It's all O-man's fault....(head gaskets again, or maybe not)

[brianinpa]

As someone that has changed head gaskets twice in a three year period, I can relate! I sure don't want to have to do it again for a while.

 

[slabghost]

I suggested the restrictor plate to Joel especially because he can ride pretty much all year and Texas isn't known for cool weather. However I'm not riding when it gets cold so it'd be okay here too.

 

[joedrum]

till i see a reason why not im hanging with restrictor plate myself

 

[dan filipi]

What do you think is happening behind the thermostat, pressure build up blowing head gasket??

I still say if the cooling system is running as designed, there is no need to modify it because it will keep temps under control. I've ridden in 115-125 degrees and never overheated, close in stopped traffic but never higher than would be expected.
A restrictor plate or modified t stat is total guess work. The proper thermostat, not the stat they say on the forums is a crossover, and a CLEAN radiator will keep it under control.
The early wind deflectors go a LONG way to direct air where it's needed also.

 

[slabghost]

Hondaline fairing isn't as effective as old radiator side scoops. If the stock T stat is working 100% as made there shouldn't be a problem. But I can't see a mass produced item like that being evenly effective. Some are bound to work better than others. Restrictor plate eliminates the open close mechanism so flow remains more consistent.

 

[dan filipi]

When I say clean radiator I mean clean as in exposed copper in the tubes from the top to the bottom on every tube and on all sides as it was when it was made. Just 1/4 of the surface area of the tubes with scale on them means near 25% of the cooling capacity is lost, or at least not dispensing heat efficiently.

As far as that supposed cross reference T stat all over the forums, that thing has a smaller hole than OEM which is going to equal less flow, so in high temps using it is asking for problems.

 

[mcgovern61]

The only thing I will add is that I made the mistake of running with straight antifreeze in my engine on my trip to Florida and when I was in 104 degree temps pulling a loaded trailer, I was pushing the temp all the way up just under red line. The fan was running non-stop even while on the highway. I thought I was going to blow a head gasket for sure!!

Changed out the antifreeze to 50/50 when I got Florida and everything went back to normal. My point is, these are pretty well engineered cooling systems in my opinion when clean, properly working water pump and fan, thermostat and the correct antifreeze.

 

[slabghost]

dan filipi » Wed Sep 30, 2015 4:06 pm[/url]":2ccc6rv6]
When I say clean radiator I mean clean as in exposed copper in the tubes from the top to the bottom on every tube and on all sides as it was when it was made. Just 1/4 of the surface area of the tubes with scale on them means near 25% of the cooling capacity is lost, or at least not dispensing heat efficiently.

As far as that supposed cross reference T stat all over the forums, that thing has a smaller hole than OEM which is going to equal less flow, so in high temps using it is asking for problems.

I agree occasionally road dirt and bugs need blasted off the radiators so they can do the job. I was referring to oem Tstats actually but I wasn't aware of a difference in bypass hole with crossover Tstats. :builder: