Checking Coolant Level/Excessive Fan Activation

[Slagiatt]

This is a continuation of a previous thread where I was asking about why my fan keeps coming on so often. Example: On a ride yesterday in 65-degree temps with almost no stop-and-go traffic, the fan came on several times an hour, usually for at least a 5-minute duration. ??? Comments on that previous thread indicated that this truly is an unusual occurrence. Also, for the first 5,000 miles, the F3 didn't do this...I rarely (almost never) heard the fan coming on. Anyway.....

.....I tried to check the coolant level as stated in the manual (Page 101), but for the life of me, I can't see anything remotely close to a "COLD Level Mark" either on the inside or outside of the reservoir. I can clearly see the HOT mark though.

With the engine cold, looking down inside the reservoir, I can see the coolant...it is not in the neck of the reservoir but it is visible and very close to the bottom of the reservoir neck. Is that sufficient? Or, is there some other mark I should be looking for?

There is a plastic "bar" about half-way down the neck of the reservoir...but I believe that coincides with the HOT mark. Is that correct?

I know this should be a simple task, and it would be if I could for sure find the 'COLD' mark.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? :dontknow:

Before I take this back to the dealer (again), I want to be sure it isn't a coolant problem.

Thanks for whatever guidance you can give me on this.

 

[Slagiatt]

Of course I found a pic right after I posted....

:dontknow::gaah:

Found a detailed parts pic on the F3 cooling system right after I posted this....it clearly shows the COLD level so my problem of identifying the right level of coolant is no longer a problem.

Sorry for the distraction..... pps:

 

[Peter Aawen]

So was your coolant level low? Is it likely that was the cause of your fan coming on so often?

 

[Slagiatt]

No...not low

The coolant appears to be right where it is supposed to be, so I'll be calling the dealer tomorrow to schedule a closer look. i'll post a follow-up here after that visit.

 

[Xyzzy]

This might help:

A few 1330 engines may have not been bled properly during the assembly process causing air to be trapped in the cooling circuit. This will cause the unit to overheat within a few miles.

Perform the bleeding procedure 2 times as described in the shop manual. With engine cold, remove the coolant bottle cap, start engine and let it idle until the rad fans start, turn off engine and let it cool down completely. Adjust coolant level. Do the heat cycle again. When engine has cooled down the 2nd time, adjust the coolant level in the bottle and install cap.

Regular warranty applies.

I'm not saying you have this issue, just that it might be a possibility.

YMMV

 

[Yazz]

I'm not saying you have this issue, just that it might be a possibility.

YMMV

:agree: Overheating happened on my brand new GS. Simply put, the radiator had not been 'burped.'

 

[OJ UK]

:agree: Overheating happened on my brand new GS. Simply put, the radiator had not been 'burped.'

Agreed!
With two rads the likelihood of an airlock is increased and it may well be the cause of your problem.