Fireblade problem

[Ipelm]

On my way to trackday today in 2000 Stuart Taylor built 900cc Locoblade (1997/1998 carb model) got only a short distance on warmed up engine when the temperature gauge started to steadily rise to the red.
Stopped and waited for it to cool and noticed header tank just warm but pressure ok, and only top of rad hot, plenty of water.
Drove home 20mins temperature fine. At home checked rad...hot all over and header hot.
I left car running for a good while with fan on, no problems

This car is hardly ever used in last 4 years except for yearly service b/fluid change and MOT, one trackday in August (no problems) Should sell it really, but its nice car with its carbon look bodywork.
I am guessing the thermostat a little lazy due to lack of use or maybe an air lock?

Any suggestions

Edited by Ipelm on Sunday 9th November 17:13

Edited by Ipelm on Sunday 9th November 17:14

[hugh_]

Sounds like an airlock somewhere to me

[Snake the Sniper]

I'd guess the stat was stuck shut, and given a while in the heat it popped open and freed up.

[Ipelm]

Thanks guys
Ian

[Kiltie]

Aye, defo sticky thermostat.

Best just whip it out.

Cheers,

Eric

[Ipelm]

Thanks Eric.

I assume that by saying whip it out you are not suggesting running without it?

Ian

[Snake the Sniper]

Don't run a bike engine, or any engine if it can be helped, without a stat in it. It can do all sorts of funny things to the water flow around the block, and it will often stop an engine reaching it's full running temp. Just pull it out and fit a new one. Shouldn't take long to sort.

[Ipelm]

sounds like good advice...Thanks
Ian