Cooling system issues 79 GL

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leggman
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Cooling system issues 79 GL

#1

Post by leggman »

I took off my radiator this morning because I am replacing it with a much better one and I also wanted to check the fan switch.
The PO had a length of wire spliced in to operate the fan manually???
I pulled the thermostat housing and hooked an ohm meter to it. I submerged it into a pan of water (don't tell the wife)
and brought the temps up. The ohm meter showed a open circuit until It got to about 190 then the switch closed.
It opened up again at about 160.
I am guessing that this is what it should be doing.
While I was at it I submerged the thermostat and it opened up at about 180 or 185.
I am guessing that the switch and the thermostat are good so on to my next issue, The temp gauge is not working at all so I guess I have to pull the sender and check/replace it. Someone please tell me I don't have to pull the carbs to get to it .
Also I would like to replace the o rings at both the thermostat housing and the water pump inlet.
Are these available anywhere?
As always Thanks a bunch for the advice
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5speed
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#2

Post by 5speed »

o rings are available from honda.
if it was me..I'd replace the thermostat with a new one while you have it apart.
Did you check your water pump for lateral movement in the impeller?
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
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1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
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1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
leggman
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#3

Post by leggman »

It wiggles but just a little.
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#4

Post by Track T 2411 »

As 5speed says, I'd replace the t-stat while you're there. There's a listing for a generic auto t-stat in the cross-over parts thread. I like partzilla.com for most OEM stuff, cheaper and faster than Mother Honda. Just my opinion...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

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"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
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leggman
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#5

Post by leggman »

I just checked the sending unit and at room temp it showed .23 amps resistance,
at 150 degrees - .11 amps ,
at 190 .06 amps resistance
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#6

Post by Track T 2411 »

I'm not sure what the specs are for the sending unit, but a common problem with the temperature gauge is the 7 volt regulator, which can go bad. It also regulates voltage to the fuel gauge. There are several threads about it...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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5speed
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#7

Post by 5speed »

leggman wrote:It wiggles but just a little.
is it the original one with the bakelite impeller? If so you might want to consider replacing it.
I'm kind of anal about preventative maintenance. My bike sat for 11 years so I replaced the rad, thermostat, hoses, water pump and fan switch.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
leggman
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#8

Post by leggman »

The other two gauges work so I doubt it is the 7 volt supply. Plus when I ground the sender wire with a test probe the gauge climbs to halfway
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#9

Post by scootsx2 »

leggman wrote:I just checked the sending unit and at room temp it showed .23 amps resistance,
at 150 degrees - .11 amps ,
at 190 .06 amps resistance
Ampere is not a unit of resistance.
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leggman
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#10

Post by leggman »

I stand corrected I should have said OHMS. Please forgive a novice mistake.
leggman
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#11

Post by leggman »

I checked the impeller and it does have a little side to side play, I would guess no more than 1/8 inch. It IS the bakelite impeller so it probably needs replacing but new ones are a bit pricey
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5speed
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#12

Post by 5speed »

leggman wrote:I checked the impeller and it does have a little side to side play, I would guess no more than 1/8 inch. It IS the bakelite impeller so it probably needs replacing but new ones are a bit pricey
ya..unfortunately they are.
hopefully someone with more experience will jump in here.
I did the math and a water pump was cheaper than over heating an aluminum engine.. :cry:
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Track T 2411
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#13

Post by Track T 2411 »

While 1/8 inch or so of 'play' in the water pump probably isn't going to lead to catastrophic destruction of the engine in the near future, "an ounce of prevention..." blah, blah, blah, lol. I'm not sure where you're at on your bike, ie. riding it now and doing this repair, or getting it on the road for the first time, etc. but I'd at least plan on a water pump job. The seals of the pump are seals between coolant and engine oil, and wobble in the shaft WILL lead to contamination of either or both at some level, at some time. Four out of five of my Wings, all with 45-50k miles, have had the water pump replaced. All had been sitting for various times before I bought them. It may be coincidence, but three of them also had a manual switch installed for the fan, as well. Just something to think about...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#14

Post by CYBORG »

I have several, both rebuilt, and good used. Might be interested in parting with one
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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Re: Cooling system issues 79 GL

#15

Post by Shadowjack »

Not sure if 1000s use the same design, but I've rebuilt a 1200 water pump, just to see what was involved. I found two sealed bearings in there, just like wheel bearings. If the shaft wiggles AT ALL, at least one of those is gone.
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