25 replies to this topic

[Quadsey]

Hey Guys, I'm still finding my way around my TDM 900 twin and today i decided to flush the cooling system because the bike is overheating in city driving conditions.

There are two main issues. 1. the fan doesn't seem to be coming on regardless of temp and 2. the coolant reservoir was empty.

 

So firstly after stripping the radiator off completely to access the fan, i found the fan is moving freely and has no signs of wear. It has been suggested to me to check "a switch" or "thermostat", i was unable to spot either. Does this sound like it could be the issue? Where are they located ( a photo pointing them out would be nice)

 

Secondly the coolant reservoir is completely empty, is this simply an issue of low coolant level or is there an issue with circulation?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[PICARD]

Well, I'd start with the simple things. If the coolant level is low,top up the reservoir and preferably the radiator to, by removing the cap and brimming it. Then try running the engine up again to see if the fan starts. Does the temp gauge rise? It's normal to get almost into the red before the fan starts. While you're in there, wire the fan directly to a power source ie battery, to see if it will run. If it runs like this,and the gauge gets to the red while the fan is wired as it should be....start looking for the switch.

[Quadsey]

Well, I'd start with the simple things. If the coolant level is low,top up the reservoir and preferably the radiator to, by removing the cap and brimming it. Then try running the engine up again to see if the fan starts. Does the temp gauge rise? It's normal to get almost into the red before the fan starts. While you're in there, wire the fan directly to a power source ie battery, to see if it will run. If it runs like this,and the gauge gets to the red while the fan is wired as it should be....start looking for the switch.

I've just done a coolant flush and change so i'll have to wait until tomorrow to see if its done anything for it.

Yes the temp gauge does rise and in relation to the fan its wiring seems to be sealed to the back of it so not accessible to wire an external power source.

[PICARD]

Follow the cable, I think there a terminal block into the harness where before it enters the frame tunnel.

[dablik]

I've just done a coolant flush and change so i'll have to wait until tomorrow to see if its done anything for it.

Yes the temp gauge does rise and in relation to the fan its wiring seems to be sealed to the back of it so not accessible to wire an external power source.

 

If you want to switch the fan, lift the tank and airbox to reveal the wiring, tank swivels up but support if more than half full.

[Quadsey]

 

If you want to switch the fan, lift the tank and airbox to reveal the wiring, tank swivels up but support if more than half full.

Good to know, thanks.

[TKH]

Make sure all the hoses are back in the right place. The small ones near the radiator cap sometimes get switched.

 

[Hombre]

Check the coolant isn't leaking past the seal on the water pump shaft. You need to know why the coolant is low.

[wicklamulla]

 i tink the ECU can be programmed to switch the fan on at a lower temperature level.

[Quadsey]

So i drove to work today (50km) and no issues, bike stayed as cool as usual and reservoir still has coolant in it. Can't say whether or not the fan kicked in. I might leave the bike running after my return journey tonight and see what happens.

 

In relation to some of the replies:

TKH, Pipes are as in your photo so don't think there's any issue there.

Hombre, I confident it's not an issue of leaking as I've never seen any stains or residue on the ground or bike.

Wicklamulla, Would getting the ECU altered be expensive?

[dablik]

There's a topic on here where Fixitsan sent his ecu to Greece to be flashed, will depend on your model of ecu if i remember, try a search for info.

[Karpo]

There's a topic on here where Fixitsan sent his ecu to Greece to be flashed, will depend on your model of ecu if i remember, try a search for info.

 

Here ya go. 

[Quadsey]

Quick update: After driving home last night (50km) i left the bike idling, it heated up but never got to the red. So the coolant change has helped but i still didn't see the fan come on at any point.

[wicklamulla]

Quick update: After driving home last night (50km) i left the bike idling, it heated up but never got to the red. So the coolant change has helped but i still didn't see the fan come on at any point.

 

 

I keep reading this with regards to TDM 850's and 900's. have ya actually tested the fan by applying voltage to it?

[chrisr]

You can also check the fan through the dash on diag mode, see JBX’s site for details

[Quadsey]

 

 

I keep reading this with regards to TDM 850's and 900's. have ya actually tested the fan by applying voltage to it?

No, as the wiring on the back of the fan is heat sealed and not accessible.

[PICARD]

See post #5 above.

[wicklamulla]

You can also check the fan through the dash on diag mode, see JBX’s site for details

i had firgottan about that!  Thas a handy function.

Hey Guys, I'm still finding my way around my TDM 900 twin and today i decided to flush the cooling system because the bike is overheating in city driving conditions.

There are two main issues. 1. the fan doesn't seem to be coming on regardless of temp and 2. the coolant reservoir was empty.

 

So firstly after stripping the radiator off completely to access the fan, i found the fan is moving freely and has no signs of wear. It has been suggested to me to check "a switch" or "thermostat", i was unable to spot either. Does this sound like it could be the issue? Where are they located ( a photo pointing them out would be nice)

 

Secondly the coolant reservoir is completely empty, is this simply an issue of low coolant level or is there an issue with circulation?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

here scaldy balls look at this link (i hope you can see it),  Look at code 51 which will test the fan fer ya.  https://www.tdm-yama...ex.php?page=MDG

[Nig]

Just been doing the fast idle plunger clean as mine has been sticking and not returning to low revs. Parceled it all back up,started it up and left it ticking over. Noticed the temp rising and rising - no fan cut in. Shut it off when the coolant was bubbling in resivoir tank. Did not know of the Diag function so just used it following link above. That's a marvellous but of wizardrey. Fan was running OK. So the problem is not that. Then looked at photo further up of rad cap pipe orientation. The new radiator I put on last year has the large spigot on top and small spigot below which is opposite OEM. I connected them this way as well. When it cools down I am going to swap them over. Do you think this why the fan is not cutting in??

[fixitsan]

Just been doing the fast idle plunger clean as mine has been sticking and not returning to low revs. Parceled it all back up,started it up and left it ticking over. Noticed the temp rising and rising - no fan cut in. Shut it off when the coolant was bubbling in resivoir tank. Did not know of the Diag function so just used it following link above. That's a marvellous but of wizardrey. Fan was running OK. So the problem is not that. Then looked at photo further up of rad cap pipe orientation. The new radiator I put on last year has the large spigot on top and small spigot below which is opposite OEM. I connected them this way as well. When it cools down I am going to swap them over. Do you think this why the fan is not cutting in??

The top pipe from the pressure cap well conventionally goes to the overflow/expansion tank. 

 

It allows 'expanded' (IE hot) coolant to sneak past the cap pressure seal to then be held in the expansion tank. Then as the engine cools the cap seal opens and lets the expanded coolant to be drawn back into the cooling system.