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General Discussion
Started by fatbretcantjump at 07-12-2010 9:06 AM. Topic has 24 replies.
  
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 07-12-2010, 9:06 AM
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fatbretcantjump
 
Joined on 03-31-2010
Abilene, TX
Posts 2
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should my CX run this hot? pics
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Hello everyone. I bought my CX in March. I'm finally going to stop lurking and start posting.
I'm wondering if my temperature is a little too high. When the bike warms up, it seems to reach the spot where the thin white line meets the thick white line fairly quickly. For short trips, it doesn't get much warmer than that.
But on long trips over 1/2 hour or so, the temperature continues to inch up, very gradually, until it looks like this (or even a tad higher). In a perfect world, should it be this high?
(The last pic was taken when I pulled over and sat running for a minute. After I got moving again, the temp edged back down a bit.)
Not knowing the last time the coolant was changed, I had already followed Spanish Bandit's excellent instructions on flushing the system with vinegar and then distilled water. I then refilled it with Prestone 50/50 premix.
It doesn't seem to have affected the temperature at which my bike runs. Any ideas, or am I worrying over nothing?
Thanks!!
Bret in Abilene, TX
1981 CX500 Custom
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07-12-2010, 9:27 AM
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dccoleman
Joined on 04-01-2007
Rochester, MN USA
Posts 418
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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Looks exactly like mine has for the past four years. Do you know if the 7v regulator was replaced with a homemade one? If so, they tend to show a little warmer.
***********************
1979 CX500 Deluxe
1983 GL650I
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07-12-2010, 9:30 AM
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rickbert
Joined on 01-05-2009
Missouri....60 mis East of KC
Posts 1,384
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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That's really border line...obviously if it gets into the RED then that's a problem (is why it's RED) ! Some will tell you if it doesn't get into the red it's ok and some will tell you to replace the thermostat and some will tell you your 7volt regulator that supplies the regulated power to the temp gauge might need checked or replaced.....
1982 CX500C...22K miles...owned since 10/08
My age: 45
Bike's name: "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress"
If you need to contact me personally send an email, I never get my pm's for some reason.
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07-12-2010, 9:45 AM
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DougD
Joined on 05-29-2009
Dundas Ontario Age 43
Posts 201
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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If the bike runs well I'd suspect the 30 year old electrics. If you have a way measure the cylinder head and rad temperatures and maybe someone can compare. We have a nifty laser temperature gun at work that I borrow for such things.
At least on CX's the fan runs continuously, once my Wife came home and announced the Interceptor was running weird. The themostat switch for the fan had failed and with no fan the motor was sizzling hot.
80 CX500 Deluxe - Sold
86 Interceptor 500
93 Kawi Concours
81 GL500 - The Silver Thing, gone but not forgotten
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07-12-2010, 10:13 AM
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charliefrench2oo8
Joined on 07-06-2010
Cameron Park, CA
Posts 38
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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Thats about where mine runs now. used to sit on the 1/2 line..
1982 GL500 Interstate (Purchased May 2009)
72k. Running strong.
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07-12-2010, 10:19 AM
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Reg in Bristol
Joined on 03-11-2006
Bristol UK
Posts 782
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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It does look a little hotter than normal
My gauge sits the junction between the thin and thick lines
in normal use, but will rise if riding in traffic in the current heatwave
This is with a home made regulator BTW
Sorry but I cant agree with 'home made regulators make the gauges run higher'
made load of em and all other things being equal, theres little or no difference.
Why does yours show so high?
Electrical:
checking the 7v reg is a good, easy and fast first move
Bad or intermittent earthing of the regulator can drive the output voltage
up too, this will make the gauge read higher.
ifyou get a steady 7v near as dammit, then it possible the spring in the
bimetal gauge is getting weaker due to age and deflects more easily
the sender may be dropping to a lower than normal resistance at any given temp
usually its about 50 ohms at normal running temp
if all is well you'd have to say its
Mechanical:
Sticky thermostat
blockage in rad passages or airways
lack of coolant
Impellor slipping on splines ( its been known)
Stuff like that
The 'Mongrel' is on the road
78 frame, ZAB gubbins, 82 'TI' motor, Suzuki clocks, MZ screen
and gaiters, Kawasaki master cylinder, BMW horns
DIY wiring
and all thrown together with a fanatical inattention to detail :-)
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07-12-2010, 12:03 PM
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ted
Joined on 08-09-2009
Charlestown, RI
Posts 29
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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I've been through lots of overheating cars. Usually they overheat when radiators get old and the fins corrode where they contact the fluid pipes. This causes poor heat conduction. There used to be places that could put a new core in your old radiator.
