radiator fan switch

hey guys, the previous owner of my VFR kindly put a fan switch on the bike, but told me its completely manual (doesn't turn on until i flip it).

i am particularly sketchy about this because temperature isn't something I constantly look at when riding. any tips on fixing this or something to help me out? I am at a complete loss at what to do with this right now, but I don't feel safe relying on my forgetful self to turn a very important part of the bike on when it hits a certain temp.

any advice?

 

There are a couple of threads about wiring in a manual override, but I'm not sure if they ran in conjunction with the stock switch. I'm assuming it would be kind of like an override... I've also read about installing a switch that makes the fan come on about 10 degrees sooner, but I can't remember if anyone actually was able to do it.

 

the problem is there is already one installed, and i want to reverse it. i need something automatic so i don't accidentally overheat.

 

Williet, are you sure that the po just didn't install a manual override switch so he could turn the fan on manually when he cared too. It would seem odd to bypass the stock auto temp circuit completely. Have you let the bike idle for 10-15 minutes for it to warm to around 220 and see if the fan will kick on automatically?
OBJ

 

+1. If you are worried about it, why not take it back to stock form?

 

well thats what im thinking, go back to stock, but im not too great with wiring haha i might see if i can find some help around here with it. and i asked him and he said the fan will only run when the switch is flipped. i haven't let it get that high yet since its been pretty cold here in monterey for awhile

 

If your stock thermoswitch works OK (switching on fan @ about 210 or so), you have the best of both setups, both automatic switching plus manual override. You'll soon see where and when your temp rises--mostly in slow-moving traffic on a warm day--and using manual switch you can turn it on earlier to avoid a build up of heat. So the best setup includes both a flip switch AND a working temp switch too in parallel connection to ground.

If your stock radiator switch isn't working, replace it . Failures are common after all this time and can do serious engine damage if temps go off-scale.

 

Anyone know where the thread is for adding a manula override switch?

 

All you need to do is replace the SPST (single pole, single throw, which has just on and off positions) switch you have with a SPDT switch (single pole, dual throw). The SPDT switch will have 3 positions - forward, center and aft (on, off, on), and 3 matching terminals on the bottom. All the thermo switch does is ground the circuit for the fan. The wire that runs to the thermo switch on the radiator is always hot. When the thermo switch closes due to temperature, it closes the circuit and turns on the fan. So, all you need to do is to run that wire that would go to the thermo switch to the center terminal on the SPDT switch (thus center position on the switch will be "fan off"). Then run a wire from one of the remaining two switch terminals to the thermo switch (it doesn't matter which). That will become the "automatic" position (in my case, aft - aft then becomes "automatic", simply routing the current through the switch to the thermo switch which can then do its thing - essentially keeps it stock). The remaining terminal on the switch (forward in my case), goes to a chassis ground. That becomes "fan always on" as the current from the hot wire coming to the center terminal on the switch is sent directly to ground, bypassing the thermo switch. It sounds complicated, but once you've done it you'll say "damn, that was easy!" I spent most of my time trying to figure out where to mount the switch, but you've already had that done for you. The only thing I regret about this is not doing it sooner. I can keep much better control of my temp in traffic, forcing the fan on before the temp gets high, and then shutting it off once I'm moving more than about 30 mph. You gotta keep on top of it though - either forced off or forced on can be bad depending upon whether you're moving or not. They make illuminated switches, but they were too big for where I was mounting mine.

Have a look at the blade on the thermo switch and the wire, and whatever SPDT switch you get, then go to an auto parts store and pick up a set of the same size blade connectors and some wire. You'll need to cut some wire to length and crimp on the connectors. From there it's just plug and play.

Here's a link to a manufacturer of waterproof rocker switches. I used a round version in my application.

CHERRY Waterproof Rocker Switches and Push-Button Switches

 

Wha ?? I believe any 6th grade science student could wire that up in about 15 minutes, including time on his phone. First, you look at the wiring diagram, then read the Bible, then buy a $5 spst switch, about a foot of wire and a crimp -on terminal or 2.Then find the best place to mount the switch out of many complex possibilities, cuz that's the toughest part of this job.



{And Be' Gawd but our Cogswell doesn't be'half sound like a certified, proppa engineer, he duz, be'dam, leavin scant ta tha imagination, good oon ya, lad ! And may the fair winds blow yer fine farts ta Blighty, daft like a load of ole cobblers, eh ?}