Well I've had a very good weekend's riding, just me and my VFR cruising to some far away bike dealerships and plenty of bacon and egg baps for a good excuse to go for 'just a ride', clocking up 350 miles.
On my way back tonight the outside temp dropped dramatically, hovering around 1-2C on the gauge. When setting off I waited untill the engine temp read 40-something C, then sped off into the dark night on the twisty road back to my house. It took a good 10-15 minutes for the bike to reach VTEC temp (64C) and then hovered around 66-67, which meant some transitions were a little harsh (vtec is smooth generally above 75c)...
Could this be the Stator problem, or is it normal for the bike to run pretty cold when the temp is near 0?
Being metrically challenged I had to convert to Fahrenheit. 66 C is like 151 F. That is too low. Your thermostat is sticking open. Unfortunately a common problem. It is a pain to get to the thermostat on these bikes but changing it is what needs to be done.
I,m not debating what the solution is but a month ago, I as convinced my T-stat was stuck open, but I was simply riding in weather so cold, (still the wind chill champ)* it didnt get up to temp. The first warm day, it went right back to normal.
*although it is not a contest, and please, no wagering.
It is VERY cold here, basically below zero but are you sure that even in these conditions the temp should still reach vtec operation pretty soon? Mine is taking a good 10- 15 minutes at least.. today though it's been fine but then the temp did not drop untill really late.
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 1 2009, 06:18 PM, said:
Ok thanks for the info.
It is VERY cold here, basically below zero but are you sure that even in these conditions the temp should still reach vtec operation pretty soon? Mine is taking a good 10- 15 minutes at least.. today though it's been fine but then the temp did not drop untill really late.
Is this an easy/cheapish fix at the dealer?
I rode home from work last week and the bike was indicating 32F on the dash, so 0c i think for the other people? It didnt take long before I was running in the high 170F range. Im guessing within the first 2miles on the highway or 5min of riding. I let the engine temp. gauge indicate before riding off. So a couple of mins or so of warming up. I would also agree that the tstat is staying open. Could he put the bike on the stand and start the engine, with the fairings off, and watch the coolant levels to make sure that it was circulating. If it was circulating the coolant levels would be very low all the time. Just my thoughts.
It is cold here. I ride often around 32 F (0 C) and as low as 25 F (-4) and the bike runs above 170 F (77 C) after a couple of miles. My thermostat did stick open at 24k miles on the odometer. It warmed up slow and ran at 140 F (60 C) when the air temp was 40 F (4 C). I replaced thermostat and did the valve adjustment while apart. The manual shows removing throttle bodies to get to the thermostat. I think dealers charge about 2 hour labor. It took me much more than that. Now at 70k miles still runs correct. When thermostat was stuck the left radiator heated up with the engine. With the new thermostat the left radiator stayed cold until engine gets up above 160 F
I'm going to have to ring round a couple of dealers today (the ones I trust) and see what they say.
Today going to work the OAT is 3 C, and the 1st part of my commute is mostly traffic, so the bike warmed up to 75C within a few minutes, then once I got out onto the open(ish) road the bike settled down between 70C and 73C... still pretty low I presume?
If I don't let the bike warm and temp is any lower than 1 or 2 C then the bike struggles to get past 65C.
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
**Sigh
Here we sodding go again, why is it that the problems I have are always NEVER HEARD of before.
Well the bike is running fine for now anyway and the weather is getting warmer... slightly. Are there any adverse effects in case it is stuck open? My bike didn't seem to have trouble climbing to 105C whilst in traffic today
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 2 2009, 06:06 PM, said:
Update:
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
*
I would be at least suspicious of a Honda dealer saying that he has never heard of the T-stat going before. He may treat a lot of wings and CBR's, but it sure doesn't sound like he has serviced a lot of VFR's. We (VFRD) sure understand that many of us have had to replace our T-stats and RR's, some multiple times. I guess that we do it all ourselves and never at a shop like his :blush:
[image: View Post]BOBINOTTAWA, on Mar 2 2009, 05:29 PM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 2 2009, 06:06 PM, said:
Update:
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
*
I would be at least suspicious of a Honda dealer saying that he has never heard of the T-stat going before. He may treat a lot of wings and CBR's, but it sure doesn't sound like he has serviced a lot of VFR's. We (VFRD) sure understand that many of us have had to replace our T-stats and RR's, some multiple times. I guess that we do it all ourselves and never at a shop like his :blush:
It sure sounds like a t-stat.
I rode today and bike was running at or around the 168F-173F, so around 75C, on the highway going 70mph, with an outside temp of 50F, 10C. Bike ran at this
temp until I got into town and then went up from there.
[image: View Post]adam79, on Mar 3 2009, 12:25 AM, said:
[image: View Post]BOBINOTTAWA, on Mar 2 2009, 05:29 PM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 2 2009, 06:06 PM, said:
Update:
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
*
I would be at least suspicious of a Honda dealer saying that he has never heard of the T-stat going before. He may treat a lot of wings and CBR's, but it sure doesn't sound like he has serviced a lot of VFR's. We (VFRD) sure understand that many of us have had to replace our T-stats and RR's, some multiple times. I guess that we do it all ourselves and never at a shop like his :blush:
It sure sounds like a t-stat.
I rode today and bike was running at or around the 168F-173F, so around 75C, on the highway going 70mph, with an outside temp of 50F, 10C. Bike ran at this
temp until I got into town and then went up from there.
Thanks, it's useful hearing other's readings to 'gauge' (pardon the pun) if mine is wrong.
Today going to work temp hovered around 73-75 and the outside temp is 7C... about right? When I got into traffic it shot up to 90+.
