Overheating in Vegas

[Dogtown]

On a bike trip and I'm having issues with the 990 due to the heat out here. Quick re cap: was running fine over the sierras and through the high desert. Once I pulled off the freeway and got into the Vegas traffic (stopped like a parking lot). My bike over heated and shut off. Let it cool down and took it out last night. It was fine till I got back in the Vegas traffic on the strip when it started running hot. I shut it off while talking to the parking folks and when I went to start it back up it took me a few tries!! Now it's flashing a code saying the temp sensor is too high/ low. I leave for new Mexico tomorrow and no shops are open on Monday to buy a new temp sensor....not even sure wher it is? Anyone have this happen? My thought is that I'm gunna continue on with my trip and ride it like the true dirtbike that it is...who needs temp gauge right?

This am it's still flashing code and the temp lines are flashing....and that just when I turn the key on. 15 min idle reset the fi?

Thanks
Sean

[Dogtown]

Is the temp sensor gunna mess with my efi?

[Hondo]

You probably need to burp the cooling system.

[crashmaster]

Originally Posted by hondo

you probably need to burp the cooling system.

+1

[buzybraza]

Burp the cooling system and when you have a chance install a second cooling fan (from H2W / adventure machines)
The 950 SE already comes from the factory with 2 cooling fans, I don't understand why KTM did not do the same for the adventure models......

[Dogtown]

Thanks!

I have not been into the cooling system for over 20,000 miles, but when I was I did the burping thing through both the vent screw thingies. Do you all think that I could have gotten an air bubble during my trip? I did top off the reservoir before I left for my trip but today realized I over filled it an inch and took out the extra. Engine ice is in the cooling if that's important.

What I did find is that the adventure bags that are strapped to my crash bars up front are holding in the heat! Sounds silly but enough of the exhaust air from the fan was getting trapped behind the bags and super heating that area and the rest of the bike. That area was never able to cool back down cause the bags then insulated it from any cooler air that might have air cooled it. Out today and it's fine with the bags off.

The one thing remaining is I think I damaged my temp sensor. It is throwing a 12 code until the bike is warmed up?? I don't think it's a big deal? I'm off to New Mexico tomorrow and beyond. . Whatcha think??

[Mybrainheadache]

Hi first post but have spent about 2 weeks researching and getting my new 990R ready for Colorado....you might try back washing the radiator...that is from the back side to the front.... Not sure I would use a pressure washer unless you take care to not hit the radiator with full pressure....back away from it if possible....best to pull the Front Rad Guard to do this to allow the flow water to get through....good luck

[dad2bike]

I'm here in Vegas- Let me know if I can help.
I go along with the burp.
When I overheated mine I had to burp it.
I recall also changing to Engine Ice. (that was just my preference)
I now have a second fan installed.
I probably could rape a fan off one of my RFS bikes for you if you need one quick.
Just replace it when you get done with your trip.
You tankbag comment is surely valid. These things need to breath.

[dad2bike]

I got no response or request for help. I hope that the OP is safely on the road and enjoying his journey.

Edit- WOW. He has 3 threads going all related to the same issues. 3 states away already.

Cheers.

[Dogtown]

Originally Posted by dad2bike

I'm here in Vegas- Let me know if I can help.
I go along with the burp.
When I overheated mine I had to burp it.
I recall also changing to Engine Ice. (that was just my preference)
I now have a second fan installed.
I probably could rape a fan off one of my RFS bikes for you if you need one quick.
Just replace it when you get done with your trip.
You tankbag comment is surely valid. These things need to breath.

Hey Dad2!,,

Thanks for the offer! I made it to Santa Fe and the bike ran fine all the way up, but spewed engine ice all over the place when I stopped at a bike shop and turned it off. Code is still blinking (sometimes) a 12 (coolant temp too high/low).
It's in a shop now cause I was at a bit of a loss. They are testing but already found the radiator cap to be bad. They're computer won't read my bike so they don't know about the code yet. They have another shop across town with a good computer so they will check it out in the am.

Meanwhile I'm goin with the flow!!! What else can I do? The wife is with me and has to be back in sf to pick our daughter up on Monday so I might have fly back. Whatcha gunna doo?

Cheers!

[StmbtDave]

Originally Posted by buzybraza

The 950 SE already comes from the factory with 2 cooling fans, I don't understand why KTM did not do the same for the adventure models......

It's because the SE is a dirt bike and the Adventure isn't

[Strokizator]

Here in Fresno it's about as hot as Vegas. Last year got caught in stop and go traffic in Yosemite and my buddy's fan quit on his 990. Coolant starting puking and we had to pull off. I'm about to do a water pump service as part of routine maintenance and thought about using waterless coolant. Boils at 375⁰ and is non-corrosive. Anybody have any experience with this stuff? A little pricey but it's "lifetime" stuff.
http://www.evanscooling.com/products...ports-coolant/

[Dogtown]

Originally Posted by Strokizator

Here in Fresno it's about as hot as Vegas. Last year got caught in stop and go traffic in Yosemite and my buddy's fan quit on his 990. Coolant starting puking and we had to pull off. I'm about to do a water pump service as part of routine maintenance and thought about using waterless coolant. Boils at 375⁰ and is non-corrosive. Anybody have any experience with this stuff? A little pricey but it's "lifetime" stuff.
http://www.evanscooling.com/products...ports-coolant/

I use engine ice in my bike and couldn't tell ya if it was good or bad!

Sean

[TheMuffinMan]

Burp the cooling system, wash out the radiator, and I'd ditch the stock rad guard when you can. I personally have a 2nd fan kit from advmachines.com and have never overheated with that (and properly burping the cooling loop).

I tried removing the rear wheel, proping the centerstand up on some wood and leaning it back but that didn't get it high enough and I still had an air bubble. When I really got the front end up with some help I haven't had a problem since.

I'm 5'10" in the blue shirt, we ran it up a makeshift ramp onto a small workbench my uncle made for my young cousin maybe 3 or 4 feet high. Front end was high and we poured the fluid in and then squeezed the hoses while the front end was up and my bike runs much cooler and doesn't spit up coolant anymore.


Edit: I use the cheap green prestone silicate free stuff from autozone and it works great.

[buzybraza]

Originally Posted by Strokizator

Here in Fresno it's about as hot as Vegas. Last year got caught in stop and go traffic in Yosemite and my buddy's fan quit on his 990. Coolant starting puking and we had to pull off. I'm about to do a water pump service as part of routine maintenance and thought about using waterless coolant. Boils at 375⁰ and is non-corrosive. Anybody have any experience with this stuff? A little pricey but it's "lifetime" stuff.
http://www.evanscooling.com/products...ports-coolant/

I run evans waterless coolant on my 525 EXC and 950 SUPER ENDURO. I think it is awsome stuff. Make sure you buy the "racing" kind, it is not as thick as the regular evans stuff and it flows better through small motorcycle radiators.