Hi to the Flock!!!

DarkRunner74 · 07-14-2008, 10:45 PM

My Name's Curt.....I'm from SoCal and I just purchased my first Blackbird. Although it's currently in a incapacitated state, I plan on resurrecting this Bird in a few weeks. Any kind words of support, and parts, would be very appreciated.

Thanks

DragonXX · 07-14-2008, 10:49 PM

G'day from Australia
Good luck with the restoration and bling

ArmyStrong · 07-14-2008, 10:52 PM

to the party Curt! Post up some before, progress, and after pics! If it's anything we're not short on here it's support! Good luck!

Strek · 07-15-2008, 12:20 AM

Welcome from the windy city. What's got your bird in an Incapacitated state?

DarkRunner74 · 07-15-2008, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strek

Welcome from the windy city. What's got your bird in an Incapacitated state?

Well, When I first got the bike, I bought it up in LA. It had Cosmetic Damage (from the guy not having respect for it and knowing how to ride it). When I got it home, 56miles later, and shut it off....I noticed the Reserve coolant tank boiling and coolant came out of the overflow hose....no where else. While I was riding it on the freeway it was fine. Only when I got into city traffic is when I noticed the needle moving up...but at a slow rate. I didn't give it a chance to hit the top. when I got moving it moved back down.

It has a new cap on it.... 1.1 version. no radiator leak. I'm figuring it's the Thermostat which might be stuck close. Any other ideas?

DarkRunner74 · 07-15-2008, 12:44 AM

Thanks Guys for the welcome.

outlawgibbs · 07-15-2008, 1:25 AM

From Wisconsin...First thing you should check is that the fan is turning on around 210 degrees. If your bike was staying cool on the freeway and not in the city that mite be the problem

DarkRunner74 · 07-15-2008, 1:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outlawgibbs

From Wisconsin...First thing you should check is that the fan is turning on around 210 degrees. If your bike was staying cool on the freeway and not in the city that mite be the problem

Thanks. It does come on.....when I stopped the bike and killed the motor...the fan was running. I plan on putting on a manual switch like I had on my Ninja.

Thanks.

PH005 · 07-15-2008, 2:32 AM

Hi Darkrunner. I am just finishing off my Bird. Jet kit to go on. It was well worth the time and money that I put into her. AS soon as I figure out how to post pic's , I'll do so.

rustydog · 07-15-2008, 2:33 AM

Hi Curt and welcome. I dont think it would be your thermostat if they do malfunction they will do so in the open position its a safety feature on most if not all thermostats.Good luck with your BB

Nutter67 · 07-15-2008, 5:08 AM

Another G'day from Oz.

outlawgibbs · 07-15-2008, 11:25 AM

Another thing to check is the waterpump itself to see if the coolent is even flowing

DarkRunner74 · 07-15-2008, 4:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outlawgibbs

Another thing to check is the waterpump itself to see if the coolent is even flowing

Thanks for the info and help guys. I appreciate it. SO if it was the water pump, that's what would cause the coolant to back-up into the reserve tank and overflow? hmmm

outlawgibbs · 07-15-2008, 5:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkRunner74

Thanks for the info and help guys. I appreciate it. SO if it was the water pump, that's what would cause the coolant to back-up into the reserve tank and overflow? hmmm

If the pump is not flowing the anti-freeze through the motor into the radiator the only thing being cooled is the fluid in the radiator so it will run hot and bubble over to the release area witch would be the overflow tank. course a sticky thermastat would do the same thing

DarkRunner74 · 07-15-2008, 8:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outlawgibbs

If the pump is not flowing the anti-freeze through the motor into the radiator the only thing being cooled is the fluid in the radiator so it will run hot and bubble over to the release area witch would be the overflow tank. course a sticky thermastat would do the same thing

Thank you Brotha OG....my friend and I pretty much narrowed it down to those two.

outlawgibbs · 07-15-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkRunner74

Thank you Brotha OG....my friend and I pretty much narrowed it down to those two.

Just glad I can help in anyway, hope you get her running topnotch soon

Strek · 07-16-2008, 1:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outlawgibbs

If the pump is not flowing the anti-freeze through the motor into the radiator the only thing being cooled is the fluid in the radiator so it will run hot and bubble over to the release area witch would be the overflow tank. course a sticky thermastat would do the same thing

Yepper I had that happen in a car that I owned.

DarkRunner74 · 07-17-2008, 5:08 PM

ok, you guys are gonna laugh at this. I think I found out what the problem is.

Today, took off from work (stress related) and decided to work on the bike. I drained the coolant and flushed the excess out, took off the water pump and checked it. Everything was good, so I cleaned the o-rings and the blades then reinstalled it.

Got to the Thermostat housing and had to almost remove the carbs to get to the last bolt. Took off the cover and found........nothing. Just a hole...NO THERMOSTAT. The last person musta took it out and never replaced it (i've heard of people thinking it's ok to run without one...bad idea.

So thankfully the wifey had ordered one for me...too bad it's the wrong one....lol gotta give her an A for effort. So I hope this solves the coolant problem. Got some Engine ice and oil to do an oil change. I'll keep you guys informed on what happened.

flblackbird · 07-17-2008, 7:30 PM

outlawgibbs · 07-17-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkRunner74

ok, you guys are gonna laugh at this. I think I found out what the problem is.

Today, took off from work (stress related) and decided to work on the bike. I drained the coolant and flushed the excess out, took off the water pump and checked it. Everything was good, so I cleaned the o-rings and the blades then reinstalled it.

Got to the Thermostat housing and had to almost remove the carbs to get to the last bolt. Took off the cover and found........nothing. Just a hole...NO THERMOSTAT. The last person musta took it out and never replaced it (i've heard of people thinking it's ok to run without one...bad idea.

So thankfully the wifey had ordered one for me...too bad it's the wrong one....lol gotta give her an A for effort. So I hope this solves the coolant problem. Got some Engine ice and oil to do an oil change. I'll keep you guys informed on what happened.

Yea its common that if there is no t-stat in the hole the coolent tends to move to fast through the radiator to cool it down any

SilverBrd · 07-17-2008, 10:20 PM

From Texas!! Just do a flush, replace your thermostat, and go ride. Our Birds do tend to run on the hot side. I had the same problem when I got my Bird but has not been an issue after the flush and adding some engine ice with new coolant even with the 99 degree plus days here.

DarkRunner74 · 07-24-2008, 1:43 AM

Problem was the Thermostat...original owner had the wrong one in there. Me mechanic and I got her runnin hella good. Thank you for all your help. It's good to know there are intelligent bike riders who are helpful out there.

Now to find a Corbin seat and I'll be complete....hahaha

Catenaccio · 08-06-2008, 2:41 AM

Let the mods rule!