[dthogey]

Running up the freeway at 75 mph in low 40 deg temps I look down and notice that there is no temperature indication at all. I've run in lower temps than this and it seems like it has always shows some temp. Maybe it's somehow an indication of my body temp!

 

[Bones1955]

T-Stat stuck open??

 

[tonygret]

I have had this happen only to correct itself on its own after the next ignition cycle. Seems compleley random and doesn't happen often enough to worry about.

You don't mention if it started working eventually.

 

[jzeiler]

Like Tony said some times it will do this. It should normally be half way even in the coldest temps. You can also check the wire that clips on tho the sending unit down under the front of the engine on the water/oil pump unit. The oil pressure and temp gage senders are right next to each other. The one in the pic with the yellow clip is the water temp unit.

 

[dthogey]

Thanks guys,

I just got onto the computer. After I left that post I rode the bike another couple of hours and still no temp indication. Then I loaded the bike onto my trailer and hauled it for another 7hrs. I haven't ran it since I've been home. I let you know tomorrow what I find out.

Thanks again.

 

[dthogey]

I just got to work, it didn't reset. how long can I ride like this?

 

[dthogey]

This is embarrassing but I'm a complete non mechanic. More than likely I'll have to have a buddy or a non bmw bike shop look at this for me. Due to work I'm not sure when this can happen. Can I continue to ride like this?

 

[JimH]

Running up the freeway at 75 mph in low 40 deg temps I look down and notice that there is no temperature indication at all.

Do you mean engine temp dial, or BC computer outside temperature readout?

 

[dthogey]

Engine temp

 

[jzeiler]

Do you feel warm air coming from the radiator openings on the side when she is running? The sensor that drives the temp gage has no other function. The ECU gets its temp input from another sensor on the back side of the cylinder head( that one also controls the fan turn on point). So if you can determine she is getting warm and radiators are hot to the touch after riding - go for it.

 

[dthogey]

Do you feel warm air coming from the radiator openings on the side when she is running? The sensor that drives the temp gage has no other function. The ECU gets its temp input from another sensor on the back side of the cylinder head( that one also controls the fan turn on point). So if you can determine she is getting warm and radiators are hot to the touch after riding - go for it.

There is warm air coming from the vents while under way. I guess I will continue to ride it until I can have it checked out.

Thanks for the info!

 

[copperstatetour]

So a question for all you wrenchers out there, has anyone added a switch to override the computer and make the fans run all the time? I live in a place 110+ degree weather and lots of traffic - needless to say, engine temperature is always on the top of my mind. Just doing a coolant change and thinking about it.

 

[jzeiler]

Why? They will come on when they are needed. No point in running them sooner.

Tstat opens @ 185 F
Fans Kick in @ 221 F
Over temp light @239 F

I ride in 95-100 with close to 98% humidity all summer. Never have a problem. Its the air cooled bikes that have the real issue.

 

[deanwoolsey]

I know it makes us nervous to see that gauge creep up to the red mark, but as John says they'll come on when they need to. Running the fans all the time will only wear them and your alternator out prematurely. If it helps any, the difference between halfway and redline on the temp gauge is only about 15 degrees as I recall.

 

[afgrava]

I don't like to see the engine temp go up and down, like when in a stop and go traffic jam on a hot day. I don't think it does any good for engine components to expand and contract with temp changes every few minutes. On my K11 I hooked up a switch to turn on the fan when in such situations. It worked and made me feel more comfortable. Just me. I have not added a switch for the K12 but have thought about it. Anybody looked into how to do this???

 

[JimH]

I think the effects of coolant temperature variations are minor in comparison to the variations between intake, compression, combustion and exhaust on the interior of the engine, so I have no problem with a gauge that reads anywhere below and up to, but not seriously over, the red mark.

A few minutes over red may also be tolerated better by the engine than by the rider!

 

[dthogey]

When I pulled into work this morning the guage started working again!

 

[jzeiler]

I don't think it does any good for engine components to expand and contract with temp changes every few minutes. On my K11 I hooked up a switch to turn on the fan when in such situations. It worked and made me feel more comfortable. Just me. I have not added a switch for the K12 but have thought about it. Anybody looked into how to do this???

the change is about 18 % between opening Tstat and fan kick in and you most likely run higher than Tstat open so the stress is more like less than 10% in temperature. The gage just makes it look worse.

There is a fan relay that is controlled by the ECU. You could always add a switch to trigger it. Or there are two fuses - one for each fan (and only the fans), just pull those and feed 12V to the bottom side of each fuse (The relay is under the tank - fuses under the seat you choose).

 

[copperstatetour]

Its the air cooled bikes that have the real issue.

Maybe Harleys but not BMW air cooled bikes, I sail by (okay idle past) all the Harley guys under the freeway overpass waiting for their bikes cool off in the summer and just have to smile

I have traditionally cut myself off from riding when it gets above 110, but I am going to try to push that this year and see if I can't go to 115 and beyond, I just dont want to have to join those Harley guys under the bridge.

Does that make me a snob

 

[saddleman]

When I pulled into work this morning the guage started working again!

I think your bike was just pissed off for brining it back to such a crappy climate. :bmw: