Can I use my old model Optimate (old white plug model) through the worst of the winter or do I need the latest version
Hi guys. Ended up taking bike to shop. They have basically told me it's the head gasket but unsure if it will be just the gasket or the things around it will needed to be machined or something. Or possibly a whole new engine (second hand one) quoted me between 500 and 700 quid. They have checked the thermostat. Isn't that. Does this sound right to you or am I in my right to take it elsewhere for anther opinion ? The shop is quite well known and respected but because ive not been there before , I'm a bit skeptical . ??
Always a hard one having to put your trust in others and how good they are at diagnosing problems. Hope you get it sorted.
If the head gasket has blown, it is possible to do a number of diagnostic tests to verify the suggestion. It may be useful to understand a little more about head gaskets and how they blow. If they blow between the combustion chamber (in the head) and one of the coolant waterways this will allow combustion gases to enter the coolant and therefore the header tank. Using a kit bought off ebay you can check to see if there truly is a leak in the headgasket by using one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trident-B...hash=item4ac0197369:m:mb7oIpjoGAnsajYxGtmvCkQ Alternatively the gasket can blow and allow coolant through into the cylinder. To test for this you will probably need a garage with an exhaust gas analyser, which measure the exhaust gases and can identify if there are any traces of coolant in them. Before you spend big money, a better, more fact-based diagnosis needs to take place imo.
Another problem that has not been addressed is the fact that the rad overflow pipe still leeks and when the systems coolant expands and goes into the expansion bottle because there is no vacuum as the engine cooles it won't pull the coolant back into the cooling system from the bottle and so a never ending circle of water out but none back in starts, so it could be that the head gasket is in fact ok
Yeah I have researched a bit into how it all works now. And also that's a fair point about the broken seal. They said that in theory it shouldn't make a difference as it shouldn't really be coming past the cap to the overflow pipe so I think it's too big a job for me. Getting a second opinion tomorrow about it and thesee guys will have a proper look unlike the last one who just assumed .
Good luck and i hope that if there is a problem these guys will be able to diagnose and carry out the repair correctly rather that just dump another secondhand engine in.
Took it down today, already the vibe feel's better. There a lot more professional so hoping to get to the bottom of it now.
Update: it's the radiator. It's corroded quite bad and the broken outlet which we have already identified as an issue is causing a problem . So new radiator and new hoses. So not the gasket at all ! Happy to get a second opinion .
Great News, and much better news on the pocket !!! Big plus is it now makes buying that radiator and hoses a little easier to do now
May I suggest something. Use the opportunity to get some nice hoses...look for Samco, you can get colour matching ones for your bike if you are that way inclined! Link to Samco hoses at racebikebitz.com This link is for your 09 Street Triple. Cost is north of £174 for all hoses
