1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Help Honda Spada VT250 overheating

Discussion in 'Honda 250cc Twins' started by C_loudy, Oct 29, 2024.

  1. C_loudy

    C_loudy Member

    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2024
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Sydney
    My Bike:
    1991 HONDA VT250 Spada
    Hi everyone,

    I've got a Honda Spada VT250 that is spraying coolant from the reserve tank. This thing overheats when in the traffic. Fan Doesn't work.
    I got stuck in the tunnels today and had to pull over and cool down..
    Could it be something easy to fix like burping, coolant flush and possibly unclogging the radiator?
     
  2. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic - Moderator Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    5,023
    Likes Received:
    3,144
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    I have a VTR250 that does the same thing, but the fan works. Except that the radiator and cooling system was empty and not getting hot. No coolant in the system. I took the tank off and filled it up, then cranked it over. Huge geysers and it would not run. Badly blown head gaskets. I have not pulled it down yet as the bike was meant to be a cheap fix and flip.

    My suggestion is to check the level in the radiator, take off the cap and run the bike, if you get bubbles or a massive geyser then the heads are likely blown.

    Inspect the cap, make sure the seal is not swollen and that the spring portion of the cap is working, if in doubt just replace it with a new one

    You should also check the thermostat by removing it and boiling it to make sure it opens and closes correctly.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  3. C_loudy

    C_loudy Member

    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2024
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Sydney
    My Bike:
    1991 HONDA VT250 Spada
    I checked the radiator and it's hot though. Will check the level and the bubble/ geyser when I get home.

    I thought the thermostat only controls the temp gauge.
    Also, how much would replacing head gaskets at a shop would cost? It's bike just for Learner so I am a bit hesitant about spending a lot of $$$ just on this.
     
  4. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic - Moderator Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    5,023
    Likes Received:
    3,144
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    Thermostat controls coolant flow through the system, if it does not open you would expect radiator to stay cold while engine block coolant gets hot.

    Head gaskets on a v-twin is basically double the work unless you know which one is blown and just do that one, but better to do both IMO
     
    • Like Like x 1
  5. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    11,075
    Likes Received:
    6,878
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    Simple things first .... thermostat, water pump/impellor, radiator cap, air in the system , crud in the radiator , coolant flush

    Check the plug and wiring to the fan switch .... run 12V direct to the fan and see if it actually works
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. C_loudy

    C_loudy Member

    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2024
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Sydney
    My Bike:
    1991 HONDA VT250 Spada
    So I'm probably going to pull the radiator out to check the fan. Will replace the thermostat and fan.

    Will do flush too as I need to drain coolant to access the fan.

    Will comeback with updates!
     
    • Like Like x 1

Share This Page