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07-12-2010, 12:24 PM
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Timothy_D
Joined on 04-22-2006
Santa Rosa, CA
Posts 1,585
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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Completely flush the system of the Prestone coolant.
Replace with Engine Ice, and 2-3 ounces of Water Wetter.
CX500 Turbo, GL650I, Two CX650E's, and one Crown Jewel of the CX line- CX650T.
Why do I own five CX/GL bikes? Ask an alcoholic why he drinks.
Donating Member.
Sold: 1981 CX500D, 2- 1982 CX500T's, 1983 CX650C.
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07-12-2010, 12:29 PM
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Shep
Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,647
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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07-12-2010, 1:18 PM
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dccoleman
Joined on 04-01-2007
Rochester, MN USA
Posts 418
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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I think he said he did a system flush. I stand corrected about the homemade regulators, but still say you're in the nominal range. My CX and GL both run in that area on a warm day (over 80F).
By the way, Abilene, Texas averages thirty degrees warmer than the UK, which is probably enough to account for the small discrepancy.
***********************
1979 CX500 Deluxe
1983 GL650I
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07-12-2010, 2:20 PM
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Shep
Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,647
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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 dccoleman wrote: | I think he said he did a system flush. I stand corrected about the homemade regulators, but still say you're in the nominal range. My CX and GL both run in that area on a warm day (over 80F).
By the way, Abilene, Texas averages thirty degrees warmer than the UK, which is probably enough to account for the small discrepancy.
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I totally agree with you that in hotter climates the temp gauge may read a little higher and still be safe and of course there may be fluctuations in the 7v regulator output as well as things like the Temp sensor getting tired.Nothing really to worry about unless it climbs too high when under normal air-cooling.
I like my cooling systems to be as good as I can get as I have very old parts in my engines and try to give them as much help as I can in staying alive<grin> 
I also never have,"Old" oil in my engines and when I have had a cooling problem where the bike/s have been run hotter than normal for a length of time I change the oil as it's cheap enough if you use as I do Supermarket 10w40/15w40.
My Music
http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/
Join Just In Case :)
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/
Id quot circumiret, circumveniat
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07-12-2010, 3:44 PM
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Abes_CW
Joined on 04-17-2007
saskatoon
Posts 3,036
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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That guage looks normal for my 650, and my 650 goes higher than that in stop and go. Fan doesn't kick in until 7/8th.
1983 GL650i
Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure!
age 38 (29 plus tax)
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07-13-2010, 1:00 AM
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spanish bandit
Joined on 02-12-2009
southern spain
Posts 5,010
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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last summer i rode my bike in temperatures in excess of 54c........the gauge still stayed in the same place,joint fat/thin.rising 1/8 inch if stopped in traffic.
cooling system worked fine.it messed the carbs up,but thats a different story
when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s
-----------------------------
2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]
2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]
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07-13-2010, 1:51 AM
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Reg in Bristol
Joined on 03-11-2006
Bristol UK
Posts 782
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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I suggest you do the electrical checks above
If the 7v reg is running slightly high, this could account for the
gauge needle climbing
You need to do a few tests though as a quick look may not give the full picture
At switch on the regulator may look ok but give an increased output due to
internal warming and component age.
Test at initial turn on then after its been in use for while and compare readings
On my first CX I pulled the cooling system apart looking for non existent faults
before I realised the 7V reg had failed
I think many of us have been caught out by that one
The electrical checks are quick cheap and easy
and may save you from getting the spanners out until you really need to
The 'Mongrel' is on the road
78 frame, ZAB gubbins, 82 'TI' motor, Suzuki clocks, MZ screen
and gaiters, Kawasaki master cylinder, BMW horns
DIY wiring
and all thrown together with a fanatical inattention to detail :-)
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07-13-2010, 6:59 AM
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gopher
Joined on 11-06-2008
Sk.Ca. Age 56
Posts 608
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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I've done all the checks mentioned above because I thought the bike was running too cold. Everything tested fine. The engine heats quickly and never moves more than a needles width higher regardless of load or air temp. I'm thinking its OK?
