Water temp

Looking for opinions...I have a ‘16 k 1600 gtl. As you know there’s a bar graph on dash for water temp. Every since it was new it ran, depending on weather at 2 to 4 bars, average 3 bars. It would have to idle quite a while before it would get warm enough to kick the fan on. I just recently had the 18k service done which included removing the radiator & flushing the cooling system. Now the bike runs at 5 bars & will go from dead cold to 5 bars within a mile. It will also climb to the point to kick the fan on every time I stop at a couple stoplights. I went back to dealer, they said there was an air bubble in system & it was fine now. Bike still runs at same temps. I just recently completed a 2000 mi trip with no overheating problems, but I can’t help to feel like there something restricting the flow, not letting the coolant circulate properly. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

My 2012 GT runs between 4 & 5 bars rock steady in normal riding.
Never noticed how long it takes to get up to temp.

Joe

I’d ask if the coolant system was refilled using a vacuum tool. That’s the only way to guarantee no air entrapment in the head passages.

Edit: Also, verify that coolant level is correct in the reservoir...

Best,
DeVern

GTRider said:

I’d ask if the coolant system was refilled using a vacuum tool. That’s the only way to guarantee no air entrapment in the head passages.

Edit: Also, verify that coolant level is correct in the reservoir...

Best,
DeVern

Click to expand...

Thanks.. Not sure about vacuum tool. I think fluid level look high but after 2nd visit they stated everything was correct.

marv-lou said:

Thanks.. Not sure about vacuum tool. I think fluid level look high but after 2nd visit they stated everything was correct.

Click to expand...

Well, I don’t claim to be a certified tech or an engineer and I didn’t sleep at a Holiday Inn last night, but IMHO the symptoms you describe would certainly be in line with having an air pocket trapped at a sensor location—but I have no idea where the K16 mounts it’s sensors. And if there is air trapped in the system and fluid in the reservoir, the fluid level is moot—the system will never draw in fluid and relieve the problem. If the situation is really bothersome you may want to treat it as you would a medical issue and get a second opinion by having the fluid drained and refilled using the factory-recommended vacuum tool, possibly by another dealer. That’s a reasonably-priced way to scratch that possibility off the list.

Good luck,
DeVern

GTRider said:

Well, I don’t claim to be a certified tech or an engineer and I didn’t sleep at a Holiday Inn last night, but IMHO the symptoms you describe would certainly be in line with having an air pocket trapped at a sensor location—but I have no idea where the K16 mounts it’s sensors. And if there is air trapped in the system and fluid in the reservoir, the fluid level is moot—the system will never draw in fluid and relieve the problem. If the situation is really bothersome you may want to treat it as you would a medical issue and get a second opinion by having the fluid drained and refilled using the factory-recommended vacuum tool, possibly by another dealer. That’s a reasonably-priced way to scratch that possibility off the list.

Good luck,
DeVern

Click to expand...

Thanks so much. Will look into that

What temps are your k 1600’s averaging ?

I have a 2014 and it always runs with 4 or 5 bars, it's never been cooler or hotter for long periods of time. It has been up to 8 bars in extreme conditions but normal operations, it is solid at 4 or 5 bars.

Our 2019 K1600GT Sport is a 5 bar temp bike.

It comes up to 5 bars in short order and generally/usually stays right there.

In hot, slow moving conditions it will go up to 8 bars with the fan coming on either at 7 or 8 bars.

All the K bikes I've owned will get into the hot zone when in slow moving traffic in lower gears when the temps are above freezing

Ok thanks guys. Guess maybe mines ok then