Cooling fan running all of the time??

[mull]

It seems that on my last few rideout that the cooling fan is running constantly including tarmac sections which I can't remember it doing previously,as the fan would normally only come on when bike was waiting at gate etc.now it has got my attention I'm noticing it more.recently I've noticed steam from back of radiator so I have small leak which needs fixed,and again while investigating the fan was on constantly on tickover which I know it never used to do.on a rideout I would have put problem down to mud in rad grill but again I'm sure fan never ran constantly in same conditions,will a coolant change solve this or could it be more sinister??

 

[GFJ]

They do run a lot, particularly when they start to get blocked by crud. I'd start by cleaning the fins, fixing the leak and ensure it's all properly filled with coolant and see how you go.

I've put a PACE rad on mine for exactly this reason, but having just damaged it I've been quoted approx £330 to repair it. Alternatives to the OW rad are not cheap!

 

[mull]

Thanks gfj,I was thinking of removing rad and giving it a bath then professional fix rather than just bung in some rad weld as that stuff makes it run hotter so I believe.I just hope I don't get any knock on problems when removing rad.
Next question would be do I refill with performance coolant or water/antifreeze mix??

 

[GFJ]

Rad is pretty easy to take off once you've got the side and other plastic panels off. I've always run mine on a standard water/antifreeze mix and the basis they are not that high tech an engine, nor do I race so the demands on the coolant aren't that high.

I've read of some who have used performance waterless coolant in their enduro and m/x bikes, and I was considering it for my TE449 for a while, but never ended up doing it and also don;t have any problems on that bike either.

 

[mull]

It seems you and I have same taste in bikes gfj as I also have a 449 (although it is up for sale).
Radiator is off xchallenge and was totally blocked with mud,just about clear now then sort small leak and hopefully all will be ok.