Engine winter temps

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by fitzharris, Feb 16, 2014.

  1. fitzharris

    fitzharris New Member

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    What are your wintertime engine temps around town/highway in the northern climes ?


    Around town for me at 40F the bike wants to run at 160 to 180 degrees F.
     
  2. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    The thermostat opens at 170 so of it's working correctly, you should see 168+
     
  3. Fantastic!

    Fantastic! New Member

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    Yeah mine never goes above 167 when it's cold and I ride daily even at 32 and under temps. I suspect the thermos is stuck open.
     
  4. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    167 would be ok as long as it's not dropping below there once it's already warmed up.
     
  5. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Tape over your oil cooler for winter running.
     
  6. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I don't tape over my oil cooler and life is fine. Just run the proper viscosity oil for the temperatures.
     
  7. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Well, Tinkerbelle, Squirrelman likes to keep his oil temp running about 180 all the time, whatever the weather.
     
  8. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Well, Tinki, Squirrelman likes to keep his oil temp running about 180F. all the time, whatever the weather.
     
  9. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    The reading I've done said that oil temps in some engines will reach as much as 20deg higher than water temps. Haven't done any testing myself or read of VFR engine oil temps. But being a gadget geek, I'd love to install one of those oil drain plug temp sensors and see what's really going on - especially since I've oversized my oil cooler.
     
  10. fitzharris

    fitzharris New Member

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    After reading the posts I began monitoring the temp. Seems like i need a new thermostat. Ran cold today below 167 and












    on the freeway 40 minutes @ 65 mph it was reading 150... that says thermostat stuck open. Am I correct on this?
     
  11. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    Yes, t'stat is not functioning properly. It either doesn't fully close or it's opening too soon. It's common for them to fail in the open condition and I don't know if I've ever read of one stuck closed. A new one will likely have your engine warm up to proper temp much faster.

    It's not a fun job on the VFR but replacement would be the right way to fix it. The Red Green way would be with cardboard and ductape.
     
  12. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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  13. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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  14. fitzharris

    fitzharris New Member

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    Thanks all...will repost after installation.
     
  15. fitzharris

    fitzharris New Member

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    Update,
    Thermostat stuck half way open...replaced. Air box had mouse nest in it (previous owner lived on farm). Replaced air filter. Going for a 500+ mile ride...expecting better MPG and warmer running engine.

    mouse.jpg
     
  16. schleygo

    schleygo New Member

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    Glad to hear you worked it out.

    Not to thread jack, but I road around town in 72degree weather yesterday. My bike would run at 190 when cruising at 45mph, but it would get up to 225 when sitting at a stoplight for more than 2 minutes. I could hear the fan come on when at a stop light. Am I running normal?
     
  17. fitzharris

    fitzharris New Member

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    190 in stop and go and 225 (as long as the fans kick in) when stopped is about right IMO.
     
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