It's just when its REAL cold I think she suffers, best make sure I warm her up thoroughly, I can't afford another �115 for a new stat and to get it fitted right now, especially after just spending �200 on a new front tyre and brake pads.
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 2 2009, 07:06 PM, said:
Update:
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
**Sigh
Here we sodding go again, why is it that the problems I have are always NEVER HEARD of before.
Well the bike is running fine for now anyway and the weather is getting warmer... slightly. Are there any adverse effects in case it is stuck open? My bike didn't seem to have trouble climbing to 105C whilst in traffic today
Are there any adverse efects you ask, if your thermostat is sticking open, yes there are I can tell you because it happened to me. I have a 2004 VETEC and I noticed that my temperature wasn't getting much above 65 deg even after doing as much as 20 miles, this causes the engine to run a bit rich because of the low temperature, the ECU delivers more petrol to the fuel injectors. I had my thermostat changed for a new one and even in the UK where lately we have had very low terperatures, the temperature rises within 2 miles to 76 deg and stays there unless I am in traffic. So my advice is to get the thermostat changed when you can.
[image: View Post]plasma, on Mar 3 2009, 02:14 PM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 2 2009, 07:06 PM, said:
Update:
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
**Sigh
Here we sodding go again, why is it that the problems I have are always NEVER HEARD of before.
Well the bike is running fine for now anyway and the weather is getting warmer... slightly. Are there any adverse effects in case it is stuck open? My bike didn't seem to have trouble climbing to 105C whilst in traffic today
Are there any adverse efects you ask, if your thermostat is sticking open, yes there are I can tell you because it happened to me. I have a 2004 VETEC and I noticed that my temperature wasn't getting much above 65 deg even after doing as much as 20 miles, this causes the engine to run a bit rich because of the low temperature, the ECU delivers more petrol to the fuel injectors. I had my thermostat changed for a new one and even in the UK where lately we have had very low terperatures, the temperature rises within 2 miles to 76 deg and stays there unless I am in traffic. So my advice is to get the thermostat changed when you can.
Safe riding Plasma
ok thanks, looks like I'm going to have to throw more money at her
I live in Canada and in the fall when riding home from work at night it was 2c and my bikes temperature was the same as yours. As sonn as I got off the highway the temp went up to normal. In the cold the Vtec kicks in really hard as I am sure you have noticed.....I like it.....Its like a different bike. Maybe my thermostat is stuck open as well.......I did notice that i was using a lot more fuel when it is cold.
If you look back about a year, you'll find my version of this thread. Thermo stuck open. It got progressivly worse over time, took me about 2 months to get the coin together.
You'll notice once you fix it, your fuel economy will get better (back where it should be), and the engine will make it's full power again. It'll be like a whole new bike again.
[image: View Post]magicman, on Mar 4 2009, 09:35 PM, said:
If you look back about a year, you'll find my version of this thread. Thermo stuck open. It got progressivly worse over time, took me about 2 months to get the coin together.
You'll notice once you fix it, your fuel economy will get better (back where it should be), and the engine will make it's full power again. It'll be like a whole new bike again.
Funny you should say that, especially after my 'need more power' thread... My 6th gen is feeling very 'lacking' and I'm sure I didn't feel like this when I got her!! I didn 't realise this could also effect the power delivery..
Damn I need to get this sorted at some point.. but don't have the dosh :dry:
I had this problem right before my bike hit 10,000 miles and I was not happy. I called the dealer and he told me pretty much the same thing that your dealer told you, that he had never heard of that happening before. It was very cold outside, around 0F (-18C) and the bike would not get above 140F (60C). My gas mileage was off and the bike was down on power. Another member on this forum suggested taking some coolant out of the system and replacing it with water wetter because it was soap based. He said that it would clean off the gunk that was holding up the thermostat. I was skeptical at first, but figured it was cheaper than replacing the thermostat. I tried it and 6,000 miles later the bike still runs good, no more t-stat issues. You may want to give it a shot. I have an 06.
Whatever happened, Papa Honda installed (and sold) a bad run of T-Stats in the last few years.
I am at 22k miles and on my THIRD t-stat. Both have been replaced under the extended warranty.
Both were visually inspected and tested upon extraction. Both had become stuck in a partial position.
The part number is/was the same for the 5th gens but I never heard much hullabaloo regarding 5th gens with this problem.
FWIW, I have never had anything but the Honda OEM coolant in my system. The next time, I will try draining it as using a different type of coolant as others have suggested.
Silly that a complex bike can be brought to it's knees by a silly, expanding/contract metal part that's based on simply physics - Nature's Law, not some bad PCB in the ECU or faulty wiring connection (Man's poor implementation of Nature's Law :laugh: )
[image: View Post]black06vfr, on Mar 5 2009, 12:16 AM, said:
I had this problem right before my bike hit 10,000 miles and I was not happy. I called the dealer and he told me pretty much the same thing that your dealer told you, that he had never heard of that happening before. It was very cold outside, around 0F (-18C) and the bike would not get above 140F (60C). My gas mileage was off and the bike was down on power. Another member on this forum suggested taking some coolant out of the system and replacing it with water wetter because it was soap based. He said that it would clean off the gunk that was holding up the thermostat. I was skeptical at first, but figured it was cheaper than replacing the thermostat. I tried it and 6,000 miles later the bike still runs good, no more t-stat issues. You may want to give it a shot. I have an 06.
Thanks for that, interesting tip :fing02:
Well, guess what?? I now have a puncture on the rear, the Brigestone I've just spent �150 on!! :pissed:
Why am I having such bad luck? It seems to be never ending with this bike. I've heard you are not suppose to repair a BS tyre, is this true?? It's my only option I've simply ran out of money already!!!
