Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
Tenere fan not kicking in...!

Apologies if this has been asked before although I did search for the question.

I have a 2008 660 Tenere and am getting a little concerned to what temperature the fan should be kicking in and how to test correctly whether it works or not?

During riding in cities etc, the engine temp has been hot against my legs and riding other bikes the fan generally kicks in. I then try to find a straight (ish) stretch to allow air flow to cool the engine down. But alas, the Tenere fan doesn't kick in at all. Is the Ten a super heat absorbing machine which never requires cooling? Methinks not.

I tested the fan direct to the battery, it works and the relay gives a click when connected also. I'm unable to find a temperature sensor even with the parts manual.

So.... a) what's the temperature supposed to be when the fan kicks in?
b) how else can I test whether the system is working correctly or not?
c) where is the temp sensor?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated and I hope you all have a great Xmas and New Year.
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 118
You've made a good start testing the fan and relay: that's 2 possible sources of the problem eliminated!

First question: has it got a temperature gauge? If yes, and it never goes near the red, don't worry, you're not getting the engine hot enough for the fan! If you really want it to work, you could tape a piece of cardboard over the rad(s) and rag it up a hill in low gear with a large pillon on board: that should wake it up!!

More seriously, and before I get going I should warn I'm no expert on these new fangled water-cooled things, but working from first principles, once you've found the temp sensor (bolted into the side of the rad?), I'd do a basic continuity check. Logically it should be open circuit on a cold engine (can't think why it might be the other way, but you never know...), so short across the feed wires and see if the fan cuts in.

If not, the problem is obviously somewhere else in the circuit: you should be able to do further continuity checks to locate it.

If it does, Bingo! Test the sensor the same way we used to for old style car thermostats (there is probably one of these in your bike too, somewhere). Anyway, boil the sensor in a pan of water and see if it starts to pass current (wear a glove/use pliers to pick it up). The thermostats on the old Brit cars I had used to be stamped with 'summer' or 'winter' and a temperature rating, but they all seemed to either work or not when boiled - difficult to tell the difference between ratings. If the sensor refuses to pass current it's likely jiffed: a new one would be wise.

If it all works, I'd bolt it all back together, having enjoyed learning a bit more about how your bike works, and maybe try my first suggestion so you're confidently Sahara-ready! Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Can you get access to the Yamaha diagnostic tool and run a fault code check? I think they cost about 80 quid.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Titbird's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Back in Europe
Posts: 181
First rule of mechanics: Don't try to fix what ain't broken!

My 2008 tenere fan started working about 2 times in the last 3 years, once in 42 celcius temperature on a piste in Mali and once in very slow traffic. The tenere is a very tough and heat resistant bike, just be very glad for that and leave it at that!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Dec 2011
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
I just checked the weather forecast for Edinburgh, Scotland.

I can confirm your fan is working correctly.

Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Dec 2011
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
If it helps my Ténéré's fan only kicked in a couple of times in Tunesia, and only during intense midday heat (we're talking around 40°C here) offroading fully loaded two-up in high revs. Even then it was only in the sandy areas with low rear traction, and as soon as the ground got harder and speed increased the fan went silent again. As soon as I hit tarmac it was as if the fan didn't exist, even in blistering heat stuck in African traffic.

Granted, I've only had this bike for a bit more than a year and 12k km but I've yet to see it go off during a standard European summer with temperatures in the low to mid 30s.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
ok

It would appear I may be worrying over nothing. Ok, I'll let it lie and see how it goes. I think I may invest in a diagnostic tool, any ideas where I can get one from?

Many Thanks to you all for answering.

p.s. Mezo, the bike is in Edinburgh...... I'm in Iraq and killing time by trying to figure out possible known faults and getting all my ordering done so I have lots to do on the bikes when home in the workshop!
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
It would appear I may be worrying over nothing. Ok, I'll let it lie and see how it goes. I think I may invest in a diagnostic tool, any ideas where I can get one from?

Many Thanks to you all for answering.

p.s. Mezo, the bike is in Edinburgh...... I'm in Iraq and killing time by trying to figure out possible known faults and getting all my ordering done so I have lots to do on the bikes when home in the workshop!
Yamaha main dealer should sell you one.

BTW Geoff, what are the weak points of the bike you have found when traveling on it - I wanna address them before I go....
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
The uncomfortable seat........ expensive to redo so maybe look for an airhawk.

Wiring loom......... inspect all of it for chafing, especially under the steering head and below the fuel tank.

The cush drives as said before are made of cheese. replace and/or use ruber inner tube strips to fill the gaps.

Grease the fitting for the rectifier, electronic grease as it's prone to fail. A cheap alternative is the Fazer600 rectifier but be aware the fitting is slighlty different.

I've fitted bar risers, wider footpegs lower suspension levers and a taller screen. I'm 6'1" and only now it's getting ergenomically correct.

If you have the panniers, beware the locking systems fail after a while as they fill with crud/dust/etc, they key is thin and weak threateneing to snap at any moment.

Check out wwwxt660.com as they know their stuff about the Tenere. Sign in and the forum opens up.

it's now 0613am, the Basrah sun is joining the day, the Ayatollah has started screaming into the microphone (Allah-Akbaaaaaaar!) and another day begins...... grrr if only I could bring my Tenere out here THEN I'd be happy!
Good luck!
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Thanks Geoff.

Keep your head down mate - I was there 2005; I hope it's more stable and safer for you.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Super Tenere fuel range kiwiron Yamaha Tech 7 22 Aug 2015 04:20
Yamaha XTZ750 Super Tenere - RTW & Long Trips ? kamilltee After the big trip 4 14 Dec 2011 15:06
XTZ750 Super Tenere for sale in Kent. kentfallen Yamaha Tech 5 12 Nov 2011 20:46
Weights for super Tenere kiwiron Yamaha Tech 0 27 Oct 2011 08:45

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:10.