Cooling Problem? What temps do you run?

[K3]

I was riding my newly acquired 03 in town today and the temp was climbing very fast. Not riding hard, in traffic, on a cool day, I was beween 208 and 219. I read the manual and see 220+ is high and 229+ is dangerous high. What are your riding temps generally? I will check fluid when it cools down. Also what level should be on the overflow chamber? Thanks for any input.

[vinnyf]

Cheers, Kevin,
Well, the newer S3 is "improved" in that they no longer put calibrations on the temp gauge, but I had a scanner plugged into my diagnostic port the other day - at idle, the temp climbed to around 206 degrees Fahrenheit, when the fan kicked in. The temp then stabilized around 206-210. I believe you're right - 219 seems kind of high, but not obscenely so. I'd check the thermostat, make sure the fan is coming on at the right temp, and that there are no air bubbles in the system - you know, all the normal stuff. Generally, overflow tanks run around 1/4 to 1/2 full. Good luck!

[lzxray]

When I ride in traffic my temps run about the same as you stated. If I have to sit a light for a minute or two and it is warm out, my bike will hit 104 C which is about 219 F. The fan kicks on at 103 C and will get her cooled back down pretty wuick back to 99-100 C. I asked the dealer and they said that it is normal. When I run around the highway it is usually around 80 C or 176 F.

[K3]

Radiator fluid levels are good. I will next have to check when the fan is kicking in. I guess I will just ride it around the neighborhood and see if I can get it over 219. I assume there is a fan whirring noise. Is the fan kick in adjustable. How is it regulated? Is there a way to switch back and forth from celcius to farenheit on the gauge cluster? Any other feedback appreciated.

[Speed3]

My bike used to overheat and spew coolant, but I put in some waterless coolant with a higher boiling point, and have had no problems since.Evans

[vinnyf]

Cheers, Kevin,
Fan will make a nice warm breeze when idling for a few minutes - it'll be very obvious. Thermo switch is usually located in the radiator, but someone with better knowledge will surely provide a more authoritative response. Thermo switch is usually not adjustable. And a key press combo will switch between metric and imperial measure on the gauge cluster, but I don't have info on the '03, so again I'll defer to better informed members. But a bad thermostat, fan or fan switch can give you real high temps real fast.

[xrod]

Those temps sound normal to me on a hot day. Like metioned earlier, burp the system. If it really bothers you, add some Water Wetter or change to Engine Ice or even better, Evans. Of course, with a Tuneboy you can change the temp that the fan kicks on.

[Captain_Rat]

Guys,

I am planning to buy some Engine Ice for my coolant replacement. For those of you that have flushed yours, does one bottle do the trick? I think it comes in 1/2 gallons (1.89 liters).

Thanks,
Capt.

[Klugman]

Mine runs 175 to 219. Nothing more nothing less...except of course when its warming up.

[K3]

Thanks for the info. The bike is good now. My fan comes on at 219 and cools down. I was running it in lower gears in town so that contributed to the higher temp also. I did not want to go on any long trips with this potential problem but now I am comfortable with it. Thanks for all of your feedback.