[image: View Post]sirimiri, on Mar 5 2009, 11:04 AM, said:
Whatever happened, Papa Honda installed (and sold) a bad run of T-Stats in the last few years.
I am at 22k miles and on my THIRD t-stat. Both have been replaced under the extended warranty.
Both were visually inspected and tested upon extraction. Both had become stuck in a partial position.
The part number is/was the same for the 5th gens but I never heard much hullabaloo regarding 5th gens with this problem.
FWIW, I have never had anything but the Honda OEM coolant in my system. The next time, I will try draining it as using a different type of coolant as others have suggested.
Silly that a complex bike can be brought to it's knees by a silly, expanding/contract metal part that's based on simply physics - Nature's Law, not some bad PCB in the ECU or faulty wiring connection (Man's poor implementation of Nature's Law :laugh: )
+1
And worse still that it is in such an inaccessable location.
In the �ld days we used to put soluble oil in the coolant to lubricate seals etc.
I wonder if this would help?
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 3 2009, 04:41 AM, said:
[image: View Post]adam79, on Mar 3 2009, 12:25 AM, said:
[image: View Post]BOBINOTTAWA, on Mar 2 2009, 05:29 PM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 2 2009, 06:06 PM, said:
Update:
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
*
I would be at least suspicious of a Honda dealer saying that he has never heard of the T-stat going before. He may treat a lot of wings and CBR's, but it sure doesn't sound like he has serviced a lot of VFR's. We (VFRD) sure understand that many of us have had to replace our T-stats and RR's, some multiple times. I guess that we do it all ourselves and never at a shop like his :blush:
It sure sounds like a t-stat.
I rode today and bike was running at or around the 168F-173F, so around 75C, on the highway going 70mph, with an outside temp of 50F, 10C. Bike ran at this
temp until I got into town and then went up from there.
Thanks, it's useful hearing other's readings to 'gauge' (pardon the pun) if mine is wrong.
Today going to work temp hovered around 73-75 and the outside temp is 7C... about right? When I got into traffic it shot up to 90+.
It's just when its REAL cold I think she suffers, best make sure I warm her up thoroughly, I can't afford another �115 for a new stat and to get it fitted right now, especially after just spending �200 on a new front tyre and brake pads.
Good luck with your temp.........What part of the UK are you from....I used to live near Cambridge for over 3 years....Monk
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 5 2009, 05:42 AM, said:
[image: View Post]black06vfr, on Mar 5 2009, 12:16 AM, said:
I had this problem right before my bike hit 10,000 miles and I was not happy. I called the dealer and he told me pretty much the same thing that your dealer told you, that he had never heard of that happening before. It was very cold outside, around 0F (-18C) and the bike would not get above 140F (60C). My gas mileage was off and the bike was down on power. Another member on this forum suggested taking some coolant out of the system and replacing it with water wetter because it was soap based. He said that it would clean off the gunk that was holding up the thermostat. I was skeptical at first, but figured it was cheaper than replacing the thermostat. I tried it and 6,000 miles later the bike still runs good, no more t-stat issues. You may want to give it a shot. I have an 06.
Thanks for that, interesting tip :fing02:
Well, guess what?? I now have a puncture on the rear, the Brigestone I've just spent �150 on!! :pissed:
Why am I having such bad luck? It seems to be never ending with this bike. I've heard you are not suppose to repair a BS tyre, is this true?? It's my only option I've simply ran out of money already!!!
That could be worth a shot.
As for the puncture, that is bad luck, but I know some manufacturers will cover that if it's within the first x% of wear... Ask your dealer, and email BS, might not turn out quite so bad...
[image: View Post]Monk, on Mar 5 2009, 02:13 PM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 3 2009, 04:41 AM, said:
[image: View Post]adam79, on Mar 3 2009, 12:25 AM, said:
[image: View Post]BOBINOTTAWA, on Mar 2 2009, 05:29 PM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 2 2009, 06:06 PM, said:
Update:
Rang a local Honda dealer up today... 1st off he didn't believe me!!! He said, the bike will warm up to 75c+ easily even if you're in Iceland and he has never heard of the T-Stat going before. So I am a liar then!! Great customer service Honda!! :mad:
*
I would be at least suspicious of a Honda dealer saying that he has never heard of the T-stat going before. He may treat a lot of wings and CBR's, but it sure doesn't sound like he has serviced a lot of VFR's. We (VFRD) sure understand that many of us have had to replace our T-stats and RR's, some multiple times. I guess that we do it all ourselves and never at a shop like his :blush:
It sure sounds like a t-stat.
I rode today and bike was running at or around the 168F-173F, so around 75C, on the highway going 70mph, with an outside temp of 50F, 10C. Bike ran at this
temp until I got into town and then went up from there.
Thanks, it's useful hearing other's readings to 'gauge' (pardon the pun) if mine is wrong.
Today going to work temp hovered around 73-75 and the outside temp is 7C... about right? When I got into traffic it shot up to 90+.
It's just when its REAL cold I think she suffers, best make sure I warm her up thoroughly, I can't afford another �115 for a new stat and to get it fitted right now, especially after just spending �200 on a new front tyre and brake pads.
Good luck with your temp.........What part of the UK are you from....I used to live near Cambridge for over 3 years....Monk
I live in Lincoln, UK. Today the outside temp has been 10C and my bike struggled to get past 73C or so. I hate to say it but the vtec has been kicking in really dangerously hard today and I'm about fedup with it.
