-to advice on this forum will help immensely...good luck.
Mine was stuck at 5,500 miles and this was on an 02'. Took me about 3 hours to do it myself and so far so good. I've heard of quite a few t-stats failing prematurely.
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