Getting Hot

[1953rick]

First voyager 1991 Took it for 50 mile ride found that it gets hot about 3/4 on the temp gauge then in a few miles back to normal it did this 4-5 times It gets hot in traffic also. I thought I read the fan should start when the bike starts I don't thick that's happing Thinking maybe flush the system and new thermostat am I going in the right direction? Don't know what to do on the any suggestions would be great Don't know the whole history of the bike but plan on changing all fluids checking air cleaner and plugs ANY INFO or Suggestions Would be great THANKS Rick

[cushman eagle]

1953rick,we are glad to have you come on board the AVA
The fan is only to come on when the coolant coming out of the bottom of the radiator is above the temperature the fan switch sensor is designed for,and on my '99 that is about 5 dashes off the bottom of the gauge.
I would suggest a radiator flush,both in the fluid path ,and the air path of the radiator.
A fluid flush will get 1/2 of the radiator,but not the air flow path.
I did my radiator when I changed my water manifold o-rings,but would like to backflush the air flow path again.
Changing the thermostat is a good idea,and make sure the thermostat housing ground wire has a good ground to the frame,or your tempurature gauge will not be accurate,I would check that now in case that is why you might be seeing a hot reading now

[Sidehopper]

I believe the fan will only kick on when needed, so if you sit idling after a long ride, you should hear the fan turn on and off frequently. On my '94 the fan kicks on if my temperature gauge reads a few notches above the "normal" line, so check that it's activating.

Also check the radiator fluid to make sure you aren't low and definitely change it either way, for details check the service manual here: https://www.amervoyassoc.org/zg1200manuals.php

If the fan is coming on and the fluid level is good, the thermostat is worth checking, I think my mom showed me once that you can check it by dunking it in boiling water to see if it properly opens up. If that's good, I've heard about folks with blockages in the radiator hoses, and the only thing I can think of after that is a water pump issue. Others may have more suggestions.

[Relics]

I had issues a few years back. Turned out to be radiator. Replaced water pump, thermostat. Previous owner said he replaced radiator. But that was thw problem. Must use correct coolant. No water as it causes problem internally to the radiator.

[GrandpaDenny]

I had issues a few years back. Turned out to be radiator. Replaced water pump, thermostat. Previous owner said he replaced radiator. But that was thw problem. Must use correct coolant. No water as it causes problem internally to the radiator.

What is the correct coolant?

[SgtSlag]

All modern coolants are made to work with aluminum engines, ALL modern coolants are safe to use in the Voyagers. Pick your brand, and do a flush/fill, per the manual.

Some folks use a coolant named, Engine Ice. It allegedly runs the engine around 7-10 F cooler than standard coolants; it allegedly sheds heat faster. It is more money, of course, for a modest lowering of running temperatures. If you live in a hot region (i.e., Nevada), it might be worth the cash. Here is a review, if interested -- be sure to read the Pro's, and the Con's, for a quick summation of using it (requires annual changes; complete flush out required prior to adding it to your engines). Cheers!

[GrandpaDenny]

All modern coolants are made to work with aluminum engines, ALL modern coolants are safe to use in the Voyagers. Pick your brand, and do a flush/fill, per the manual.

That's what I thought. I use regular old Prestone "all engines" green. Never had a problem with overheating. If I'm stuck in traffic, idling, the fan comes on about four bars over the thick bar, and cycles on and off. Other than that, the temp stays constant. Everything works just like it's supposed to. Except the nut holding the handlebars at times...