Air in the System?

[finless]

Starting to sound like the thermostat is sticking?

FYI add another 2015 to this list. A friend of mine just bought a new 2015 LTD and it overheats all the time. He barely got it home from the dealer! It is back at the dealer now getting fixed.

I will see what they find once it's fixed but they have had it 2 weeks now!

Bob

 

[finless]

After posting about my friend, I just now texted him and asked if it was fixed yet.
He picked it up yesterday.

Dealer said it was a bad thermostat!

Just FYI....

Bob

 

[JkRbbt]

Thanks for your input, Anne. After a few tips from Bob, I got to thinking about WHEN the overheat happened. Just like you, I had ridden, not hard, but continuous for over 150 miles and then stopped for lunch - both times. The overheat happened as I would be leaving town after our break for lunch, a little stop/go, waiting for a red lite, and then she would top out. The first time I took her in, they added a QUART of fluid to a 1 gallon system. When I took her in the second time, they "topped it off". Never any evidence of a leak, on the ground or on the machine. It was suggested that a bad radiator cap might be a problem, letting air into the system, but a sticky thermostat would do the same thing. I'll let ya'll know if it happens again. Thanks, everyone. Now I don't feel so lonesome!

 

[JkRbbt]

:gaah: Just an update in case anyone else is having a problem. After the 2nd trip to the shop in 2 weeks, a pressure test and a could-not-duplicate, I tried to squeeze in a ride before the folks all showed up for Sturgis. This time I got as far as the city limits before I got another "overheat". Took it straight to the dealer and showed him just what we were dealing with. Left it there, 3rd time in 3 weeks. Now she has been at the dealer for a week and a half. Seems they can duplicate the overheat about at will, now. They have checked about everything. The thermostat is opening and closing. The fans are going on/off. Coolant is circulating per heat gun data. Yes, it did throw a code this time. They have tossed it up to corporate and the first question was, "Does there appear to be any blockage?" It's almost as tho the corporate folks didn't even read the info the dealer sent. It's getting frustrating, boys and girls.

So, to summarize, a 2014 RTS, about 850 miles total, has overheated 3 out of the 4 times I have tried to ride. Dealer is out of ideas and corporate seems to be no help. Am I doing something wrong? :banghead: I have read actual stories oft folks actually RIDING Spyders and they seem to be having a good time! Any of you folks down on Florida need a BOAT ANCHOR??

P.S. Am I crazy for thinking about a trade for an F3 or would a sane person give up?? (Previous 2013 RTL owner, BTW!)

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: JK,
I'm sorry to hear that this is happening to you... :banghead:
Have you suggested to the dealer that a suitable replacement ride while you're waiting, would be a nice gesture?
After all; the riding season won't sit around waiting for you! :gaah:

 

[JayBros]

:shocked: JK,
I'm sorry to hear that this is happening to you... :banghead:
Have you suggested to the dealer that a suitable replacement ride while you're waiting, would be a nice gesture?
After all; the riding season won't sit around waiting for you! :gaah:

I heartily agree with Bob on the replacement ride. Ask for one since it's a problem thay can't find the answer to and have bumped it up the chain.

This is easy to say because it isn't happening to me but it appears to be anomalous situation given the number of '14 and '15 RTs on the road. Two or three or four or a half dozen that we know of is not cause for alarm IMO, especially since changed thermostats have solved some problems. YMMV.

 

[Dubliner]

I don't see how a "sticky thermostat" would allow air into the system as it is sealed within the system! [emoji35]


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[JkRbbt]

I don't see how a "sticky thermostat" would allow air into the system as it is sealed within the system! [emoji35]


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That was just an original suspicion after the first occurrence and they had to add a quart of fluid. After the second, and now THIRD, occurrence, we are on to deeper trouble shooting. If it's not the thermostat, or the fluid level, or the radiator, or the fans, or the radiator cap, or... Anyone fell free to chime in, here!

 

[Dubliner]

With each occurrence has fluid been added to the system? Is it possible that the sensor has been compromised and is giving a false or at least a premature reading? This adding a large amount of antifreeze to a relatively small closed system is unusual in that it has to go somewhere! Perhaps if it had been under filled at the factory in the first place extreme lack of cooling could have cooked the sensor which is sharing false info with the nanny! Depending on which neck of the woods you live in, the water to antifreeze percentage can vary. When I came to BC in th'90's antifreeze was 60/40 but that changed in the mid 90's to 50/50 perhaps something similar is happening with the concoction at the factory where the sensor is calibrated for a particular fluid value and the mixture calls for a different one. Just throwing my hat into the ring


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[Dubliner]

So what has happened since? Did you get to the bottom of it? Did you create a stink?


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[JkRbbt]

Good news/bad news sort of thing. The 3rd time I took it to the shop, they did about everything they could short of pulling the engine apart. They had the machine for 2 1/2 weeks and then we ran into the Sturgis Rally. (Busy!!!) I went in and told them to make me a good deal on the F3 out there in the crate and they could take all the time they needed to figure it out. That is where my story ends with the RT.

At that time they were waiting for OK from BRP HQ to do anything further. I imagine they were not wanting to do something major for which they would not be reimbursed. I suppose some of the major Spyder dealers with ace mechs would have jumped in and tried to figure it out, fought with BRP later. Not here. Anyhow, the last time I saw my beautiful RT, I was escorted out back to remove a couple of farckles I wanted to keep in the trade. She was sitting in the gravel between two crates with a couple of panels missing. She was covered in dust and looked very lonesome! I never treated her like that! Hated to see it!

The dealer had been authorized by HQ to replace the water pump and thermostat, but the factory boys were stumped, too. That is what they were going to "try" but who knows if that cured the problem. I was just getting REALLY tired of playing a guessing game. After having had a 2013 RT and going thru the BRP "what overheat problem?" fiasco and then having had problems with my 2014, 3 out of 4 time I rode her, I was getting a little disgruntled! My wife now has the check book and basically told the dealer that this will either be "3rd time is the charm" or "three strikes and you are out!" So far so good. Wish I could tell you that we found the problem. If I hear, I'll chime in!

 

[Woodsrider]

I was getting a little disgruntled! My wife now has the check book and basically told the dealer that this will either be "3rd time is the charm" or "three strikes and you are out!" So far so good. Wish I could tell you that we found the problem. If I hear, I'll chime in!

I hope they gave you full value back on that RT. Should be zero depreciation considering it was within many states lemon law and you spent more time screwing with issues than riding.

Best of luck with the F3!