Overheating at Idle?

[Snowtraxx]

Hello, have a new P4 with 20 miles on it. When in use the temp gauge remains at the 2 bar mark most of the time. If I stop and idle for more than ten seconds the temp gauge pegs and light comes on. A little RPM or moving again immediately brings it back to the two bar mark. Coolant overflow tank remains half way between min and max all the time. I checked the radiator when cold and coolant is not visible, just residue from running. So, questions are: Has anyone else seen the temp spike every time they stop and idle? Do you all only fill the overflow bottle, or would you fill the radiator too...like in a car?

Thanks

 

[ohanacreek]

Your coolant is low. If it's under warranty I'd take it to the dealer and tell them that you noticed this happening and what you found.

Heat can do bad things to engines...Since its brand spanking new I'd take it to them so you at least have it documented that this is the way you recieved it from them.


The other option if you feel like it is ...

While it's cold or cool, fill the radiator to full, run it till the engine gets to operating temp to get the thermostat to open.

Let cool and refill the radiator. Then check the overflow tank. Just to make sure it's not low repeat this process and check it again.

 

[Johnny]

Funny with my 700-4, when I went out for the first small ride, my whole family on board, going slow like I ride, I pulled off to the side and the very same thing happened.
I took off to get some air flow in the radiator, cooled it right down. Stopped again same thing. Fan was operating.

Fluids were high, nothing blocking radiator, so I called service manager. He wanted me to bring it in. Living in the boonies, I ask him what it could be, he said radiator might need to be burped.

I pulled the sXs to where the front end was higher than the rear, opened radiator cap let it idle for a while, and sure enough, after a few minutes, it got up to temperature, then burped. Air was trapped in the coolant system. Quite a bit of air, so I was able to add a decent amount of Antifreeze to the radiator when I wasn't able to before the "burp".

400 miles later, it has never moved above the 2nd mark on the temp gauge.

 

[Snowtraxx]

Well, was able to put over a quart of coolant into the radiator. haven't had a chance to go out and run it yet, but just in the yard can't get it past two bars now. Sounds like "coolant system bleeding" should be added to the PDI list. Thanks for the replies, happy riding.

 

[bobbyhill]

Welcome to the Club @Snowtraxx !! glad every thing is running smooth and right before 4th of July weekend!!

 

[JACKAL]

Well, was able to put over a quart of coolant into the radiator. haven't had a chance to go out and run it yet, but just in the yard can't get it past two bars now. Sounds like "coolant system bleeding" should be added to the PDI list. Thanks for the replies, happy riding.

Welcome & Glad you was able to catch it before any damage could be done.