Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

Hi guys looking for some advice as I know there is alot of technical people on here.

The ZX10R won't idle when its hot (coolant north of 92 degC)

She runs very smooth when riding but get stuck in traffic and when the temp rises and she is hot if you get stuck at lights she cuts out and the FI light comes on. The bike won't start again until it's cool and the FI light has gone out.

Had this fault a month ago so I changed the air filter and plugs and checked all the electrical connections for security and any hoses for splits or damage. Went for a 200 mile ride yesterday and it was perfect. However with hindsight that's because it was never in traffic and getting hot.

Been out today and every time that I m in traffic and the engine coolant temp / air intake temp rises and I'm at lights on idle it dies.

For info she has had 2 tanks of super unleaded run through here since the fault to help clean the fuel system. The quick shifter is faultless on shifts and I haven't changed the Power Commander fuel map for thr last 7000 miles.

Any suggestions ?

It does have a self diagnosis system on there but it only works if a fault code is standing and even when the FI warning is iluminated I can't access any codes unfortunately so needs more advanced software at the dealers.

I know I need to get her in the dealers for a plug into to their more complex diagnosis software but all suggestions welcome as this is bugging me and ruined a bloody good day in Wales for both me and Rocket.

PS sorry Rocket good buddy. I owe you big time buddy and I really appreciate all your support today. Your a first class mate and a gentleman

Sorry to hear you've had problems.

I'm not technical, so I'll leave it to those in the know. I presume there's no evidence of air in the cooling system?

Advice from twitter is to check that the fan turns ok and to see when the fan kicks in. Thermostat is another potential issue.

Get a better bike

Seriously, i'd say fuel based on what Kwacky has said on the other thread. If not it does sound like a sensor as it runs fine otherwise. If you had air in the coolant, the temp would shoot up quicker rather than behave itself in my experience. Fuel first, if not it might be a Kwack dealer?

Cheers Kwacky. The fan kicks in and is good but appreciate the suggestion

C00kiemonster wrote:Get a better bike

Seriously, i'd say fuel based on what Kwacky has said on the other thread. If not it does sound like a sensor as it runs fine otherwise. If you had air in the coolant, the temp would shoot up quicker rather than behave itself in my experience. Fuel first, if not it might be a Kwack dealer?

I was with Rocket on an identical bike and his temp matched mine at all times.

If it was fuel imo it would be worse when on an open throttle and it's not it's only when on idle.

I'm thinking a sensor is failing but not sure which tbh. Appreciate the suggestion though cheers cookie.

Blade wrote:

C00kiemonster wrote:Get a better bike

Seriously, i'd say fuel based on what Kwacky has said on the other thread. If not it does sound like a sensor as it runs fine otherwise. If you had air in the coolant, the temp would shoot up quicker rather than behave itself in my experience. Fuel first, if not it might be a Kwack dealer?

I was with Rocket on an identical bike and his temp matched mine at all times.

If it was fuel imo it would be worse when on an open throttle and it's not it's only when on idle.

I'm thinking a sensor is failing but not sure which tbh. Appreciate the suggestion though cheers cookie.

Can you run it hot on the drive and collect codes from the bike? You've got a clever gizmo for the car haven't you? Would it work on the kwack?

Does the bike start and idle ok when cold?

Have you noticed anything previously which may suggest there was an issue which has become worse over time?

Does the temp rise the same as before or does it rise quicker?

If it's not a sensor I wonder if something is warming up and letting in air? Only reason I ask is because I've had this in the past with a car. There was a small seal which started to crack. When it was warm it let in air and caused the car to idle badly and sometimes stall.

Just been in the garage and bike stone cold and still has FI warning up and won't start. I think it's dead now

Temp identical to Rockets all day mate. No air in there or low coolant level. Temp rise is normal tbh.

I think a sensor has been failing and is now dead. QUESTION is which one?

Bikes are that complicated these days hitting then with a hammer doesn't fix them like it use too

Blade wrote:Just been in the garage and bike stone cold and still has FI warning up and won't start. I think it's dead now

You know you wanted to change that bike later in the year............

I think I need a RSV4 or Panigale your right Cookie

Only problem is I need to fix this one to sell it

Blade wrote:I think I need a RSV4 or Panigale your right Cookie

Only problem is I need to fix this one to sell it

Push it into the dealers making vroom vroom noises

I really wish that was helpful

Go on holiday soon so hopefully that will take my mind of it.

Just checked online and the service manual is wrong for pulling the codes you need odo and just a button

If everything else is ok then it does sound like a sensor issue.

I'm sure it's going to be a quick and simple fix. Good luck in getting the bike back on the road

Rocket is a genuis

The manual is written in correctly in how to access fault codes.

With Rockets help I now have fault code 31 which is vehicle down sensor error which makes the ecu kill the fuel pump relay, fuel injectors and ignition system which would do it.

Rocket asked for a blowy. ........... He can have fooking 10 as far as I'm concerned

Back of the net big guy your a mechanical fooking genuis ..... .................

Blade wrote:Rocket is a genuis

The manual is written in correctly in how to access fault codes.

With Rockets help I now have fault code 31 which is vehicle down sensor error which makes the ecu kill the fuel pump relay, fuel injectors and ignition system which would do it.

Is that the tilt sensor? Good you can access them like that!

Will look when I get back off holiday just chuffed it's a minor fault. Bike has warranty so will call kawasaki when I get home.

Rocket your a mechanical genuis. Genuinely appreciate all your patients, advice and bum tickling today. Your a bloody legend and a great mate