Question about radiator/fan replacement or repair K1100LT

[voodooskin]

'97 K1100LT, 21K miles:

I definitely have a radiator leak, and it looks like the cooling fan might have slipped up on it's axle and nicked the radiator, possibly, based on some visible clean shiny 1/4" of axle on the fan assembly and where it looks like the leak is coming from.

I'll probably tear it down this weekend to confirm what's up.  If my diagnosis is correct, I'd appreciate some advice:

Assuming this ends up being a minor hole in the radiator, is that something I can take to a generic car radiator shop and have them solder or whatnot to get a reliable fix?  I priced new at BMW and it's $600 for a new radiator, which is not an option for me at that price.  I think the realistic options are repair or buy a used supposedly good quality unit off ebay or a list like this.  Given the mileage I'm inclined to do repair but don't know if that's short sighted or not.

If the fan slipped ahead a bit, is there a way to keep that from happening, like drilling a hole and putting in a cotter pin in the axle?  Or should that unit (fan &/or motor) be replaced?

Finally, while it's cracked open and drained, what 15 year old parts ought to be replaced?  The hoses are original 1997 but look and feel OK (pliable and not cracked).  They look like a PITA to replace so I'd really prefer to reassemble with what's there unless that's just a really dumb thing to do.  I have not looked at the radiator cap or it's seals yet, or the thermostat.  So any thoughts on what is easy/cheap/preventative and what y'all would do while it's all in bits would be appreciated.  I prefer to ride than wrench so I'd like to get the pain over with in one go  ;D

Thanks!

[Rick G]

The radiator is aluminum so repair is not real easy.  They are usually fairly good and give little trouble if the right coolant is used. I would be inclined to just get a used replacement, there are a lot around which to me says they are usually trouble free and you would get a good one for a reasonable price.
As for the fan it is difficult without seeing it but it maybe has come adrift of the holder. Good ones used are hard to find as they were never much good to start with but replacement motors are available from Bosch suppliers.  I don't have the part number but I dare say Frankenduck would have it.

[frankenduck]

I have good radiators for sale.  Where are you located?

[voodooskin]

I have good radiators for sale.  Where are you located?

Oregon, I'll have my people get in touch with your people  :D

I tore the bike down to see the damage, looks like a classic case of fan anti-retrograde:

http://www.debmail.net/radiator.html

The fan pushes back on the axle fine but I wouldn't trust it not to do the same again, if there's a way to affix it I'd be very interested (I think the motor's probably fine, but the fan was just more eager to get going than the rest of the bike)

Here are the pix on the page referenced above, so you don't have to follow the link:



Fan before pushing the blade unit back on the spindle:



After, but I won't trust it:

[frankenduck]

Oregon, I'll have my people get in touch with your people  :D

My people are on it.  Check yer email.

[mikeinwis]

That's exactly what happened to my fan/radiator last summer.
Lost some sort of clip off the fan shaft.  I JB welded the fan onto the shaft.
$30 epoxy job at a radiator shop lasted 1200 miles.  Luckily failed shortly after return from the Black Hills.  Got a radiator off ebay.

Good luck