Cooling System FAQs

[Conrad325i]

I would like to start a sticky thread of specific FAQs. There seems to be a few typical issue on these bricks and a thread posted at the top of the cooling section would be nice and simple for anyone visiting the site and would allow a super convenient reference. People rarely use the search function when they arent a regular contributor to a forum and this makes it super easy and means that the best threads can be easily referenced and the same questions wont be asked over and over again. It would be great if we could get this on every category that contains many FAQs such as tire sizes, sprag clutches, etc....

If this takes off, a moderator can move it to sticky note status.

Let's try to post in a similar fashion such as:

Question:
"Damn, my radiator fan never comes on... How do I know if it still works?"

Answer:
Yeah these things rarely come on except in hot climates, while stationary (garage, or traffic). Unfortunately, this means they will get seized up and then wont ever function right/the brushes will melt trying to spin a seized shaft.
Follow this thread where rbm wrote up an awesome test procedure... (and consider adding a manual switch to exercise the damn thing.)
http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,6702.msg45871.html#msg45871

[Filmcamera]

Hi

My fan never came on - ever - including when there was boiling water coming out of the radiator... 

Since that event I have now fixed the temp gauge so know when it is getting warm - I live in Costa Rica - it gets warm a lot.  I have also hard wired the fan so it is always on - this works but I would rather have it come on as needed.

Now I have to show my ignorance.  My thinking is that if the temp gauge works then the temp senor - 13 62 2 242 184 TEMPERATURE SENSOR, WATER - M12X1,5 from the fiche as far as I can see, works.  So it must be the relay that is bad?  If so would that be 15    61 31 1 459 677    RELAY - SCHLIEßER - "This relay is assigned to multiple uses. Including: fan, starting load shed, horn, Motronic, and fuel pump on selective models." or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

Since it takes about a month or more  for parts ordered online to get down here as well as paying approx 50% tax and another 50% shipping I am keen to get the right part first time.

Thanks for any help

Jonathan

ps the bike is currently in customs getting assessed for tax but I should get it this week - with brand spanking new shiny plates and legal to ride!