VFR 5th Generation Thermostat Replacement

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Big_Jim59, May 2, 2015.

  1. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    I am with you man! I rebuilt the engine in my VTR because I felt more comfortable with that project. I paint a pretty bleak picture but it can be done. Just be careful and make notes of hose placement if you think you will forget.
     
  2. ricky

    ricky New Member

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    Amen!!

    I had to go back in there 2 more times.

    The real sucky part is I didn't do it while the frame was off the engine in the midst of the engine swap.

    no no... I had to notice the issue after I install the TB, the, frame then airbox, wire it all up..

    Then I remove everything and replace the cracked hose and put it back.

    I notice one of the 2 short hoses from the tstat housing is not sealed well.

    remove again and try to reseat the hoses and reinstall everything. start the bike warm it up.. still leaking damn it

    go back in there , this time remeve the water inlet pipe from the engine and clean up and smooth-en the hose seating area by lightly sanding , then reinstall. finally we have a good seal woo hoo.

    Next time I have to do something like this on a V4 I am plunking down the cash for a cooling system pressure tester and using it before reassembling everything..


    On the bright side, doing it the third time in two nights, it did't seem so bad lol. Started to look like an easy job.
     
  3. joffen

    joffen New Member

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    I found it to be less of an issue where the hoses and connectors were going, more the order of disconnecting. Make a note of the order you disconnect/unclip/remove stuff, because I found only one order that is reasonably easy and that was the exact opposite of consistently removing the tightest hose/wire.

    Another tip: I just realized that some people leave the two hoses from the bottom of the airbox that go across the TBs on the TBs. let them stay on the airbox bottom and disconnect at the TB end, at least on my bike it was a lot easier to reconnect there.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  4. Corkey

    Corkey New Member

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    I just replaced the thermostat and every coolant hose on my 5th Gen. It was a long process. I had the bike apart for over two weeks getting it done. I took my time and asked a lot of questions on the forums to make sure I wasn't missing something. Being the first time pulling it apart I made sure I followed the service manual and labeled everything I disconnected. I also put all the parts in labeled zip lock bags for when it time to put it all back together. Once I had everything apart I was committed to getting it done. I will admit is was a bit more time consuming and a tad more challenging than I anticipated.

    I disconnected so many electrical connections, hoses and vacuum tubes that I wasn't sure the thing would start when I was finished. It did start, however it started smoking and continued for about 30 seconds. It was enough smoke to set off the smoke alarm. I was concerned that something was burning or melting down in there somewhere. I got out the fire extinguisher and frantically checked everything, but couldn't locate any problem. I eventually chalked it up to some oil or coolant that had been somehow been spilled on the motor.
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2015
  5. VFRBELGIUM

    VFRBELGIUM New Member

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    Hi guys,

    In regards of changing the thermostat, would it be wise to stay with a new the OEM thermostat for the VFR or are some replacements considered more durable?

    Many thanks in advance
     
  6. VFRIRL

    VFRIRL New Member

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    Have never heard of an aftermarket stat being better, I read that you can use the stat from a 1980's Honda civic in some earlier Hondas like the ST1100 but I don't know about the 5th gen, it's so much hassle to get in there be sure you do everything right first time, any dodgy looking hoses or clamps or O rings I'd replace all when I'm in there if I were you, good luck and let us know how you get on, and we love pics!!
     
  7. VFRBELGIUM

    VFRBELGIUM New Member

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    I was considering same
    I have ordered a new thermostat with my local honda dealer two weeks ago so it should arrive in a few days.
     
  8. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    About to tackle this myself, have OEM thermostat and a set of AES silicone hoses. Valve check will be done also.
     
  9. VFRBELGIUM

    VFRBELGIUM New Member

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    I think i will re use my coolant hoses they still seem nice and soft

    Good luck for you i dont expect this will be too hard
     
  10. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    I'd suggest that you also include the o-rings that sit under the cast elbows that bolt to the cylinder heads; these will have compresed and may not seal well if you disturb the hoses. There's also a big o-ring in the thermostat body that you could/should replace.
     
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  11. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Thanks, Terry, I did get all the O-rings also.........
     
  12. wiso

    wiso New Member

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    Used the Honda service manual to pull my thermostat today, found it stuck open. Previous owner used green coolant also, instead of the Honda HP. While I am this far the valve clearences are next.
     
  13. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I use Prestone long life/5 yr. 50-50 premix, which is silicate free, ~$10/gal. No 2 year stuff for me, but OK if you want to.
     
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  14. wiso

    wiso New Member

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    Honda HP is OEM spec, not sure what you means by 2 year stuff. I tend to use motorcycle coolant in my motorcycles. Trying to save a few dollars on something as important as vital fluids isn't for me.
     
  15. wiso

    wiso New Member

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    I would bet that if this bike had the Honda coolant in it, the thermostat would still be fine.
     
  16. wiso

    wiso New Member

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    Its like motor oil, sparkplugs, and Ginger VS Maryanne, everyone has their preferences. I used to be a dealer mechanic, is was OEM only there.
     
  17. GreginDenver

    GreginDenver New Member

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    Didn't Honda HP used to be Green in color (or more like a very green-ish blue-green), and about 2 years ago it changed over to a much more Blue color?
     
  18. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I'm sure we could get into another "oil" thread with coolant, but I like simple. My preference is to use a brand name long life/5 year coolant where I can check labels or do some homework on. Most of the OEM bike makers say change it every x miles/2 years. They also don't tell you what it is, and most OEM logo'd stuff tends to be marked up over aftermarket brands. If you're a supporter of using OEM brand, then follow the maintenance schedule is all I can say if that's what they designed it for. It is also well known that Hondas need silicate-free alledgedly due to concerns with water pump seals, but I think that's a good idea anyway.
    It's the corrosion inhibitors that are of more concern, and that can be checked say every two years with a voltmeter. PH can be checked also to see if it's starting to turn acidic... and I can't say I've had my coolant go any more than 4 years before I had to change it for some other reason e.g., valve check on my FJR's, coolant change necessary. But it's always tested good at that age.... any rad replacements I've heard of have been from external factors, corrosion of fins or damaged.
    As for thermostats, I don't think they care what they see... but it does make me wonder why Honda thermostats seem to fail more than any other bike I've known, e.g., ST1300's but not Goldwings..... I'm new to VFR's and seems quite a few I'm reading about... is it a V4 thing? Who knows, it just seems a bit odd to me.... mine will be getting a fresh OEM thermostat even though the PO changed it not long ago.
     
  19. wiso

    wiso New Member

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  20. wiso

    wiso New Member

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    I always fine it interesting when people don't use what the manufacturer specs out for the machines, just to save a few dollars.
    Using the car coolant saves you $15 on the VFR800. To just say the thermostat doesn't care what coolant its in, without factual data, is making a big assumption. I tend to believe the fluids are specific for a reason. But to save a few dollars, people use whatever they "think" is good enough.
     
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