1981 GL500I
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07-13-2010, 7:08 AM
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spanish bandit
Joined on 02-12-2009
southern spain
Posts 5,010
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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| gopher wrote: | I've done all the checks mentioned above because I thought the bike was running too cold. Everything tested fine. The engine heats quickly and never moves more than a needles width higher regardless of load or air temp. I'm thinking its OK?
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im thinking the same....your good to go
when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s
-----------------------------
2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]
2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]
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07-13-2010, 8:51 AM
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Mell00
Joined on 12-05-2009
Sherrills Ford North Carolina
Posts 58
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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Has anyone ever checked the calibration of the OEM gauge to see where the needle is at certain temperatures?
Any good gasoline engine's operating temperature should be in the range of 180 degrees f to 210 degrees f on newer vehicles. 180f for older vehicles is usually a standard temp. Running an engine any colder then that drastically increases engine wear and will be less efficient.
It would be interesting to know exactly what the temp is when the needle is on the half way point and just before the red mark.
Also, a infared temp gun is a decent tool but it will not measure the acutal temp of the coolant coming out of the head or going back into the engine after going through the radiator.
Knowing what temp the electrical fan switch comes on at is can also be a good indicator of the actual temp.
Current stable: 79' CX500C, 86' FZX700 (resto projuect), 04' KTM 125SX, 96' KTM 360EXC, 99' KTM300MXC (resto project), 04' CRF70, 99' PW50, 91'LT250R (resto project)
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07-13-2010, 9:26 AM
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fatbretcantjump
Joined on 03-31-2010
Abilene, TX
Posts 2
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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Thanks, guys!
I will start by checking the 7v reg. I found some info on this thread. I have a multimeter.
Does anyone happen to have a picture of the wires I need to test? And something about using a screwdriver to reach the sending unit under the tank?
From what I can tell, here's what I need to do:
1. Test the sending wire (the one coming out of the thermostat housing?) for 7 volts, +-. This means one of my multimeter leads goes on the wire, and the other grounded to the frame.
2. If it's not close to 7 volts on a cold engine, take apart the headlight and make sure the regulator ground is connected.
Please speak up if I'm wrong.
Thanks!
Bret in Abilene, TX
1981 CX500 Custom
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07-13-2010, 9:39 AM
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dccoleman
Joined on 04-01-2007
Rochester, MN USA
Posts 418
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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| Shep wrote: | | . . . and of course there may be fluctuations in the 7v regulator output as well as things like the Temp sensor getting tired. . . . |
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Good point. I think I have another temp sensor I'll pop in the CX and see how it compares with the current one.
| Shep wrote: | | I like my cooling systems to be as good as I can get as I have very old parts in my engines and try to give them as much help as I can in staying alive<grin> |
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That's why you get so many darned miles from your bikes, Shep! Your bikes will outlive us all!
David
***********************
1979 CX500 Deluxe
1983 GL650I
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07-13-2010, 9:45 AM
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Shep
Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,647
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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07-13-2010, 5:14 PM
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SLiM
Joined on 06-10-2010
Carnation, WA.
Posts 10
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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Looks Normal to me, Mine will run that hot when the Air temp is above 80F, it will also spike up in stop and go traffic, or just after exiting the freeway but never runs up any higher than what your second pic shows.
1982 GL500, Original Owner Bought it New when I was 22
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07-13-2010, 5:24 PM
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Shep
Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,647
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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07-14-2010, 9:18 AM
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dccoleman
Joined on 04-01-2007
Rochester, MN USA
Posts 418
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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But Shep, the manual doesn't say anything about adjusting for the Heisenberg principle! How am I to know it's truly accurate?
***********************
1979 CX500 Deluxe
1983 GL650I
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07-14-2010, 5:07 PM
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Shep
Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,647
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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07-16-2010, 2:18 AM
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charliefrench2oo8
Joined on 07-06-2010
Cameron Park, CA
Posts 38
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Re: should my CX run this hot? pics
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<BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif"> <strong>Shep wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif"> <strong>dccoleman wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">But Shep, the manual doesn't say anything about adjusting for the Heisenberg principle! How am I to know it's truly accurate?<img src="/cs/emoticons/emotion-5.gif" /><br></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE><br><br>Put a bit of tape over the temp gauge.Then it can be anything you want it to be <img src="/cs/emoticons/emotion-2.gif" /><br><br><br><br><br></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>
I agree!
1982 GL500 Interstate (Purchased May 2009)
72k. Running strong.
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Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » General Discuss... » should my CX run this hot? pics
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