Now that I've my '02 for a few weeks now, I've been able to run through a few tanks of gas. I'm getting 25 MPG!! Now, it could be my riding style and winter gas, but this still seems low. After reading this and several posts, my suspicion is a stuck t-stat. So, is it safe to say the engine should be running at 170F+ regardless of how cold it is out? So < 40F OAT engine should run in the 170F's, and > 50F OAT, 190F+? I'd love to be able to diagnose if it is in fact the t-stat without having to tear apart the engine.
So, is it safe to say the engine should be running at 170F+ regardless of how cold it is out?
yes and if not thermo
you might try the water wetter and block off the airflow to get the bike really hot over 200 degree and see if the thermo will break free, riding a few hundred miles.
id definitely try that before, begging a thermo replacement procedure
Ravi,
Yes it should warm up to around 170. I road to work last week with temps in the low 20's and the bike temp stayed around 170 on the freeway. Reach down and check your left rad when your engine temp is around 150 (before your thermostat should open). It should not be hot. If it is, yours is probably stuck open.
I think mine is stuck open as well...fuel mileage has been really low (30 ish) and temp on the way in to work (45F) only got to 170, and that only in the last mile of the 10 mile commute. I start off when it is cold, but 10 minutes into my ride it was still at 140.
Is there a cross reference to a car T-stat for the 6th gens?
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 1 2009, 05:09 PM, said:
Well I've had a very good weekend's riding, just me and my VFR cruising to some far away bike dealerships and plenty of bacon and egg baps for a good excuse to go for 'just a ride', clocking up 350 miles.
On my way back tonight the outside temp dropped dramatically, hovering around 1-2C on the gauge. When setting off I waited untill the engine temp read 40-something C, then sped off into the dark night on the twisty road back to my house. It took a good 10-15 minutes for the bike to reach VTEC temp (64C) and then hovered around 66-67, which meant some transitions were a little harsh (vtec is smooth generally above 75c)...
Could this be the Stator problem, or is it normal for the bike to run pretty cold when the temp is near 0?
Thanks for your time,
Steve
i had the same problem and its deffinetly a thermostat, but my bike only does it every once in a while so the dealer isnt willing to fix it on warrenty but im just gonna go ahead and do it myself the thermostat, fluid, and some o-rings and sealing washers its about a 60 dollar fix ill post a detailed pic by pic how to for the many people that have the same problem
[image: View Post]mitch5032k6, on Mar 17 2009, 06:54 AM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 1 2009, 05:09 PM, said:
Well I've had a very good weekend's riding, just me and my VFR cruising to some far away bike dealerships and plenty of bacon and egg baps for a good excuse to go for 'just a ride', clocking up 350 miles.
On my way back tonight the outside temp dropped dramatically, hovering around 1-2C on the gauge. When setting off I waited untill the engine temp read 40-something C, then sped off into the dark night on the twisty road back to my house. It took a good 10-15 minutes for the bike to reach VTEC temp (64C) and then hovered around 66-67, which meant some transitions were a little harsh (vtec is smooth generally above 75c)...
Could this be the Stator problem, or is it normal for the bike to run pretty cold when the temp is near 0?
Thanks for your time,
Steve
i had the same problem and its deffinetly a thermostat, but my bike only does it every once in a while so the dealer isnt willing to fix it on warrenty but im just gonna go ahead and do it myself the thermostat, fluid, and some o-rings and sealing washers its about a 60 dollar fix ill post a detailed pic by pic how to for the many people that have the same problem
That would be very helpful to many of us who do most of their own maintenance, me however I'm going to get it fixed at a dealer but I'm not holding me breath in case it's the same once it's been replaced - today, with the temp around 6C in the morning on my way to work, the gauge read 67C - but when I stopped even for the briefest of moments (traffic lights etc.) it shot up to nearly 80C ... so I'm a bit confused whether I do actually have a problem, but damn do I know the vtec is there when I'm in a sustained cruise, the temp gradually gets colder and colder and the transition harsher and harsher.. it's to me, a major issue
... I've just got this feeling that I'll get it replaced and the bike will be the same.. it seems this topic is floating about on this forum in different forms at the moment....
My bike takes a good 5 minutes (temp today 6C) to get up to 60C or so, at which point I felt the left Radiator (hot) ... on the way home cruising she stayed between 67-73... this has gone down but no lower than 63-64 when it's below freezing - Is this Normal??? Sorry to keep asking but I really need to make sure this behaviour is normal - the bike will shoot up to 105C (fan) when in traffic.
Also today when just nipping her to the garage I basically switched her on, without warm up and went round the block (less than 1/3 of a K) and woa!! The bike suddenly felt like a rocketship with loads of umphh low in the revs - but the VFR didn't feel like that this morning - and quite frankly felt sluggish 2-up the other day - has this anything to do with it? I'm sure this thing is alive!!
The ability to heat up once you get to 185 or so, the actual designed T-stat open position should be about the same....that is in traffic it heats up quick! When I rode to work yesterday it never got over 170. On the way home at 55-60 degrees it got to 190...then i stopped on the side of the road to help a lady with her motorcycle and it idled for 5 minutes....at the end of which temp was 251! Came down fast as soon as I was moving again.
I checked my left rad and it was hot at 135 on the temp gauge (shouldn't be). I am wondering if the T-stat is stuck partway open, thus not allowing full flow at high temp, but allowing flow at cool temps.
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 17 2009, 06:28 PM, said:
... I've just got this feeling that I'll get it replaced and the bike will be the same.. it seems this topic is floating about on this forum in different forms at the moment....
My bike takes a good 5 minutes (temp today 6C) to get up to 60C or so, at which point I felt the left Radiator (hot) ... on the way home cruising she stayed between 67-73... this has gone down but no lower than 63-64 when it's below freezing - Is this Normal??? Sorry to keep asking but I really need to make sure this behaviour is normal - the bike will shoot up to 105C (fan) when in traffic.
