Radiator Cleaning

[drumwrecker]

Found this and thought it might be of interest.
https://www.k1600forum.com/threads/radiator-cleaning-maintenance-impacted-grit-sand-dirt-lessons-learned-radiator-fin-pick-and-floss-yeah-really.201550/

[richtea]

> 'The bottom five rows worth of obstruction were enough to make me question my life choices. '

 

[richtea]

Oh, and a slight aside - a good suggestion but I've forgotten from who (apols but probably Brian, Chris or Andym2):

- drill the solid back of central plastic guard with many small holes for airflow, but not so big a stone will go through

[Matt]

I've never got into this rad cleaning club but surely if you're taking it off then a good soak followed by blowing and sucking machines using air or water would do lots of this?

Is this like me trying to melt solder by rubbing my hands together because my soldering iron is broke and I can't be arsed replacing it?

FYPie I just ordered a new soldering iron. And fina-frigging-lly a helping hand device with magnifying glass. Lot of headers to do.

[TomL]

It doesn't mention in this article about vacuum filling the system when the radiator has been removed. Perhaps the K1600 doesn't have to be vacuum filled.

Interesting that the K1600 suffers the same radiator problems as the K1300S. I'm surprised that BMW haven't addressed the problem.

Drilling holes in the rear of the central mud flap makes no difference. I've tried riding the bike with the mud flap removed alltogether, when the rad became blocked and it didn't help at all.

[drumwrecker]

What interested me was the trouble this bloke went to.
I want a soak, rinse and go answer
Just ordered some Simple Green Aviation Extreme to try out. bound to be raining by the time it arrives 

[richtea]

Drilling holes in the rear of the central mud flap makes no difference. I've tried riding the bike with the mud flap removed alltogether, when the rad became blocked and it didn't help at all.

Oh. 
That's disappointing.

If we all lived in Australia, we'd be sorted:
https://www.golpherperformance.com.au/collections/bmw/products/bmw-k1600gt-k1600gtl-10-16-radiator?variant=35310722416795

Seems a reasonable price, but then shipping and import duties may spoil that slightly.

[drumwrecker]

Are the Ozzie rads compatible with the K1300s inside and out?
400 oz dollars is £230 according the currency site I found.
Isn't a new replacement rad around £400 in the UK?

[andym2]

If we all lived in Australia, we'd be sorted:
https://www.golpherperformance.com.au/collections/bmw/products/bmw-k1600gt-k1600gtl-10-16-radiator?variant=35310722416795

Seems a reasonable price, but then shipping and import duties may spoil that slightly.

You could try West Mercia Radiators, who are significantly closer. http://www.westmerciaradiators.co.uk/motorbike_radiator_repairs.html

[richtea]

Ah, well remembered, Andy. I've bookmarked that for x years time. Thanks!

[Costas]

1600 and 1800 cc. engines do not have the same type of radiator as the 12,13 ones.
Much more easier to clean and no clogging  issues.
Unfortunately The use of the silica/sand based compounds, used only in UK, roads during winder time , even after so many letters adressed to the UK  ministry of transportation had no results.
Similar issues are faced with some vehicles from Stelandis and VW group.

[Sutty]

Guys, I’ve removed the central stone guard thousands of miles ago, I’ve also cut out the fan mounting bottom corners to allow throughflow of air to clear out the dust debris, I haven’t fitted a extender to the guard either. It is still the original rad from 2014 and works as it should. I do take extra care when washing the bike and I don’t ride in the wet or winter.
I use auto glym wheel cleaner then snow foam to wash the rad, then back flush with a 90degree lance I made up.
Happy with the cooling..

Best regards. Mick

[Phmode]

I don’t ride in the wet or winter.
Best regards. Mick

And there you have it.

Dry sunny roads don't block radiators, as Costas keep,saying. Never happens in the sunny Hellenic Isles.

[Matt]

I don’t ride in the wet or winter.
Best regards. Mick

And there you have it.

Dry sunny roads don't block radiators, as Costas keep,saying. Never happens in the sunny Hellenic Isles.

Your problem is you keep riding through the loading yard at the weetabix factory... on a rainy day... when there's lots of weetabix dust about... and wind... yeah.

[MrAliT]

I had the over heating issue last summer. I'd always taken the time to run water through the radiator when washing but it still got clogged up.

I took the time to run water through it for about 30 minutes then used a large can of brake and clutch cleaner and sprayed the while lot through from both sides. I then gave it another rinse and loads more crud was dislodged.

Been fine ever since, even commuting through the recent warm spell so worth a go if yours is struggling. Definitely cheaper than a new radiator and didn't have to take it off and faff about with vacuum refilling the coolant