Fan not working

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

 My fan isn't kicking on as it should. I've checked the fuse and I did the grounding of the wire from the sending unit. The fan will work if I ground the wire. I'm ordering a switch but until then can I wire the ground thru a switch to turn the fan on and off when needed. I have a guage so I can keep an eye on the temp. This is my primary source of transportation so I need to keep riding. I don't see any problem with doing this just wanted to check with some of you smarter people first. TIA

[olddog1946]

Putting the fan on a switch will work just fine, as long as you keep your good eye on it..but I wouldn't leave it that way.

[R J]

On what did you base your information that you need a new switch?

My switch has been in my bike since 97 and 242K+ miles.

It works when needed.     Sometimes I think you might think you are overheating and you are not.

These systems are designed now to run in the 195 to 210 area.    Mine runs right at 200 most of the time.    I can only recall my fan coming on when I pull up to the garage door and get off to open it.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

RJ, I understand that they run hot. I'm in south Texas and it gets real hot here, but I've been stuck in traffic the last couple of days and I've hit 235 on my guage twice and still no fan running. The temp light has come on a couple of times and I've had to pull over and let her cool. This just a quick fix until I can get a new switch.

[Ricky-D]

Sounds like there is a (description/nomenclature) issue here.

I say: If what you are doing is working Okay, go ahead and do it!

Since it is only a temporary measure and it is doing no harm, you should have no problem!

Have you consulted the wiring diagram for your bike?

***

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Fan power is only hot with key so no chance of leaving on after bike is off. Circuit has 10 amp fuse in it so if problem, fuse will blow. All I'm doing is making the fan manually controlled until new switch comes in. Fixing to go ride and test hop it.

[R J]

I agree, 235 is too hot for the fan to not come on.......   Make sure your switch is only a temp fix.........

[Red Diamond]

If your fan comes on when you ground it, have you considered it maybe being a ground issue instead of the thermostat controlled switch?

[Willow]

Be sure you've checked your coolant level.  If it gets low enough the thermostat won't kick for the fan.

Don't ask. 

[valkyriemc]

FWIW I just measured my fan's (2000 I/S) current draw at 3.9 amps. I installed an aux switch near the left handle bar controls. Some of these red lights here in Florida are just plain stupid long. Using my temp guage, I kicked it on at 190F sitting at idle and it maintainted the temp just fine. I dont see the point in letting the bike get real hot before the fan comes on, and then letting it cycle on and off while I sit and roast. My switch is permanent.     

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Well put 75 miles on it Sunday and another 25 this morning no problems. I had to kick it on twice yesterday at redlights down in the medical center in Houston but it worked perfectly. New switch on order.

[wdvalk]

had the same problem,it is the thermal switch mounted lower left radiator