Radiator off: is there a way to test the fan? Solved!

[Savago]

Dear Friends

About one year ago my I/S radiator fan stopped working. I brought the bike to a shop and the diagnosis was that the fan motor was no longer good.

I ordered the part the same week but only now I decided to do the job: replace the fan motor.

I got all parts back together and I was wondering if is there a way to test it before I reinstall everything back in the bike?

A photo:
https://goo.gl/photos/Ye2qsJQKkJ3UALYL7


Best regards


Savago

[mike72903]

You can simply wire the 12volts from the battery to it.  First determine which of the two wires is the hot wire and wire it directly to the positive battery terminal and the grounded wire to the negative terminal. Don't have my manual with me so can't say what the color of the two wires are.  If one of them is green it's certainly the ground or negative terminal.

[gordonv]

You can also take the lead off the temp sensor and ground it. That's all it does to turn on the motor. Allow a path to ground for the positive going to the fan.

[Roadog]

  Yes, just put 12 volts to it. You can use a battery or a battery charger to do the same thing.  Ground the motor and 12 volts to the other lead.  I test  starter , blower motors like this all the time. Easy to do and yes test it first.

Roadog

[h13man]

You can also take the lead off the temp sensor and ground it. That's all it does to turn on the motor. Allow a path to ground for the positive going to the fan.

+1. This would be a good time to check/replace the thermo switch. Alot of times one thinks the fan is bad do to this switch failure. I keep a manual switch setup in the bags just in case of failure of this switch.

[Patrick]

Generally the fan not working is the switch and not the fan. To check a fan just jump it and see if it runs. But, there are 2 different ways to check thru the switch depending on year and model as I remember. I'm not familiar with the IS.

[Savago]

Dear Friends

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions, they are really helpful.

I considered the idea of just plugging the fan cable to the bike (*but* without re-installing the radiator) and ground the sensor, as explained in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FKiRCwj4js

And yeah, it is a great idea to double check if it is not really the switch as it would be pretty easy to replace it now.
:-)

Best regards


Savago

[Savago]

Maybe I should use the opportunity to add a button to allow to turn on/off the fan?

What you guys think of this button (16A):
https://www.amazon.com/MATCC-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Aluminum-alloy-Waterproof/dp/B01D2FAOEG/ref=pd_sim_263_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51xu0U17m4L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=4T11PQ1SRDF1X0CBZ3KR

[gordonv]

I didn't look at the switch. But for what reason?

I'm almost never stuck in traffic, stuck in a heat wave. As long as it's functional, I would have no reason to over ride the bikes auto feature already there.

About the only time I hear my fan is when I park my bike and leave it running, listening to the music, while removing my gear.

[h13man]

Maybe I should use the opportunity to add a button to allow to turn on/off the fan?

What you guys think of this button (16A):
https://www.amazon.com/MATCC-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Aluminum-alloy-Waterproof/dp/B01D2FAOEG/ref=pd_sim_263_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51xu0U17m4L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=4T11PQ1SRDF1X0CBZ3KR I mounted a simple toggle switch to a piece of  1/16" aluminium  bracket that attaches to the LH switch housing screw to fix in place. Keep in mind this is a emergency setup not a permenant solution to a problem but...

[Savago]

An update: today I decided to test the new fan motor.

I followed this steps:

a) Connected the fan cable to the motorcycle plug (that wire's nest near the right side of the bike, on top of the air filter box).

b) Turned on the ignition button (on the right side handlebar).

c) Turned on the ignition (didn't start the bike as it doesn't have the tank installed).

d) Grounded the sensor switch to the bike frame (and later just connected a wire to the fan plug that goes in the sensor switch).

And the result... *nothing*!

I guess the next step would be to test the new fan motor using a battery to make sure that it is ok.

I looked into the motorcycle plug and it has 2 cables with different colors (one is black with blue dashes and the other is solid green). Any idea which one is the positive?

I'm asking to make sure that I will connect the fan's plug into the right poles in a test battery (or does it even matter? Would it just make the fan rotate in reverse?).

I think I will get myself a multimeter...

Basically I'm looking to one of the following possible issues (and I will test each one before I mount all the parts back to the bike):

a) The new fan is toast (not much probable).

b) Maybe the fan fuse is bad (I'm assuming that should be a fuse somewhere for the fan).

c) Maybe the wire in the bike's plug is broken?


Savago

[The emperor has no clothes]

An update: today I decided to test the new fan motor.

I followed this steps:

a) Connected the fan cable to the motorcycle plug (that wire's nest near the right side of the bike, on top of the air filter box).

b) Turned on the ignition button (on the right side handlebar).

c) Turned on the ignition (didn't start the bike as it doesn't have the tank installed).

d) Grounded the sensor switch to the bike frame (and later just connected a wire to the fan plug that goes in the sensor switch).

And the result... *nothing*!

I guess the next step would be to test the new fan motor using a battery to make sure that it is ok.

I looked into the motorcycle plug and it has 2 cables with different colors (one is black with blue dashes and the other is solid green). Any idea which one is the positive?

I'm asking to make sure that I will connect the fan's plug into the right poles in a test battery (or does it even matter? Would it just make the fan rotate in reverse?).

I think I will get myself a multimeter...

Basically I'm looking to one of the following possible issues (and I will test each one before I mount all the parts back to the bike):

a) The new fan is toast (not much probable).

b) Maybe the fan fuse is bad (I'm assuming that should be a fuse somewhere for the fan).

c) Maybe the wire in the bike's plug is broken?


Savago

Don't overlook the thermo switch.

[crash1980]

This makes me consider that I have never known of my fan to run since I've had the bike, but it has never had the temp light come on either.  I had a 1100 sabre and it seemed the fan very seldom stopped running.  It would come on any time I slowed down to park and the fan was quite loud. 

