Temp gauge dropped to 'C' while ryding!? Why?

[Chiefburg]

Cool morning here...about 45 degrees. Did some errands locally and temp read normal. Got on freeway and there’s plenty of cool air. The temp gauge dropped almost completely to the “C”....

Does this not have a thermostat to regulate? Or, is the operating temp not an issue unless it’s high?

Jerry

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Cool morning here...about 45 degrees. Did some errands locally and temp read normal. Got on freeway and there’s plenty of cool air. The temp gauge dropped almost completely to the “C”....

Does this not have a thermostat to regulate? Or, is the operating temp not an issue unless it’s high?

Jerry

Well it depends on where the sensor is located in the system..... if it's down stream from the temp regulator, it won't register anything until the regulator opens to allow flow to the Radiator itself ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Grandpot]

The temp gauge on my RT varied greatly with the ambient temperature. I never had a problem. To answer your other question, yes there is a thermostat.

 

[MONK]

"C" stands for COOL, as in if you're riding a Spyder/Ryker, you're cool!

 

[RICZ]

If you crossed into Mexico, it changes automatically to centigrade. :riding:

 

[JP58]

I would check coolant level. It may be low and getting air pockets which will fluctuate the temp gage.

 

[bikerchris1270]

Probably due to design configuration of the cooling system.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Hey Chief. There’s nothing wrong with anything. You have the 998 v twin. I know. It’s weird. But that’s what they do. The reason...The thermostat is external to the engine. So the coolant bypass flow path - the coolant circulation that bypasses the radiator when a thermostat is closed - gives up a lot of heat just traveling out to the thermostat housing and right back to the engine. On a cool morning / day this is normal. You’re fine. Be safe.

 

[ARtraveler]

Over the last five Spyders, I have noted that colder weather riding, the temp gauge will take longer to get up to temperature, and the temp is usually about one bar less than "normal" for the first half hour or so. Then...it should work its way to the "usual" place on the dial.

 

[Chiefburg]

Thanks for the advice. It does run at temp (center of the dial) while cruising in town in stop and go traffic in the cold. I had never ridden it on the freeway at 70mph in the cold and was worried the temp may be below operating temperature. Glad to hear it is normal in such cold weather.

 

[ARtraveler]

Thanks for the advice. It does run at temp (center of the dial) while cruising in town in stop and go traffic in the cold. I had never ridden it on the freeway at 70mph in the cold and was worried the temp may be below operating temperature. Glad to hear it is normal in such cold weather.

Running the freeway in the cold at speed will bring down the temperature gauge a bit. I consider it "normal" operation.

 

[jcoats1]

At speed, 50-60 + MPH the thermostat regulates temp> Less speed temp is regulated by the coolant fan which comes on over 220 degrees on most vehicles. Autumobiles have worked this way for 40 years.
My 2013 RTL always worked this way since new. If you haven't checked coolant and or flushed the system maybe you should. Otherwise it is working normal.

 

[Transam87020]

Not to be a jerk but water temp is constantly regulated by thermostat regardless of speed. It opens and closes based on temp. The reason you hear the fans at slower speeds and stopped is due to low air flow through radiators. Sender picks up higher temp and cycles fans on.

 

[Mikey]

I think you both are saying the same thing!!