GTS OWNERS CLUB

MH · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject: Coolant problem??

Noticed that temp gauge was high earlier this week after sitting in traffic for 10 minutes and fan came on.GTS went for first service today and mentioned it to dealer who said it was pretty normal but to keep an eye on it.Gauge went high a couple of times on the way home,2 and a half hour trip in pissing rain.Coolant level at min when I got home.Couple of questions is this normal (gauge always at just above half) and is there any specific coolant thats preferable for GTS or are they all the same.Sorry for rant but I'm still a wee bit precious about new 300.Cheers Mark Smile

martin68 · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:

I have the 250 and the temp always goes from nowt to the halfway point on the indication display once warm. It never goes above or below this regardless of riding condition ie motorway, round town or in traffic. It doesnt lose water either, though i do check it regularly. Obviously you need advice from a fellow 300 owner on normal operation to compare but my gut feeling is that you have an issue that needs further investigation. I hope i'm wrong and all is well!

Blackpool Paul · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject:

Ive never had a gauge go above half way on my 250, but as mentioned I check regularly too, once had to fill up the container with de ionised water, but only a cup full after 3000mls, try leaving the bike running over some wallpaper see if theres any drips? check around the pipes etc, and water pump as if its hot it can evaporate immidiately, but if your not happy and the level keeps dropping your main agent should be able to find any leaks before it goes terminal Rolling Eyes

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lil pepy · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 7:13 pm Post subject:

My 300 does exactly what i've known every other GT or GTS to do. The temperature level quickly rises to half way and stays there regardless. Looks like you might have a slight issue.....I think??? Confused

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Slider · troop Joined: 30 Jun 2008 Posts: 48 Location: Sunny Staffs

I don't know if this will help but our 300 ran slightly above half way as you are describing but now that we've done 1071 miles on it and had it serviced etc it doesn't go above half way. The other thing which may not be related at all but perhaps worth mentioning, this lower level also coincided with fitting a medium sized wind shield which makes the scoot quite a bit faster ! As I said probably not related but thought I'd mention it.
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MH · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:09 pm Post subject:

Cheers all Wink

,I'll top it up tomorrow and keep an eye on it.Pre mixed antifreeze ok??

CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

Yeah as long as its not the flou-pink stuff....

Maver · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:31 pm Post subject:

CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

..doesnt mix well. Wink

goonerman1 · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject:

Riding to Burntwood on the Friday afternoon on the M6 (very hot day, lots of traffic, slow speed filtering between the stationary lorries etc.) my gauge ran very high, but fan kicked in and soon cooled it back down. Riding home on the Saturday afternoon at decent speeds in similar hot weather temp gauge stayed at half way as normal.
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jetex · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject:

It is ESSENTIAL that you use the correct anti-freeze in the cooling system. Nowadays, you can get organic or non-organic anti-freeze. If you mix the wrong types, the coolant can turn to jelly within the system. Obviously, this can cause problems. The anti freeze also contains corrosion inhibitors which prevent the aluminium corroding internally.

KD · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 8:31 pm Post subject:

The temp gauge on my 300 stays just above half way. It has been constant at around that during the 1700 Kms covere so far.

Maver · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject:

ok then, say i needed to top up or indeed change my anti freeze, what should i be looking for and what should i avoid when i walk into my local halfords?

topping up the fliud in the system is easy enough but what about draining and refilling, how do i go about that and avoid trapping air in the system??
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jetex · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject:

I've not done a coolant change on the GTS ( have'nt needed to ), but speaking generally, obtain the anti-freeze specified for the machine from your local Vespa dealer, and use a 50/50 water/anti-freeze mix to top up if it's not already pre-mixed. If draining the system, do so from the lowest point ( maybe the water pump ? ) by removing the coolant hose, and taking off the radiator cap. With an empty system, you could then theoretically use whatever anti- freeze you like, although I would still stick with what's recommended. As the radiator is fairly high mounted, I don't think you would have a problem with air locks, as most thermostats incorporate a 'jiggle pin' to let the air flow through the thermostat as you fill the system. There is currently no industry standard on the colours of anti-freeze, so a green anti-freeze from one manufacturer may not necessarily mix with green anti-freeze from another manufacturer. It's a complex subject, and I would have to look up various specifications to go into this in more detail.

Blackpool Paul · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:52 am Post subject:

I wouldt dick about with it being a new bike, if your not totally happy with it, make the shop you got it from sort it out, as if you do it and owt goes wrong your warranty may be void! Crying or Very sad

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