Aprilia Pegaso cooling problems

[apriliapegaso]

Hi All,

Can someone help me with my Pegaso. I need a specialist in coolant systems I think. I've had a chunk of work done including a new thermostat (as well as a new sprocket and chain etc) and I'm having allsorts of issues. First time out the bike would not restart. After a new plug/battery it started fine. The fan kicked in but the temp was quite high while riding. I decided to use the bike to go into town for a work do later that day which is where the latest problems started.

On the motorway into town the temp went right up to the red line. (About 90) Once off the motorway at the first set of lights the bike stalled and there was white smoke coming out of the exhausts. It wouldn't idle but at that point I could get it restarted and at 2000 rpm it would stand while waiting at the lights, but there was some backfiring/coughing and I was able to get to Symonds St (where my dinner was) Once I stopped there was also white smoke or steam coming from the bottom of the bike so I don't know what the problem is.

All I could do is leave it, have dinner, and see if it would go. It wouldn't, so I took the tank off and cleaned the plug. I was at the point of getting a taxi when it showed some signs of life so I perservered and got it going! So I got home although the temp went right up to the red line and it was if the fan wasn't even cooling the radiator. This bike has been to Red Baron ($743) who were stumped and the remaining work was done by George (MD). Not blaming anyone but there is a problem here no one can identify so I'm appealing to our wider community to see if there is some knowledge out there. It started fine this morning too so it's not totally buggered!...Cheers

[98tls]

What was it doing before you replaced the thermostat,same thing?ie the temp.

[Ocean1]

Did you check the coolant level?

[98tls]

Have a look on the Pegaso forum mate (yep theres a forum for every bike).Quick squizz had blokes talking faulty radiator caps/waterpumps.

[Laava]

Does this model have a separate air bleeding valve in the system somewhere?
I only ask cos I had a nissan engined holden and this was a reasonably common fault. People wouldn,t bleed the air out, when changing coolant, and it would seize and fuck the head every time.
As 98TLS says, check the forums, unless you have a manual as well?

[apriliapegaso]

What was it doing before you replaced the thermostat,same thing?ie the temp.

Yes it was...I was told it would be the thermostat...so maybe not

[ellipsis]

...unrelatedly related...if your ride suddenly starts cooking and blowing out strange shit, dinner is far less important...having to make the nosh could ultimately cost a lotta dosh...know what I mean?...;

[FJRider]

Does this model have a separate air bleeding valve in the system somewhere?
I only ask cos I had a nissan engined holden and this was a reasonably common fault. People wouldn,t bleed the air out, when changing coolant, and it would seize and fuck the head every time.
As 98TLS says, check the forums, unless you have a manual as well?

They weren't the only engine to suffer air-lock issues ...

[spanner spinner]

white smoke coming out of the exhausts. It wouldn't idle but at that point I could get it restarted and at 2000 rpm it would stand while waiting at the lights, but there was some backfiring/coughing and I was able to get to Symonds St (where my dinner was) Once I stopped there was also white smoke or steam coming from the bottom of the bike so I don't know what the problem is.

What ever has caused the overheating has stuffed the headgasket white smoke from the exhaust is coolent finding it's way into the combustion chamber. This also ties in with the no idle and steam exiting from the coolent overflow at the bottom of the bike. Water pump or air lock could have caused the overheating but you now have a larger problem.

[hayd3n]

does the bike had a oil cooler aswell?
these can fail causing head gasket like problems, like on my honda

[FJRider]

does the bike had a oil cooler aswell?
these can fail causing head gasket like problems, like on my honda

Most likely a head gasket issue from the start.

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Google AF 1 and look under the FAQ's for your model. Bet someone else has had the same, or a similar, problem. Good luck

[FruitLooPs]

white smoke coming out of the exhausts. It wouldn't idle but at that point I could get it restarted and at 2000 rpm it would stand while waiting at the lights, but there was some backfiring/coughing and I was able to get to Symonds St (where my dinner was) Once I stopped there was also white smoke or steam coming from the bottom of the bike so I don't know what the problem is.

What ever has caused the overheating has stuffed the headgasket white smoke from the exhaust is coolent finding it's way into the combustion chamber. This also ties in with the no idle and steam exiting from the coolent overflow at the bottom of the bike. Water pump or air lock could have caused the overheating but you now have a larger problem.

This +1

OP; a mental note for future if the bikes temps reaching into the overheating range don't just keep riding along, stop and let it cool unless you've got deep pockets and plenty of time :crazy: If you're unlucky you'll have warped the head too and a new HG will just blow again. Get it checked out properly, I'd find it hard to believe a bike shop wouldn't notice a steaming exhaust.

Original issue could be one of a few things, most of which have been mentioned.

[skippa1]

white smoke coming out of the exhausts. It wouldn't idle but at that point I could get it restarted and at 2000 rpm it would stand while waiting at the lights, but there was some backfiring/coughing and I was able to get to Symonds St (where my dinner was) Once I stopped there was also white smoke or steam coming from the bottom of the bike so I don't know what the problem is.

What ever has caused the overheating has stuffed the headgasket white smoke from the exhaust is coolent finding it's way into the combustion chamber. This also ties in with the no idle and steam exiting from the coolent overflow at the bottom of the bike. Water pump or air lock could have caused the overheating but you now have a larger problem.

+ 1 What ^ said.:yes: