Temp Gauge

[cavie]

After 2 head gaskets on my 1300 VTX within 1 year, this gets installed this weekend. $48.00

 

[dirtdobber]

It being a 1300 VTX I am surprised it's getting hot.
Not telling you what to do but I am very familiar with all the VTX bikes, 1300/1800

First thing I would check is the ground wire going to the fan. They are well known for being a problem at times. Second, check the coolant pump.
Third perge the system. If the coolant is close to 2 years old replace it. Check filler cap to make sue it is working correctly.
last and fourth, replace the coolant sensor.
However the gauge will give peach of mind.
It is very rare that any of the 1300/1800 ever need a head gasket replaced. They are known for a slight oil trail but never bad enough to justify replacing.
The 1300 is a tough bike.
Post a photo when you can, love to see it.

 

[cavie]

I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard how bullit proof the VTX is. One year ago the motor was removed from the frame and all of the aforementioned checks were done along with gaskets, seals, sensors etc. Heads and cylinders checked and trued. This time we added new bolts. T-stat was found broken in the open position.

 

[dirtdobber]

I work on VTX bikes a lot. That is very usual.
I have a 1800 (got it in 05) now and have had another 1800 plus a 1300. Never had a problem with em except a fluid pump went out once on a 02 I had.
Hope this works for you.

 

[cavie]

T-stat opens at 82 degrees C. I'm assuming that the running temp would be 180-200 degrees F?? Install the sensor top or bottom of rad??

 

[dirtdobber]

It's on the bottom. Easy to do.

 

[cavie]

Re: Temp Gauge UPDATE

Temp gage installed and I couldn't be happier.epper: Started bike up cold. Took ten min of idling for fan to come on. Fan cycles between 208 and 216 degrees. If I ever see 220 I'm shutting the damn thing down.

NORMAL DRIVING TEMP 30-55 MPH SEEMS TO BE 185-200 DEGREES

 

[cavie]

Rode 60 miles today. 186 on the highway 210 with the fan at the red lights