Is this a thermostat?

[willis1]

I just bought this snow bike, and am new to them. They previous owner said it had a c3 thermostat, but this looks like it just gives feed to the handlebars. I don't see a bypass or anything. Is this really a thermostat? It does not have a temperature gauge, so I don't know if it is keeping the engine warm. I will be adding a gauge soon, but am wondering if I really have a thermostat?

Thanks

 

[willis1]

Sorry, here is the picture

 

[Archie]

Yes that’s the thermostat. You could put a temp probe in that extra port.

 

[willis1]

Thanks! So without the handle bar warmers turned on, there would be zero flow (when it is under temperature)? Is there a way to see what the temperature of that thermostat is? I think I will get a temp probe, it would be nice to know what the temperature is.

 

[teal_210]

Thanks! So without the handle bar warmers turned on, there would be zero flow (when it is under temperature)? Is there a way to see what the temperature of that thermostat is? I think I will get a temp probe, it would be nice to know what the temperature is.

The c3 thermostats like what is in the picture have a small weep hole in them, so they flow a bit even when the valve to the bars is closed. If you take it out and look at it, there will be a temperature stamped on the stat inside of the housing.

 

[byeatts]

Actually W is correct , Never shut valve to bars Unless temps are high enough to open the T stat or ewe will cavatate the water pump. The weep hole flows almost nothing and only serves as a air bleed. Ive had one seal blow due to this and instruct riders to leave it open, typically its the trail home where bars get too hot and then riders forget to open the valve back up.

 

[needpowder]

Actually W is correct , Never shut valve to bars Unless temps are high enough to open the T stat or ewe will cavatate the water pump. The weep hole flows almost nothing and only serves as a air bleed. Ive had one seal blow due to this and instruct riders to leave it open, typically its the trail home where bars get too hot and then riders forget to open the valve back up.

Interesting. I shut the bars off all the time while riding deep powder just to keep the engine warmer even if my hands are cold. Eliminating the bars as an extra radiator makes a huge difference in engine temps. I hav’nt blown any seals on the pump housing. Seals are easy to replace if I do. Way more important in my opinion to keep the engine temperature closer to where it needs to be.

 

[needpowder]

Actually W is correct , Never shut valve to bars Unless temps are high enough to open the T stat or ewe will cavatate the water pump. The weep hole flows almost nothing and only serves as a air bleed. Ive had one seal blow due to this and instruct riders to leave it open, typically its the trail home where bars get too hot and then riders forget to open the valve back up.

I can’t really see the picture very well, but maybe some people have the handlebar valve down near the thermostat? Mine is up near the bars so my coolant runs through my engine and radiators with the handlebars turned off. Thought everyone had it that way.

 

[teal_210]

Interesting. I shut the bars off all the time while riding deep powder just to keep the engine warmer even if my hands are cold. Eliminating the bars as an extra radiator makes a huge difference in engine temps. I hav’nt blown any seals on the pump housing. Seals are easy to replace if I do. Way more important in my opinion to keep the engine temperature closer to where it needs to be.

I've been told by C3 numerous times that it's totally fine to close the valve.

 

[M5-]

It is, bikes don't have the style of water pump which can cavitate. No harm no foul.

M5

 

[willis1]

Thanks everyone, for clearing that up!

 

[willis1]

Yes that’s the thermostat. You could put a temp probe in that extra port.

Sorry, you may or may not know the answer to this. I don't have a temp probe yet, but am getting a trail tech voyager pro (Item #: 922-128). will its temp probe fit in that extra port?

 

[Archie]

It should, I have a different C3 thermostat on my 300 but my temp probe that came with my voyager pro fit fine.

 

[byeatts]

I've been told by C3 numerous times that it's totally fine to close the valve.

Common sence will tell any intellegent person dead heading the water pump while running at RPM is not good, It also creates hot spots in cylinder since there no water flow other than a tiny air bleed hole. C3 are not engine builders , Many will get away with it however it will wear impeller faster and can blow a seal and it Will create hot spots overheating areas of head as well. NO engine was ever designed to completely inhibit the water flow which has the purpose of maintaining even cylinder temps. the safe method is only close vatve if temps exceed or are near the T stat rating, it does not matter where the valve is located it serves the same function.

 

[needpowder]

Yew would also think an intelligent person insulting other people would have enough common sense cents? Sence? To check spelling.

 

[needpowder]

Sorry byeatts, couldn’t resist . I am curious about this topic though. My bars are heated by a valve that does not impede the coolant flowing through my system. It just adds a parallel route through the handlebars. How could this be causing any harm if it is shut off?

 

[byeatts]

Sorry byeatts, couldn’t resist . I am curious about this topic though. My bars are heated by a valve that does not impede the coolant flowing through my system. It just adds a parallel route through the handlebars. How could this be causing any harm if it is shut off?

when your T stat is closed (all the way up to 180 degree )the only flow is through the bars and if ewe close the bar valve all engine flow is deadheaded.

 

[needpowder]

when your T stat is closed (all the way up to 180 degree )the only flow is through the bars and if ewe close the bar valve all engine flow is deadheaded.

 

[needpowder]

Oh, OK. I get you. That makes total sense. Thank you. I do run with my handlebars on most of the time. Maybe instead of turning them off completely I will just slow the flow a bit with the valve? Hasn’t been a problem for me, but don’t wanna create one either.p