Also today when just nipping her to the garage I basically switched her on, without warm up and went round the block (less than 1/3 of a K) and woa!! The bike suddenly felt like a rocketship with loads of umphh low in the revs - but the VFR didn't feel like that this morning - and quite frankly felt sluggish 2-up the other day - has this anything to do with it? I'm sure this thing is alive!!
well the bike runs in a closed loop for the fuel air mixture when the bike is cold and untill it warms up it runs very rich so in the cold mornings it can be very slugish, and as for 63-64C thats very abnormal no matter how cold it is because the thermostat shouldnt even start to open till about 72C and the fan should come on right about 105C
it doesnt sound like ur thermostat ist stuck open all the way just a couple of cm"s so when ur crusing it gradually goes down or like mine it will work properly sometime and stick others, but ive been very concerned about my bikes thermostat so ive looked into any other senarios and it turns out that the thermostat is a completly mechanical part and there are no electonical parts that would cause this oother then mabey ur temp sensor but that doesnt fit the symtoms at all
well good luck at the dealers, hope u get that baby runnin good for the good whether
[image: View Post]Tightwad, on Mar 17 2009, 07:11 PM, said:
The ability to heat up once you get to 185 or so, the actual designed T-stat open position should be about the same....that is in traffic it heats up quick! When I rode to work yesterday it never got over 170. On the way home at 55-60 degrees it got to 190...then i stopped on the side of the road to help a lady with her motorcycle and it idled for 5 minutes....at the end of which temp was 251! Came down fast as soon as I was moving again.
I checked my left rad and it was hot at 135 on the temp gauge (shouldn't be). I am wondering if the T-stat is stuck partway open, thus not allowing full flow at high temp, but allowing flow at cool temps.
wow ur temp should never get that high!!!!!!! on a 90F in gridlock traffic my vfr has never got above 227F
is ur fan working, my only guess is that ur thermostat is just stuck open a lil bit and at high speed it cools below norm and at slow it doesnt allow enough flow
Having been there, and done all that, I'll just say again. If you think the Tstat is fubar, replace it. It sucks, I know. $$$. Get it done.
The difference in performance will justify it all. You think about selling the bike, but spend the $500 first, at least you can say it was just serviced... But you won't sell it. You'll fall in love again.
[image: View Post]magicman, on Mar 18 2009, 01:37 PM, said:
Having been there, and done all that, I'll just say again. If you think the Tstat is fubar, replace it. It sucks, I know. $$$. Get it done.
The difference in performance will justify it all. You think about selling the bike, but spend the $500 first, at least you can say it was just serviced... But you won't sell it. You'll fall in love again.
Ok I'll do it... but WHY next month when I'm getting it serviced :sleep: ... and last month spending money on new brake pads and two new tyres (other had flat, unrepairable)
I think I'd be better off buying a Car .. But I guess as you say.. and Seb AND others... better than getting another bike then regretting it and going back to a VFR like I've done before.
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 18 2009, 12:48 PM, said:
[image: View Post]magicman, on Mar 18 2009, 01:37 PM, said:
Having been there, and done all that, I'll just say again. If you think the Tstat is fubar, replace it. It sucks, I know. $$$. Get it done.
The difference in performance will justify it all. You think about selling the bike, but spend the $500 first, at least you can say it was just serviced... But you won't sell it. You'll fall in love again.
Ok I'll do it... but WHY next month when I'm getting it serviced :sleep: ... and last month spending money on new brake pads and two new tyres (other had flat, unrepairable)
I think I'd be better off buying a Car .. But I guess as you say.. and Seb AND others... better than getting another bike then regretting it and going back to a VFR like I've done before.
I'm not sure what you meant by "WHY etc..." But I can assure you, my car cost many times what my bike does to maintain, insure, and use... If it didn't snow here between Nov and Apr, I'd GLADLY go to a single vehicle. Right now, I'm waiting for an income tax refund to get new brakes (all around, rotors, pads, and cleaned calipers), have to have my new springs and shocks installed, and a new LF ball joint. SURE you want a car? :laugh:
I'm just asking rhetorical questions to myself, as in... it's sods law all this work needs doing at the same time.. as for the car.. neh I'll still take my VFR any day.. even if she is more expensive ;)
Wanted to put in my 2 cents & get some feedback, too. Is going to be my 2nd year with the bike - '04 ABS, and Do love it, but has had Consistent issues, which I felt was probably "normal" for a "used
bike.
My thing with the T-stat is a little different. When I first got the VFR, and ALL last year Up Until The WIRING RECALL Got Done, the bike ran ~173F. Never got above 231-233, even in Dead Traffic & 90F+ outside (fan kicks in ~230, stays on until ~216). BUT - Right AFTER the Recall got done, I noticed (even though it was now Cooler out) that it seemed to run in the high 150's, like 158F, 159F.
I thought that maybe it was a guage issue, or even a "Wiring Resistance" issue, but I guess not...? Bike has like 12,500 miles on it, and I did the basic service/maintenance work (myself, so I know it's Right), but didn't get to the T-stat/Coolant change yet, since it's a 16K deal.
I'll keep a Close eye on this over the next couple of weeks, but sounds like intermittent or partial stuck T-stat, Yes...? My mileage went down a bit, too, but again it was more Brisk riding, regardless of fall temps ;) Since I got sick, I wasn't able to ride much at all last fall, so I don't have better info to back things up yet...
I notice that they (Honda) make a deal out of using "distilled" water, too. Is it possible that some of these issues might have come if someone uses or used regular Tap water instead? That's also supposed to be the thing with Honda-brand 50/50 "pour-right-in" coolant - it's supposed to be pre-mixed with Distilled water.
