Not so COOLANT situation!!!

I would add some anti-freeze or distilled water...... but wait for advice from one of our gearheads! :)

[lw]

Welcome to the group Stellabella. Glad to have you with us.
In your post you didnt indicate whether your Nomad is new or "previously loved". The only reason that matters is that a new one should go right back to the dealer to rectify the problem.

if its truly new take it back to your stealer and have them make it right.....

[blowndodge]

Hey Stellabella:

By your use of the word "coolant tank" I'm going to assume that you mean the "overflow resevoir behind the right side cover next to the passenger floorboard? If thats the case;

This is not where cooling takes place. This overflow tank is just that. As coolant temps rise in the true radiator in front of the engine, the expanding fluid has to go somewhere. This is what that tank is for.

I'll explain what is going on. Lets say your "coolant tank" as you've called it is filled right in the middle or normal. As the temperature rises in the radiator as the bike gets hot a hose will allow this expansion of fluid to be routed to the coolant tank and catch it in the resevoir thus raising the level to the full mark. Thats why under most circumstances you check it hot as this whill show the true level at high temps. As the engine cools off and the fluid contracts due to heat loss, the hose in this coolant tank sucks the fluid back out of the tank and puts it back in the radiator.

So this tank's job is just to control the expansion and contraction of the coolant in your cooling system. Being low isn't really "low" as far as what is in the radiator. To check this, the next time your bike is cool to the touch and take the cap off the radiator off and peek inside. The fluid "green color" should be at the top.

If it gives you a piece of mind to add fluid to the coolant tank then go ahead but as long as there is coolant in the tank and the hose is submerged in it, all is good, even at the "low" mark.

[stellabella]

thank you all!

blowndodge, your answer was great thank you. Any indication about the over heat situation. It was a hot day in Central Florida, but I think the engine heat was a little excessive. Is this common for the Nomads.

I just switch from a Honda Shadow 750 ACE and I notice several differences, or better, new things while riding. I understand its a more powerful bike. What level of heat should I be expecting?

Any other tips are greatly appreciated from you and from ALL!

Thank again.

[blowndodge]

Nomad run hotter than hell! It's a curse in the summer and a Godsend in the winter! When the fan kicks in on a summer day it will feel like you opened the oven door while cooking your dinner. In the summer time in southern cal when its over 90 my fan runs all the time when stopped at a light. Its the nature of the beast!

That's the great thing about having a liquid cooled bike. My friend rode his harley in a parade last 4th of July - by the end of the parade the inside of his thighs were bright red. He litteraly had first degree burns from the heat of the engine that went right through his Levis!

[stellabella]

If thats the nature of the beast... I WILL RUN WITH THE BEAST!

I was waiting to put my hand in a 1600 Nomad for months, so far I think this machine its everything I read and more, Glad to have found this forum. I will check with you guys later!

AGAIN, THANK YOU!

NOTE: I am in the market for a good luggage rack, any advice?

[blowndodge]

My friend rode his harley in a parade last 4th of July - by the end of the parade the inside of his thighs were bright red.

Sounds like you've been hangin' out at the Nico and Ponch love fest!!!

YAAA! "FLGLF" The Finger Lickin' Good Love Fest. Whatchout they'll have a hayday on your bottom!

[Scoot]

Nomad run hotter than hell! It's a curse in the summer and a Godsend in the winter! When the fan kicks in on a summer day it will feel like you opened the oven door while cooking your dinner. In the summer time in southern cal when its over 90 my fan runs all the time when stopped at a light. Its the nature of the beast!

My Nomad is a 2002 Last summer I noticed my fan wasn't coming on. Had the Kaw shop check it said everything was ok. I was still worried so I did the radiator flush per Gadget, then filled with a 50/50 Honda mix. Then this spring I got the Kaw shop to change out the water temperature switch and the fan switch before my warranty went out. Now for my fan to turn on I have to have it idling for about 20 min then it'll turn on.

Lord Brad Does this sound right to you? When it was new it turned on all the time, at least the first 2 years

scoot

thank you all!

blowndodge, your answer was great thank you. Any indication about the over heat situation. It was a hot day in Central Florida, but I think the engine heat was a little excessive. Is this common for the Nomads.

I just switch from a Honda Shadow 750 ACE and I notice several differences, or better, new things while riding. I understand its a more powerful bike. What level of heat should I be expecting?

Any other tips are greatly appreciated from you and from ALL!

Thank again.

Welcome from 1 'new' member to another...even though i've been reading this board 4 a long time...i just recently joined!
If i remember correctly....nico (machoDC) had a Honda Shadow 750 ACE b4 his nomad....that was a nice ride too!!
well...enjoy the site...and the craziness!!!!!!

[blowndodge]

Mine will turn on much sooner than that but I suspect that your bike being a 2002 is not set to run as lean as the newer Nomads and as such doesn't generate the excessive heat the later FI bikes do. Sounds like all is well with your ride. Mine won't be lean too much longer..

[rflnomad]

After 1 month, my 05 leaked from the junction under the fuel tank. Dealer fixed it ( said the connections were loose) and been dry since. We love our Nomad and love to hit the old two-lanes on the weekend.
Yeah, the fan does turn on alot down here; not to worry. When I am in start & stop traffic I do NOT rev the motor. Other people do and I feel this makes them even hotter.
Be careful up there in Orange/Seminole counties....

[bluetongue]

Check the hose connection at the water pump I did not notice the leak for a month or so it seems to dry as it comes out due to engine heat. I also experienced the upper radiator hose leak problem both where solved by tightening the clamps. Did it just seem hot or did the over heat light come on? I have experienced some 105 degree heat 100% humidity hear in Houston,TX area and only had a coil drop out due to excessive engine heat, Which it has never happened again. fill your overflow with 50/50 mix water and coolant. While it may be used it may still have factory warranty ask if it does and if the answer is yes make them figure out the problem and don't take no or that is normal for an answer. The only problem with any of the Kawasaki line is the lack of dealer support. Hope you get the problem fixed cause the Nomad is an awesome bike.