Hi, I'm new here -

I have a 1994 EL250 Eliminator which has been fine until last night, when I rode off with the sidestand down. It hit the ground with a 'thunk' and then flipped up. I stopped to check everything was OK, and then noticed that my single warning light (which can mean either temperature or oil pressure) was on.

I turned the bike off and checked for leaks, I didn't notice any, so started it back up and noticed that the light was now off - I decided to ride home (less than half a mile) and the engine sounded and performed fine, though the light came back on halfway there.

However, when I parked up and switched off, I noticed a loud hissing/bubbling noise for about 30 seconds.

My first thought was that an airlock has somehow got into the cooling system, so this morning before starting it up I took off the radiator cap and let it run for a few minutes like that, before tightning it up again. Rode to work (about 2 miles) and no problems yet. The light hasn't been on today.

So I think it was indeed an airlock. But what can cause this? Surely the sidestand hitting the ground couldn't make that happen?

Any thoughts about what might have gone on?

Cheers.

 

the light may have been on the second time because of temperature if you were getting bubling/hissing

 

That's what I thought, but I don't understand how hitting the sidestand on the ground could have caused the cooling system to go doolally. As far as I can see the coolant pipes don't even go anywhere near the sidestand on this bike. It's the same engine as a GPX250 if that's any help?

I'm taking her out for a good thrash tonight anyway so I'll let you know if the problem rears its ugly head again.

 

the first and second lights were probably unrelated.

 

Most newer bikes have a switch on the kickstand, that prevents moving when it's down.
In your case, (assuming its an older bike) the lite coming on is probably a sensor (oil or temp) failing. Just replace 'em...their cheap. Also, check the connections to the sensors for corrosion. A faulty connection could be giving you a false reading to the lite.
Now, an airlock is only because there's air in there to begin with. CHECK YOUR FLUIDS REGULARLY !!! Don't wait for the idiot lite to show who's riding the bike, (get it? idiot lite, riding...) The best maintenance is preventive !!!!!! (Notice the signature below)

 

I have come to the conclusion that it's something to do with the rad fan - idled the bike yesterday for 20 minutes, the light came on but the fan didn't.

Will try and bypass the thermostat today to see if the fan comes on. New one is only £10 from the breakers. Thanks for the help everyone

 

Hey Dougal glad to see your pin pointing your problem,,, good luck with bypassing the cooling fan and welcome to KF