Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

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CaptMoodyPants
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Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaptMoodyPants »

Hi everyone,

Recently bought an L3 zxr 400, it's all running ok but it seems to heat up way too quickly, only recently the temp goes 3/4 and sometimes just below red and into the red, the fan doesn't seem to be turning on, I checked the coolant level today and It was fine so not sure what it could be as I only have a basic knowledge.

If I blast it down a motorway it cools to between 1/2 and 3/4 but normal riding round town even up and down link roads it gets too hot and sometimes have to have a break to let it cool down, when it gets to the red I can hear it boiling up down by the coolant tank.

Help would be much appreciated, thanks!
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CaNsA
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaNsA »

Headgasket needs replacing.
The head may have warped :/
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CaptMoodyPants
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaptMoodyPants »

Engine is running sweet as a nut though?
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CaNsA
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaNsA »

Doesnt matter, the HG has blown and is pressurising the cooling system.
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CaptMoodyPants
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaptMoodyPants »

So new head gasket then....how long can I keep riding it? How do I know if the head is warped?
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaNsA »

Get it to a local bike shop.
Dont ride it, it will warp the head more.
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CaptMoodyPants
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaptMoodyPants »

Will I need a new cylinder head, or will it be ok?
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaNsA »

If it is warped, the head will need to be skimmed.
But dont ride it as you will make it worse, and if coolant gets into the engine.....
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CaptMoodyPants
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaptMoodyPants »

Ok thanks for your advice, do you know if skimming the head is expensive?

I need to get the carburettors balanced and valve clearances done anyway so shouldn't cost too much extra in labour to change the head gasket, I will probably get the parks of kawasaki original parts website, when changing the head gasket do you need to change anything else like head bolts etc?
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaNsA »

The only new parts should be the gasket.
Price on skimming varies from place to place.

As previously said, get it to you local recommended independent bike mechanic.
He will be able to give you a quote.
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaptMoodyPants »

Ok will call them tomorrow, many thanks for the help :)
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by banner001 »

might be an idea to also check that the thermometer on the radiator is working correctly and that it really is getting "that" hot...
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CaptMoodyPants
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaptMoodyPants »

Yeah just phoned my bike shop, they rekon it doesn't sound like head gasket, maybe temperature sensor or radiator something or other
adamm1704
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by adamm1704 »

Make sure that the coolant system is has no air trapped anywhere, as air locks will cause it to get hotter faster. Also on mine the fan switch had corroded through, i just cleaned them up and soldered the wire on and now it works fine.
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Re: Overheating problem PLEASE HELP!

Post by CaNsA »

Possibly, and it is worth cheecking the easy stuff.

But the symptoms are exactly the same as what I experienced on my 1st zxr400.
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