Ray J Neal Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 Is there an acceptable temperature range for normal operation? I measured the cyl head at 201 degrees F after idling for about 8 minutes. I image this is acceptable due to no airflow across the radiator. It is a new-to-me bike so I removed the pump cover, clamped off the hose and let it idle for five seconds to ensure proper operation and no slippage. The plastic impeller was replaced by a dealer during a bottom and top end rebuild the P/O had done two months ago. I image these hot temps are acceptable if it is idling, not moving for an extended period of time? What is an acceptable temp range, and a danger range? I live in the Midwest, no tropical climate weather here. Thanks Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotta_goatsfast Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 While 200 degrees is okay (I would start to worry around 215) I usually run between 170 trailing to almost 200 abusing it. I never let mine idle unless its to warm it up to operating temp. Even if it is warming up, I still never let it idle for 8 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06specialedition Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 When its 95+ degree's here, I run about 190ish duning hard. I would shut it down at 215-220. A good upgrade is a oversized aluminum radiator, and right now you can get one for a steal on ebay. Just FYI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray J Neal Posted August 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 When its 95+ degree's here, I run about 190ish duning hard. I would shut it down at 215-220. A good upgrade is a oversized aluminum radiator, and right now you can get one for a steal on ebay. Just FYI. The cheapest I see is for $160 by Boss. Is that the one? I am thinking about getting on inline temperature gauge for it as well. Is it normal for me to be running these temps? I am going to drain the cooling system, flush it and refill. Around 185-190 I can hear the radiator gurgling when I shut it off. Coolant should not be doing that at those temps, unless there is an air pocket. The radiator hose off of the water pump outlet is luke warm at best, while the fat hose from the cylinder head is HOT. Is this correct? I'll be back soon to check back with ya'll. I'm headed back to the garage to tear it down. My +8 swinger and other goodies will be here Friday. -Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koolguyson Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 200 at an idle is too hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray J Neal Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 I just had a revelation. I am getting my temp readings (200 @ idle) with a thermal gun pointed at the top of the cylinder head. 200 at the head is not the same as 200 degree coolant, correct? Where are you guys getting your readings? I assume a gauge placed inline with the flow of coolant? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbooker82 Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 I just had a revelation. I am getting my temp readings (200 @ idle) with a thermal gun pointed at the top of the cylinder head. 200 at the head is not the same as 200 degree coolant, correct? Where are you guys getting your readings? I assume a gauge placed inline with the flow of coolant? Yep right at the exit on the front of the head. I shut mine down at around 225-230. Best way to cool down a hot shee is to point the radiator in to the wind on the top of a dune and let it idle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray J Neal Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 I was checking on the side of the head, next to the spark plug. Possibly my readings are way off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koolguyson Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 I was checking on the side of the head, next to the spark plug. Possibly my readings are way off. You want cylinder temp. That is what is important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray J Neal Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Then the guys who are running inline water temp gauges say they shut down around 220, are actually reaching much higher cylinder head temps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koolguyson Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Then the guys who are running inline water temp gauges say they shut down around 220, are actually reaching much higher cylinder head temps. Cylinder head will be much hotter than what the water gauge will say. When I was running a temp gauge a long time ago, I jetted my bike to stay at 180. I like things safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray J Neal Posted September 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 What I am getting at is when you say 180, you're talking water temp, right? So you're actually over 200 at the top of the cylinder head. That's what I am asking. Anyone able to give me an acceptable temperature when measured at the cylinder head? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotax Raptor Posted September 3, 2011 Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 Think about the boiling temp of water ?????? No motor runs that hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camatv Posted September 3, 2011 Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 actually with a pressre cap they can.. thats what its there for. coolant is just that modified water with a higher boiling point the pressure cap makes it all work you can get a 13 or a 16 in import size. i think the better q would be whats the prime opp temp of the motor..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray J Neal Posted September 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 My point is this. If your vehicle operates between 180-215 (what you see on the instrument display), if you shoot the top of the cylinder head with an IR thermal gun, the reading will be higher. Measuring temp at the top of the Banshee head, what would be acceptable. Maybe next time one of you is out riding and sees their water temp (by gauge) around 190-200 or wherever you prefer it, take a reading at the cylinder head. I am curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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