Thermo Switch Problem... : Yamaha R1 Forum

YZF Steve · 02-10-2011, 08:40 PM

Hi, I have an 01 R1 I just picked up. It was a totaled bike, so I have spent that last couple months rebuilding. I know my thermo switch is bad, so I hooked up the rad fans to a toggle switch just so I can run and ride the bike for testing purposes... But its not RIGHT. I wanna replace the switch so I have a temp reading on my gauge, but I haven't seen any on ebay since December, and the oem ones will run me between $45 and $60 before shipping... Is there any other thermo switch that I could get that would work? Or some other work around so I have a fully functioning cooling system? I'm not worried about plugging it in because the plug on the wire harness is gone, I'm going to have to get creative with hooking it up. I just need something I can screw into the radiator that will function the same way as the oem one.

Sharksawyer · 02-10-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YZF Steve

Hi, I have an 01 R1 I just picked up. It was a totaled bike, so I have spent that last couple months rebuilding. I know my thermo switch is bad, so I hooked up the rad fans to a toggle switch just so I can run and ride the bike for testing purposes... But its not RIGHT. I wanna replace the switch so I have a temp reading on my gauge, but I haven't seen any on ebay since December, and the oem ones will run me between $45 and $60 before shipping... Is there any other thermo switch that I could get that would work? Or some other work around so I have a fully functioning cooling system? I'm not worried about plugging it in because the plug on the wire harness is gone, I'm going to have to get creative with hooking it up. I just need something I can screw into the radiator that will function the same way as the oem one.

Are you sure your's is bad? There's a test procedure in the maint. manual.

Mark
99 R1

YZF Steve · 02-10-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharksawyer

Are you sure your's is bad? There's a test procedure in the maint. manual.

Mark
99 R1

I'm 80% sure. Whats the testing procedure?

**Kangaroo** · 02-10-2011, 09:48 PM

it's either good or bad...

YZF Steve · 02-10-2011, 10:04 PM

Haha I'm aware its good or bad. I meant I think it's bad. The wiring harness was so jacked up when I got the bike, the previous owner did a HORRIBLE hack job repair, and I found the sensor disconnected, found the two wires that were SUPPOSED to go to the sensor stripped and wrapped together and taped, and when I tried to reconnect it I got nothing. So I assumed it was the sensor.

Sharksawyer · 02-10-2011, 11:11 PM

The two wires for the thermo unit should be Green/Red and Black/Blue. The test procedure involves putting the sensor in a pan of coolant, heat it up and check the resistance as it cools. Should get about about 1 K ohm at 250F and 10K ohms at 120 F. Not the exact numbers but you get the idea. If it were me, I'd measure at room temp and then start heating it up and see if it's anywhere close. From what it sounds like, you either have the wrong wires or your unit is completely shot.

Mark
99 R1

YZF Steve · 02-11-2011, 12:15 AM

Did that, sensors definitely shot. Back to the original question, is there a cheap(er) way to replace this than by spending potentially $60? I had the right wires btw. I have a wire diagram for the bike, thats what led me to think sensor in the first place.

sss r1 · 02-11-2011, 06:56 AM

try at auto parts store

Sharksawyer · 02-11-2011, 07:46 AM

Can't help you with the thermo unit problem but you should be able to replace it with a thermo switch and at least have your fan come on at the proper time. The only down side is you won't be able to see the temp. I replace mine with a Wells SW518 that turns the fan on at about 190 degrees F.

Mark
99 R1

YZF Steve · 02-12-2011, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharksawyer

Can't help you with the thermo unit problem but you should be able to replace it with a thermo switch and at least have your fan come on at the proper time. The only down side is you won't be able to see the temp. I replace mine with a Wells SW518 that turns the fan on at about 190 degrees F.

Mark
99 R1

I hardwired the fan, So I know it wont overheat, and its not a huge inconvenience to me, but I mainly want to know the temperature, just to make sure everythings running ok. Where did you get your switch?

Sharksawyer · 02-12-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YZF Steve

I hardwired the fan, So I know it wont overheat, and its not a huge inconvenience to me, but I mainly want to know the temperature, just to make sure everythings running ok. Where did you get your switch?

Picked it up at Autozone. Not sure about the thread size though and it might not fit your '01.

I'd just keep on keeping on and wait until you find one on eBay or in a junk yard. I'm sure you know this but you shouldn't have to even turn the fan on unless you are stuck in traffic. Normal riding will be ok.

Mark

YZF Steve · 02-12-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharksawyer

Picked it up at Autozone. Not sure about the thread size though and it might not fit your '01.

I'd just keep on keeping on and wait until you find one on eBay or in a junk yard. I'm sure you know this but you shouldn't have to even turn the fan on unless you are stuck in traffic. Normal riding will be ok.

Mark

I'm aware, thank you haha. As of right now, the only running its doing is in the garage while I still work out electrical grimmlins. I took it out last weekend and hit the road at 55 because of a shitty ebay brake lever... I'm not ready to ride it yet haha

Sharksawyer · 02-12-2011, 06:54 PM

Yea, you got to steer clear of those knock off levers. Nothing but OEM.

Mark

YZF Steve · 02-12-2011, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharksawyer

Yea, you got to steer clear of those knock off levers. Nothing but OEM.

Mark

I've had good luck with them in the past, and a grinder has solved my wierd lever... but losing the skin on the left side of my body, shredding a jacket and ruining a helmet is a horrible way to learn a lesson