overheat light on

[patc]

Originally Posted by harpomatic

Got it John , thank you, will do tomorrow. While i am there - maybe I should pull the thermostat as well, to check it's condition, can it just be unscrewed (the "nut")? Do I drain the radiator for that? I did some search on these questions, but so far did not find much info yet...
Edit: Just checked clymer's - they call it "fan switch", I'm sure John means to unplug there, but if anyone has a tip on the possible cleaning procedure of that unit - would be great to be equipped with some wisdom from fellas here...

Hi Harpo, The Thermistor that John refers to is a different thing altogether to the Thermostat. The Thermistor mearly monitors the temp of the water and operates the fan when required, as John says. The Thermostat is a valve that stops coolant circulating through the Radiator until the engine is up to normal temp. It would however pay you to check the Thermostat as this could be staying closed and not letting the coolant through and causing your overheating problem. You can remove the Thermostat and check it by placing it in hot water and watching to see if it opens correctly, but if there is any suspicion of over heating I would change it as a matter of course as they are not expensive. Check in your manual and it will tell you how to locate and remove the Thermostat. This is a good time to flush your system through and fill with fresh coolant. Good luck.

[harpomatic]

Great tip, and I will do that, but I have a reason to suspect the "thermistor", as it (bike) sat in water for a short while... The fan worked afterwards, but maybe corrosion occurred over time(about 2 weeks later) - or is it not a possibility at all, as it seems well protected by its sleeve, and not much is exposed to the outside water, and maybe I shouldn't bother getting to its "innards"?

[harpomatic]

Ok amigos, assuming the test of the fan works with a blown fuse(again, after yesterday's test it burnt out and I did not have the spare this time), with ignition "on" I unplugged that spade connector, and touching it to the frame - no fan movement. the connector looked nice and clean on both ends - switch in the radiator (thermister) end, and wire. So, I tried spinning the fan by hand, as I remember it would freely turn by hand - no way, it is not moving. Now, fan & it's motor is my suspect - correct?

[John Hopkins]

Originally Posted by harpomatic

Ok amigos, assuming the test of the fan works with a blown fuse(again, after yesterday's test it burnt out and I did not have the spare this time), with ignition "on" I unplugged that spade connector, and touching it to the frame - no fan movement. the connector looked nice and clean on both ends - switch in the radiator (thermister) end, and wire. So, I tried spinning the fan by hand, as I remember it would freely turn by hand - no way, it is not moving. Now, fan & it's motor is my suspect - correct?

Yes you need a new one..as it was under water I suspect mud and debris has found it's way to the bearing..you really need a new one but it is often possible to strip the fan and clean it with WD40 to make it work again.

John.

[harpomatic]

thank you for the guidance, at least the diagnosis is established. I take it there is no way to bypass the entire radiator removal/flushing procedure to remove the fan..

[John Hopkins]

Just wheel the bike outside over a drain and undo the bottom radiator bolts the undo the bottom hose

the rest is even easier.

John.

[vonh]

2 Blown fuse indicates a worn out fan or a short in your power wire to the fan. Just ground the fan and let it run see if the fuse blows again, if it does get a new fan.

[harpomatic]

new fan is definitely in the cards. I will try to revive this one, but chances are it's seen its better days... I really want to thank all of you for the help - without it, even these seemingly simple tasks would be impossible for someone like me, without much of technical experience and knowledge. Equipped with your friendly support, I see how working on the bike can be enjoyable, gratifying experience. Especially when there is a warm place to do it in, and tools are at hand. (not my present situation, but I do see it