K11 Owners Group

Widget Maker · Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 9:49 pm Post subject: Radiator hose swolen

Have changed my coolant and think I have it bleed. Used within a couple of ounces of a gallon of coolant, the radiator is hot across its' full face, I squeezed the hoses as it was warming up, got bubbles out etc. Maybe this is normal and I haven't seen it because of the bodywork but tonight I ran it one last time before putting the bodywork on and I noticed the short section of the lower hose above the crankcase cover and the thermostat was swollen about 3/8" compared to the diameter at the clamp.
_________________
K1100LT
K1200 GT

Jim · Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 11:32 pm Post subject:

I'd replace the hose.

It's difficult to get all of the air out of these systems - run it up to operating temp a few times and check it again.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Widget Maker · Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 11:50 pm Post subject:

I'll run it again tomorrow and see what it does.

What is the coolant flow? I'm thinking this is the feed hose to the pump. If its the output instead is it possible there is a restriction at the thermostat?
_________________
K1100LT
K1200 GT

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 6:45 am Post subject:

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 7:20 pm Post subject:

I would replace the thermostat, as when they fail, they fail closed. In previous threads, I have suggested drilling a small hole in the stat, as until it opens, no air will escape from the engine side after a drain & refill. How they did it at the factory, is beyond me. My hose has always been soft until pressurised. 15 years old & still going. Does sound like over pressure with the bulge you describe.
_________________
Regards Tim,

Grey haired riders don't get that way by pure luck
1996 Guzzi Cali3 LAPD
1972 750 Commando
G6HRN
#485

Widget Maker · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 10:00 pm Post subject:

I replaced the hose with the only one Re-Psycle had which was used but much nicer than mine and that seems to have solved the problem. I've gone about 600 miles with no issue. BMW would have had to put a UV light in front of that hose to give it a harder working environment. Given the prices I'm thinking of fabricating some like we use on the race cars out of silicone hose bends and aluminum tube straight sections. I'll look into the thermostat while I'm at it.

Thanks to all for your help.
_________________
K1100LT
K1200 GT