Dual radiator fans

[nate]

Unfortunately as life would have it, I spend more time in traffic then on the open road. As such, my boy gets a little warm  . Not to the point of boiling, but hotter then I want. New hoses, a good flush, fresh coolant all done but still a little warmer then I like.

I've been toying with the idea of a dual fan setup, pretty much to suck in some slightly cooler traffic air. Any thoughts on this one guys, know of anyone who's done it before. I have a feeling that I will have to use a slightly smaller fan the OEM, but as long as they are both efficient power wise, it shouldn't create too much more of a power draw, I'm hoping.

Love to hear your thoughts.

Nate

[alans1100]

I'm not sure if an extra fan would make a lot of difference except maybe making the cooling cycle a little faster.

The on/off operation is set by the thermostat in the radiator and adding another fan won't change that.

The few times we run down to the city doesn't see out temp gauge go much above half of normal range before the fan cuts in. As long as it doesn't go into the H (or red zone) then all should be ok.

[ST2UP]

In addition to allowing the thermastate to do its thing.........just add a toggle switch to the fan so you can override the wait for the thermo to cut in........if your at lights or constant stop go in peak hour traffic flick the switch. 


Added this to my ST1100 some years ago.......worked great 



 

[Nigel]

Yeah, Hi Nate, just my 2 bobs worth, I bought my bike back in Sept `13 and it had just had a bypass switch fitted to it.  The owner wasn't happy with the time frame for the fan to cut in ( about 3/4 ) as he did on occasion ride to and from work. He had a new thermostat fitted,  the rad stripped and cleaned, and hoses replaced. I too, don't like it getting up into the top end of temperature before the fan cuts in but when it does it pulls it back to 1/4 within seconds. I use the override switch if in heavy traffic. ( Located in left pocket ). Point being, you may have a faulty fan if it doesn't bring the temp down quickly enough, but not need an extra fan, if that makes sense. On the open road, mine runs 1/4 to 1/3 on gauge which i consider to be normal. Good Luck   

Nigel

[nate]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I can hear the fan cut in when it's up above 3/4, but it doesn't run very long, so that could be either a fan or thermostat issue.  I like the idea of adding a bypass switch, but not too sure of the wiring. Would a 3 position switch be the go, 1 for on, 2 off, 3 auto (thermostat doing the work)?  Thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.

TIA
Nate

[Brock]

The fan sounds like its working fine, mine works at about 3/4, and off at 1/2. That was in 40C of the freeway during stop start due road works. A single position switch is fine, in parallel with the thermal switch so it just turns on. The best bet with mods is to keep things simple, easier to fix if things go wrong.
 

[nate]

Thanks Brock, I'll have a closer look at the thermostat, that could be the issue for it not staying on very long. Appreciate the suggestion on the wiring too.

Cheers!
Nate

[Brock]

Its not a theromstat, but the thermal switch (pedantic maybe). the thermostat controls the water flow through the radiator, the therma switch  turns on the fan, andthe then there is the temp sensor that makes the gauge work.

The switch is up on the top left of the radiator ( looking forward ).

[alans1100]

Its not a theromstat, but the thermal switch (pedantic maybe). the thermostat controls the water flow through the radiator, the therma switch  turns on the fan, andthe then there is the temp sensor that makes the gauge work.

The switch is up on the top left of the radiator ( looking forward ).

What you call a thermal switch by definition is still a thermostat which is a device that senses temperature and in an automotive use turns a fan on and off to keep the temp within a set range.

[Brock]

True Allan, I did say I was being pedantic, as I was trying not to introduce confusion.

[nate]

Ok, on the 1100, is the thermo switch assembly on the bottom right (looking from the front) of the radiator. Looking at the honda parts catalogue it's part 21. Is that correct?

So, am also guessing that's where I would wire the switch from too.

TIA
Nate

[Brock]

Thats the one. If you look at the manual that we have available, its clearly shown on section 6 (Cooling System) page 6

[alans1100]

Ok, on the 1100, is the thermo switch assembly on the bottom right (looking from the front) of the radiator. Looking at the honda parts catalogue it's part 21. Is that correct?

So, am also guessing that's where I would wire the switch from too.

TIA
Nate

From that view yes, just above the coolant out flow hose and right item number.

[nate]

Woohoo! A few bits of plastic off tomorrow!

Many thanks gents, I'll have a look at his over the weekend. I do remember seeing some nice waterproof switches at Repco/Supercheap a little while ago too, so might have a look at them again.

Cheers!
Nate