I thought I would report back because I have seen new posts/questions about engine temp on the board and it seems like a topic that continues to come up. I kept going back and forth based on various posts that I read about other rider's experiences with their engine temps/t-stats and was questioning whether mine stuck or not. I finally went for it this weekend and was glad I did. The thermostat was stuck open and needed to be replaced...plus I checked my valves while the bike was apart and found 5 valves out of spec.
Action was definitely right in saying that the bike should be running in the 170F's regardless of the ambient temp and that would be the same advice I would pass along to anyone with questions about whether or not their thermostat is stuck open (the left radiator check is also a good bit of advice too). On my ride home last night, the bike warmed up MUCH faster and stayed right at 175F with very little fluctuation at highway speeds. When I got back into the city it bounced around between 200-220F. It wasn't terribly cold last night, but still around 40F. Before...the bike would cool down to 155-165F at highway speeds in ambient temps ranging from 30F-50F.
It was a long but successful weekend...the bike is a lot more smooth now (or it could just be my head justifying the many hours it took). We'll see how the gas mileage does this week. It is a pretty big job just because of it's location and was really glad to have info from this site and friends who knew or at least pretended to know what they were doing. ;p
[image: View Post]MakMan, on Mar 21 2009, 10:05 PM, said:
I notice that they (Honda) make a deal out of using "distilled" water, too. Is it possible that some of these issues might have come if someone uses or used regular Tap water instead? That's also supposed to be the thing with Honda-brand 50/50 "pour-right-in" coolant - it's supposed to be pre-mixed with Distilled water.
My guess is that the change and timing of the recall might be a coincidence. I bought my '02 about 2 mos ago, had the recall done last month, and my bike had been running similarly to yours this whole time (no change from before or after the recall). Re: tap water...I would say it could definitely make a difference. When I popped my t-stat out it looked almost like mineral deposits were keeping it stuck open.
[image: View Post]Ravi, on Apr 6 2009, 08:28 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MakMan, on Mar 21 2009, 10:05 PM, said:
I notice that they (Honda) make a deal out of using "distilled" water, too. Is it possible that some of these issues might have come if someone uses or used regular Tap water instead? That's also supposed to be the thing with Honda-brand 50/50 "pour-right-in" coolant - it's supposed to be pre-mixed with Distilled water.
My guess is that the change and timing of the recall might be a coincidence. I bought my '02 about 2 mos ago, had the recall done last month, and my bike had been running similarly to yours this whole time (no change from before or after the recall). Re: tap water...I would say it could definitely make a difference. When I popped my t-stat out it looked almost like mineral deposits were keeping it stuck open.
Some part of the country have very "hard" tap water that could result in mineral scaling within your cooling system.
It one of the reasons I always use the pre-mixed Honda coolant to avoid these concerns all together.
My Thermostat still got stuck last year despite the use of the Honda coolant. I think the thermostat supplier for Honda just makes junk. It's a part that usually goes (gets stuck open mostly) at 10K miles for most VFR owners. Funny thing is, I don't remember having any similar thermostat problems with my Honda cages in the past.
BTW, the stuck thermostat did not have any hint of scaling/mineral deposits when I removed it.
[image: View Post]Ravi, on Apr 6 2009, 12:16 PM, said:
I thought I would report back because I have seen new posts/questions about engine temp on the board and it seems like a topic that continues to come up. I kept going back and forth based on various posts that I read about other rider's experiences with their engine temps/t-stats and was questioning whether mine stuck or not. I finally went for it this weekend and was glad I did. The thermostat was stuck open and needed to be replaced...plus I checked my valves while the bike was apart and found 5 valves out of spec.
Action was definitely right in saying that the bike should be running in the 170F's regardless of the ambient temp and that would be the same advice I would pass along to anyone with questions about whether or not their thermostat is stuck open (the left radiator check is also a good bit of advice too). On my ride home last night, the bike warmed up MUCH faster and stayed right at 175F with very little fluctuation at highway speeds. When I got back into the city it bounced around between 200-220F. It wasn't terribly cold last night, but still around 40F. Before...the bike would cool down to 155-165F at highway speeds in ambient temps ranging from 30F-50F.
It was a long but successful weekend...the bike is a lot more smooth now (or it could just be my head justifying the many hours it took). We'll see how the gas mileage does this week. It is a pretty big job just because of it's location and was really glad to have info from this site and friends who knew or at least pretended to know what they were doing. ;p
Thanks for the info Ravi-very useful and congrats on repairing t-stat and setting valves yourself!
[image: View Post]motomike, on Apr 6 2009, 09:28 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Ravi, on Apr 6 2009, 12:16 PM, said:
I thought I would report back because I have seen new posts/questions about engine temp on the board and it seems like a topic that continues to come up. I kept going back and forth based on various posts that I read about other rider's experiences with their engine temps/t-stats and was questioning whether mine stuck or not. I finally went for it this weekend and was glad I did. The thermostat was stuck open and needed to be replaced...plus I checked my valves while the bike was apart and found 5 valves out of spec.
Action was definitely right in saying that the bike should be running in the 170F's regardless of the ambient temp and that would be the same advice I would pass along to anyone with questions about whether or not their thermostat is stuck open (the left radiator check is also a good bit of advice too). On my ride home last night, the bike warmed up MUCH faster and stayed right at 175F with very little fluctuation at highway speeds. When I got back into the city it bounced around between 200-220F. It wasn't terribly cold last night, but still around 40F. Before...the bike would cool down to 155-165F at highway speeds in ambient temps ranging from 30F-50F.
