Overheating Sucks.

Napalm · 09-14-2004, 11:04 PM

The infamous overheating RC51 strikes again.

Three 105 degree days in a row and three days I've overheated on the RC. Ended up sitting on the side of the highway waiting for it to cool down. Coolant level was alright and the fans were working. So, I dropped it off at the dealer for them to take a look (since it is only a few months old, what could it hurt?). After that Ill be trying Engine Ice and a manual fan switch. Not many people I've talked to have seen the RC51 hit 252 deg. even here in Phoenix.

What about you guys?? Typical running temps? Any suggestions?

Napalm · 09-15-2004, 11:43 PM

Cooling system checked out okay. Flushed the system and added Engine Ice and today (was only 102 F but drove it the same distance in the same traffic) and the bike ran about 15-20 degrees cooler the whole way. Problem solved I think. woohoo.

CadeFoster · 09-16-2004, 12:03 AM

Thanks for the update. Very good to know that. The Superhawk doesn't have a left fan so I put a 5" sunnen pc fan on it (blows 110cfm ya know). It helped but nice to know that Engine Ice will drop it further.

FryDaddy · 09-16-2004, 01:44 PM

you could put a front mount radiator on it like some guys (if you have around a $1,000 to spare). I want one really bad, but then I say I could buy some other items for the bike. Don't know what to do ???

Napalm · 09-17-2004, 01:21 AM

I've also heard that you can wrap the pipes with insulating tape of some sort as they pass under the oil pan and that will keep some of the heat away. Ever heard of that?

CadeFoster · 09-17-2004, 03:06 AM

Funny you say that, that's exactly what I'm going to do, but just wrapping the 10" section that passes by the pan. I'd never put that stuff on my car due to corrosion and absorption, but since I have a full roll of header wrap, I'll just change it once in awhile and leave off during the winter. Not sure it'll drop the water temp but it'll definitely help with the oil not breaking down.

FryDaddy · 09-17-2004, 10:24 AM

Where do you get the insulating tape / header wrap from. I've seen people do the rear headers to keep the shock cooler. How much does it cost for a roll.

Blade-Runner · 09-17-2004, 11:39 AM

FYI I run Engine Ice in my 600RR. It'll drop the bike's running temp for a few weeks and then it'll go back up to the average running temps of standard coolant.

There is some type of air scope you can buy to help get air flow over the radiators. (see below pic)

CadeFoster · 09-17-2004, 11:42 PM

Fins are a good idea, any idea who makes them? Fry, you should be able to buy the header wrap from a local speed shop or from SummitRacing.com. I think a 15ft roll goes for about $10-$15.

FryDaddy · 09-21-2004, 09:55 AM

Thanks for the info Cade. I know that the picture that Blade has posted above is from kyleusa.com He specializes in items for the rc51. Also, try bigvalleyhonda.com, they sell those fins for about $130 or somewhere in that neighborhood.

ResidentEvil · 10-01-2004, 06:51 PM

Somebody once said to try and reverse the air flow of one of the fans????

FryDaddy · 10-04-2004, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ResidentEvil

Somebody once said to try and reverse the air flow of one of the fans????

I think you are talking about disconnecting the right fan on the 2002 and up models. Some said that worked for there bikes while others say it doesn't. The best way to keep cool is not to look down at the readout. Just set that side to odometer or trip meter. Problem solved. Theres always a flashing or solid light if it does get to hot to alert you of a problem.

JustLikeThat · 10-29-2004, 06:16 PM

I had this problem when I first got mine... 105 degree day, open road, and the damned overtemp light came on. I talked to the dealer who claimed that if your driving from light to light, in traffic, or behind a car this will happen. But I've also been told that 'water wetter' can be a solution...

STO · 10-29-2004, 11:43 PM

So how do you make the fans come on when you want? Is there a way to set a temp gauge to kick the fans on before they start overheating? Has anybody rigged a system to just switch on for when sitting in traffic? Maybe a toggle switch?

Napalm · 01-02-2005, 11:19 AM

Here is a thread with some different ideas. New oil cooler and hard lines.
http://www.motorush.com/forums/messa...threadid=25741

In the next couple of months I am going to try out a few of these things so that I hopefully never see 257 deg on the display again (!!!).