BX23 is overheating and boiling over

[EricBX2200]

My wife said that the BX23 was making a gurgling noise when she shut it off. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I could see that the coolant was low. I let it cool down for an hour before adding coolant. I checked things like,

-radiator sceen
-Radiator coils
-oil level

Everything checked out O.K.

She set back out to do some more mowing and was back in 10 minutes, due to overheating. The coolant was boiling over again.

On a car it usually means that the thermostat has gone bad. I am wondering if this is the likely culprit. Any one have any experience with this?

My search on overheating showed nothing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[gsxr1100]

checked rad cap and thermo.

 

[EricBX2200]

Should I just replace these? Or is there a way I can do an at-home check? I can probably warm up some water to check the thermostat, but I can't figureout what kind of check I would do on a radiator cap.

Thanks.

 

[gsxr1100]

is your fan belt ok? How about air in the sys?

 

[jdgreg]

Not sure if the same thing, but on my Honda MC (which is water cooled), when it gurgles and/or the top rad hose is collapsed, usually means the silver vent disk in the rad cap is dirty and needs to be cleaned. Use clean rad fluid and an old tooth brush. Worth a shot.

 

[Volfandt]

I like to eliminate the easy things 1st.
Either take compressed air and blow the radiator out towards the seat or take a good powered shop vac and suck the radiator out. Once it's good and clean check the fan belt tension and adjust accordingly. Pull the radiator cap, clean the rubber mateing surfaces and make sure that you can depress the plunger and it returns and inspect everywhere for possible leaks. If it passes all these then I'd R&R the T'stat.

Good luck
Volfandt

 

[EricBX2200]

I have now implemented all the above suggestions and will take it for a run tomorrow. I ran it for 15 minutes but not long enough to see how it behaves under load. I'll post back soon.

Thanks

 

[milkman]

Et *** spiritu tuo.

 

[gsxr1100]

boy, now that is clear.

 

[ericbx1500]

Any luck yet????

 

[sandyc]

One thought....remove the battery and use a shop vac to clean out the radiator. On my 2200 the battery creates a vortex with the air being drawn into the radiator and really fills the fins up with crap.

 

[rdsaustintx]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( One thought....remove the battery and use a shop vac to clean out the radiator. On my 2200 the battery creates a vortex with the air being drawn into the radiator and really fills the fins up with crap. )</font>

I think there is a screen between the battery and the radiator you can just lift out with the hood open. My '05 BX23 has one.

The battery cover screen seems to collect more fuzz on mine.

Russell in Texas

 

[Av8r3400]

A clean screen does not guarantee a clean radiator, it could still be plugged with finer particles. I've seen this on mine.

 

[EricBX2200]

O.K. Here is the update....

All screens, radiator were cleaned. All fuzz and vegitation removed from behind the battery box. The problem did not go away. I have ordered a new thermostat which I will receive later this week. I will post back with the results.

Thanks for all the good suggestions!

 

[EricBX2200]

The parts finally came in. The thermostat seemed to have done the trick. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Shovelhead Dave]

I had the same symptoms as EricBX2200 on my BX23. I was able to rectify my overheating by removing the battery and cleaning the actual radiator with a shop vac. I was shocked at how much "stuff" was on the radiator clogging the fins. Once I cleaned it thoroughly it's working great. I never expected that much stuff to make it through the first screen under steering column and also the metal screen right in front of the radiator. Thanks to those who listed the steps above. Once you see it for yourself it's a no brainer and a real "duh" moment. I had my finger on the buy it now button for a new thermostat- glad I checked this first. Thanks again.