It was a long but successful weekend...the bike is a lot more smooth now (or it could just be my head justifying the many hours it took). We'll see how the gas mileage does this week. It is a pretty big job just because of it's location and was really glad to have info from this site and friends who knew or at least pretended to know what they were doing. ;p
Thanks for the info Ravi-very useful and congrats on repairing t-stat and setting valves yourself!
Thanks for that info, having just spent another �200 on yearly service/fluids I refuse to spend any extra money on her at the moment, but when I get some dosh together I'll replace it.
Well I've done it, I have found a brand new Thermostat on ebay and bought it for �20, getting it fitted this weekend, I'll let you all know what results occur...
[image: View Post]Tightwad, on Mar 17 2009, 07:11 PM, said:
The ability to heat up once you get to 185 or so, the actual designed T-stat open position should be about the same....that is in traffic it heats up quick! When I rode to work yesterday it never got over 170. On the way home at 55-60 degrees it got to 190...then i stopped on the side of the road to help a lady with her motorcycle and it idled for 5 minutes....at the end of which temp was 251! Came down fast as soon as I was moving again.
I checked my left rad and it was hot at 135 on the temp gauge (shouldn't be). I am wondering if the T-stat is stuck partway open, thus not allowing full flow at high temp, but allowing flow at cool temps.
Not good! It sounds to be stuck partially open judging that it at least gets up to 170, and doesn't cool enough. When mine was stuck mostly open it would never get above 230, and would pretty much be 100 more than ambient temperature on the highway. Another possibility is that it is stuck so far open that your coolant is moving through the radiator before it can cool down, but this isn't likely...
And some of you are forgetting the effects air moving around the engine will have. Just because our engines aren't designed to beair-cooled doesn't mean that air won't cool them. If you are riding at 70 mph, 4,000 RPM on a 40 degree day, thermostat or not you may never get above 170! This is because air will still be cooling the engine down.
On my initial ride back from the dealers I watched in awe of the bike heating up past 65c within a minute. Later that evening in damp conditions on the open road with temps struggling to get past 6C, the bike ran at 76-77C consistantly when purposely riding in 5th at 5000rpm. The VTEC is now very smooth and the bike feels a bit stronger when pulling from 8k?
I know I'm just telling you all what you already know but I can't believe the difference, my VFR feels very happy again and because I went to the same dealer as before, they only charged me an hours labour for over 2 hours work.
So what is the normal operating range. I have never had a bike that told me the temp like this. Usualy just a little red line not to go past,
It was 65 here today & the bike ran about 180-185 all day. at lights got up to abot 200 but sitting in line to get her inspectesd(2002) I rose up to 219
[image: View Post]mitch5032k6, on Mar 17 2009, 02:54 AM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 1 2009, 05:09 PM, said:
Well I've had a very good weekend's riding, just me and my VFR cruising to some far away bike dealerships and plenty of bacon and egg baps for a good excuse to go for 'just a ride', clocking up 350 miles.
On my way back tonight the outside temp dropped dramatically, hovering around 1-2C on the gauge. When setting off I waited untill the engine temp read 40-something C, then sped off into the dark night on the twisty road back to my house. It took a good 10-15 minutes for the bike to reach VTEC temp (64C) and then hovered around 66-67, which meant some transitions were a little harsh (vtec is smooth generally above 75c)...
Could this be the Stator problem, or is it normal for the bike to run pretty cold when the temp is near 0?
Thanks for your time,
Steve
i had the same problem and its deffinetly a thermostat, but my bike only does it every once in a while so the dealer isnt willing to fix it on warrenty but im just gonna go ahead and do it myself the thermostat, fluid, and some o-rings and sealing washers its about a 60 dollar fix ill post a detailed pic by pic how to for the many people that have the same problem
On my initial ride back from the dealers I watched in awe of the bike heating up past 65c within a minute. Later that evening in damp conditions on the open road with temps struggling to get past 6C, the bike ran at 76-77C consistantly when purposely riding in 5th at 5000rpm. The VTEC is now very smooth and the bike feels a bit stronger when pulling from 8k?
I know I'm just telling you all what you already know but I can't believe the difference, my VFR feels very happy again and because I went to the same dealer as before, they only charged me an hours labour for over 2 hours work.
Thanks for all your help :wheel:
YAAAAA!
Glad you finally got it done, and it delivered as promised. Was like a whole new bike to me once mine was done. Now all of your smiles will return, and just in time for your beautiful UK summers. :biggrin:
On my initial ride back from the dealers I watched in awe of the bike heating up past 65c within a minute. Later that evening in damp conditions on the open road with temps struggling to get past 6C, the bike ran at 76-77C consistantly when purposely riding in 5th at 5000rpm. The VTEC is now very smooth and the bike feels a bit stronger when pulling from 8k?
I know I'm just telling you all what you already know but I can't believe the difference, my VFR feels very happy again and because I went to the same dealer as before, they only charged me an hours labour for over 2 hours work.
Thanks for all your help :wheel:
Was this the same dealer that said he never heard of a T-stat going before? Be sure that he has heard now, so the next person that asks wont get the same answer.
Action was definitely right in saying that the bike should be running in the 170F's regardless of the ambient temp and that would be the same advice I would pass along to anyone with questions about whether or not their thermostat is stuck open (the left radiator check is also a good bit of advice too).
I've read a few references to the 'left radiator' as being significant in checking for an open thermostat. Does the t-stat control flow only to the left radiator, i.e coolant flows through engine and right radiator all the time until t-stat opens flow to left radiator?
Joe,
IMO most people check the left rad because of the flow pattern. The coolant comes out of the thermostat housing and goes to the right rad then the left rad (see the service manual for a diagram). As the bike heats up, but before the trhemo opens, the right rad starts getting warm. The left rad stays cooler until the thremo opens, then both heat up rapidly.
