Testing the radiator fan

ILMV

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I washed my bike today, left the engine ticking over to wait for the fan to kick in (as suggested in the manual, I think), but it didn't engage.

Granted it's a cold day, but the bike was getting quite warm.

Is there a definitive way to test the fan?

p.s. the fan can spin, so it's not caught.


Cheers!
 
Hi Ben I just went for a short ride to test my new fan when I got back waited for about 5 mins with bike on tickover and the fan started up. The temp here is 16 though so you may have to wait a bit longer. The other way if you have the older separate thermostat (clipped to back of fan cowl) you could try pouring hot water on it which should make it start up.
 
No idea about this bike in particular, but based on 'normal' techniques, run power directly to the fan motor input. (use a length of wire directly from the battery, ideally with an inline fuse)

If it works, it works, if not, you probably need a new fan. (though do check if the fan is earth switched, by also running from the motor earth to a known good earth point)


Then look at the wiring between the temp sensor and the fan motor...do a continuity test with a multi meter to make sure there is a direct connection and the wire from the switch to the motor isn't broken

Then test that the sensor (switch) has a live supply to it....if it doesn't, then even of the switch 'opens' when at temp, it won't be able to power the fan.

Then, if possible (and as I say, I have no idea if this is feasible with this bike) you need to look at the sensor itself...in other applications, you'd take out the sensor, plonk the end of it in a pot of water that's above the temperature that it's supposed to kick in at, and it should 'open', allowing the power to go to the fan....if there is no change of continuity at the switch when it's at a temp that it should 'open', then the switch/sensor is probably fubared.

Do it all step by step, use a bit of logic and it shouldn't be too hard to track down :thumb2
 
My twopenneth worth.
I assume you do not have access to a GS911, however if you can get access to one, one of the functions is you can cycle the fan on and off.
I tested the fan today and recorded some values; ambient 7.5C, Thermostat opened at 85C, temp gauge on the rider display never went above 4 bars, at 105C the fan cut in and cut out when the engine temperature dropped to 97.5C. I didn't time how long the fan ran for but it couldn't of been more than 2 minutes. HTH.
 
Thanks guys, just to say I had the bike running for 10 minutes, maybe more without the fan kicking in.

Will take another look in the morning.
 
Thanks guys, just to say I had the bike running for 10 minutes, maybe more without the fan kicking in.

Will take another look in the morning.

Go to Google or RealOem and see if you can track down the actual temp that the fan is SUPPOSED to come on at.......from the sounds of it, I reckon you're worrying over nothing, but to set your mind at rest, it's worth doing
(and borrow a decent spot thermometer to scan the area of the sensor)

:beerjug:
 
Takes a long time while just idling especially in the winter. Seem to remember temperature display has to get to about 3/4 up before fan cuts in.
 


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