[Savago]

@crash1980

I've run my I/S for over one year knowing the fan is not working and only once the engine overheated (i.e. the warning light was on), that was because I was stopped in the traffic for over 15 minutes and was a quite hot day (temperatures around 85F to 90F).

I have the feeling that as long you are moving, this engines don't overheat *and* if you are stopped it can take a little while before it happens.

One way to know for sure is to start the bike and let it seat (turned on) for 20 minutes. That should be enough to trigger the fan.

I recommend to install in the bike the oil dip stick thermometer, as it is a way to know how hot is the engine (I noticed that in normal load the oil temp is around 194F and under load it reaches 212F).

[Chrisj CMA]

Maybe I should use the opportunity to add a button to allow to turn on/off the fan?

What you guys think of this button (16A):
https://www.amazon.com/MATCC-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Aluminum-alloy-Waterproof/dp/B01D2FAOEG/ref=pd_sim_263_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51xu0U17m4L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=4T11PQ1SRDF1X0CBZ3KR

The "button" looks fine but I never liked add-ons to the handlebars, I think it looks crappy when various things are cluttering up the bars and the additional wires.

I added a switch to the plastic neck cover on the side of the frame forward from the gas tank.  this switch turns my volt meter on and off so I can test the battery when the bike isint running

[Chrisj CMA]

An update: today I decided to test the new fan motor.

I followed this steps:

a) Connected the fan cable to the motorcycle plug (that wire's nest near the right side of the bike, on top of the air filter box).

b) Turned on the ignition button (on the right side handlebar).

c) Turned on the ignition (didn't start the bike as it doesn't have the tank installed).

d) Grounded the sensor switch to the bike frame (and later just connected a wire to the fan plug that goes in the sensor switch).

And the result... *nothing*!

I guess the next step would be to test the new fan motor using a battery to make sure that it is ok.

I looked into the motorcycle plug and it has 2 cables with different colors (one is black with blue dashes and the other is solid green). Any idea which one is the positive?

I'm asking to make sure that I will connect the fan's plug into the right poles in a test battery (or does it even matter? Would it just make the fan rotate in reverse?).

I think I will get myself a multimeter...

Basically I'm looking to one of the following possible issues (and I will test each one before I mount all the parts back to the bike):

a) The new fan is toast (not much probable).

b) Maybe the fan fuse is bad (I'm assuming that should be a fuse somewhere for the fan).

c) Maybe the wire in the bike's plug is broken?


Savago

given that you hooked the new motor up correctly (and it sounds like you did) The result is way more likely an indicator of a fault with the wiring.  Two bad fan motors, I don't buy it. 

That was another reason to just run a clean wire from a battery to the motor and a ground. 

[h13man]

Disconect the wire @ the thermo sensor and ground it to any unpainted metal with the key on and the fan should come on. If not your problem is before the thermo sensor but wether its the fan or switch problem, that what you got to research.

[gordonv]

1st and foremost, do you have the Service Manual? No? Get a PDF copy here, http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html
Then buy yourself a paper copy.

As for direct wiring. A DC motor doesn't care which side gets + or -, like you said, it will run in reverse.

[Savago]

Dear Friends

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, I believe I've made some progress.

I decided to get a multimeter, it is really amazing what you can buy in this days for just 17 bucks (I remember that a few years ago, a multimeter was an expensive tool):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHP6EIK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Next, I tested if there was any power arriving at the plug where the fan is connected, by grounding the multimeter to the battery and using the red test lead in the black/blue dotted wire in the plug (with the motorcycle ignition on). As there was no reading, I assumed that might be either the wiring or the fuse.

After checking the manual wiring diagram, I learned that the fan circuit has a 10A fuse and in the I/S model, should be between 2 other fuses of 5A.

Looking into the fuse box, I tested each one of the fuses they were all ok *but* the one that is part of the fan circuit!

It is like they say, "Trust, but verify!", I believe the knuckle head at the shop never tested the fuse. I wouldn't be surprised if the old fan it is still good (which I'm planning to test next).

My next step is to get a new fuse and test the new fan.

Some photos:
https://goo.gl/photos/5xsbzKnBDVS6qUoU6

[Savago]

Update: I replaced the fan fuse and tested the new fan (mounted in the radiator) and... success!
:-)

I think I will use the opportunity to install a water temperature gauge (already have the oil dip stick thermometer).

Decided to install an adapter in the water hose (as suggested by http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/gauges.htm) and mount the Autometer gauge in the handlebar (a few photos of the parts):
https://goo.gl/photos/SkmG5PT83xS63aUL6

As I make more progress I will report back.


Savago

[Savago]

Ok, final update: I installed the water temperature sensor/gauge and the fan will kick on when it hits 210F.

It stays on until the temperature drops and the bike doesn't ever show the overheat warning light.

I guess this is mission completed!
:-)

As the sensor/fan is working as expected, I won't install a switch to manually turn on the fan (as it is not really needed).

[falconbrother]

Years ago I had a 1977 GL1000.  The fan stopped working.  I didn't spend a lot of effort trying to troubleshoot it.  I added a single throw switch and kept on riding.  The only issue I had was that I would forget to turn the fan off occasionally.  If I was in heavy traffic, stopping, etc.., in the heat I would just flip it on.  Then, of course I'd hear it running much later.  It was an old POS that I rode everywhere.  Great bike though.  That old GL1000 stripped down bike was fast and a hoot to ride.  I'd rather not put that switch on my Interstate.  If I have an issue out on the road I will run into a walmart and grab some wire, a fuse and a switch and rig it till I get it fixed the right way. 

[Patrick]

A fuse !  Well, at least its an easy fix. I thought it had been checked first, but, it just goes to show to check the first things first. Glad its fixed and you have a spare, just in case.