Glad you finally got it done, and it delivered as promised. Was like a whole new bike to me once mine was done. Now all of your smiles will return, and just in time for your beautiful UK summers. :biggrin:
[/quote]
Thanks Magicman I really can't believe the difference, I get NO VTEC issues at all now! VERY happy!
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Jun 27 2009, 08:39 AM, said:
magicman said:
YAAAAA!
Glad you finally got it done, and it delivered as promised. Was like a whole new bike to me once mine was done. Now all of your smiles will return, and just in time for your beautiful UK summers. :biggrin:
Thanks Magicman I really can't believe the difference, I get NO VTEC issues at all now! VERY happy!
So, now that we talked you out of selling it (while it had resale), are you looking at the new one with a warm heart? :laugh:
Seriously though, I'm glad your experience was the same as mine and I didn't convince you to spend money on nothing.
[image: View Post]mitch5032k6, on Mar 17 2009, 02:54 AM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 1 2009, 05:09 PM, said:
Well I've had a very good weekend's riding, just me and my VFR cruising to some far away bike dealerships and plenty of bacon and egg baps for a good excuse to go for 'just a ride', clocking up 350 miles.
On my way back tonight the outside temp dropped dramatically, hovering around 1-2C on the gauge. When setting off I waited untill the engine temp read 40-something C, then sped off into the dark night on the twisty road back to my house. It took a good 10-15 minutes for the bike to reach VTEC temp (64C) and then hovered around 66-67, which meant some transitions were a little harsh (vtec is smooth generally above 75c)...
Could this be the Stator problem, or is it normal for the bike to run pretty cold when the temp is near 0?
Thanks for your time,
Steve
i had the same problem and its deffinetly a thermostat, but my bike only does it every once in a while so the dealer isnt willing to fix it on warrenty but im just gonna go ahead and do it myself the thermostat, fluid, and some o-rings and sealing washers its about a 60 dollar fix ill post a detailed pic by pic how to for the many people that have the same problem
This post is good, however now I am a bit nervous. I purchased my 03 used with 4k on it, and after riding an 06 sv650 for a few seasons my vfr seems to be running really hot. Just about always after riding for a half an hour or longer my temp get much hotter then what you guys have stated. Mine has reached 220F and the fans always kick on. Usually cools down to 180-200F.. Fluctuates depending the basic riding conditions, traffic and such..
Does this mean i have a problem, because i spoke with the service mananger at the local Honda shop, and he stated its a common problem with the vfr's running not, and not to be alarmed... help help help
[image: View Post]vfrftw, on Jun 29 2009, 02:34 PM, said:
This post is good, however now I am a bit nervous. I purchased my 03 used with 4k on it, and after riding an 06 sv650 for a few seasons my vfr seems to be running really hot. Just about always after riding for a half an hour or longer my temp get much hotter then what you guys have stated. Mine has reached 220F and the fans always kick on. Usually cools down to 180-200F.. Fluctuates depending the basic riding conditions, traffic and such..
Does this mean i have a problem, because i spoke with the service mananger at the local Honda shop, and he stated its a common problem with the vfr's running not, and not to be alarmed... help help help
[image: View Post]VFRDYLAN, on Jun 29 2009, 10:44 AM, said:
[image: View Post]vfrftw, on Jun 29 2009, 02:34 PM, said:
This post is good, however now I am a bit nervous. I purchased my 03 used with 4k on it, and after riding an 06 sv650 for a few seasons my vfr seems to be running really hot. Just about always after riding for a half an hour or longer my temp get much hotter then what you guys have stated. Mine has reached 220F and the fans always kick on. Usually cools down to 180-200F.. Fluctuates depending the basic riding conditions, traffic and such..
Does this mean i have a problem, because i spoke with the service mananger at the local Honda shop, and he stated its a common problem with the vfr's running not, and not to be alarmed... help help help
Not a problem... that is pretty common temp.
Ok sounds good, just figured it wont hurt to ask. Due to all the thermostate problems people are having I was concerned..
Mine runs within spec - unobstructed (nothing in front of me breaking up the wind) on the highway, she'll run around 180 degrees; in town on hot days, she'll commonly run at 220... While it's within spec, I don't like it running that hot. Planning a flush 'n fill and a replacement of the cap and thermostat.
I don't think I have a leak (or if I do, it's not a bad one), but I get that faint smell of antifreeze when she get's up to temp. Better to tend to the 'stat and cap, and check the lines now than have her break her water on the road somewhere.
I see a lot on here about lower temp thermostats and cheaper replacement caps. Anyone have part #'s or specific guidance on what to buy??
[image: View Post]magicman, on Jun 29 2009, 04:26 AM, said:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Jun 27 2009, 08:39 AM, said:
magicman said:
YAAAAA!
Glad you finally got it done, and it delivered as promised. Was like a whole new bike to me once mine was done. Now all of your smiles will return, and just in time for your beautiful UK summers. :biggrin:
Thanks Magicman I really can't believe the difference, I get NO VTEC issues at all now! VERY happy!
So, now that we talked you out of selling it (while it had resale), are you looking at the new one with a warm heart? :laugh:
Seriously though, I'm glad your experience was the same as mine and I didn't convince you to spend money on nothing.
Have fun. Ride safe.
My VFR is staying right with me :biggrin: ... although I am very interested in the new VFR of course but I wont be even thinking about buying one till they have been out for a year or two... beside it's all just a 'want' thing, as my 6th gen VFR does everything I need and more besides, and so far looks to be the best looking out of all generations (including the new one)!
End of thread · 61 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 10 Apr 2010