VMAX Eddie
Well-Known Member
Topic:
I have read more than a few posts now about the temperature problems with the VMAX. It was one of the first things that brought me to this forum after purchasing my Mr. Max this year, seeing it for myself, then searching for a solution.
On this forum there is a split for those who use manual switches and those implementing lower temperature fan switch sensors. This post is for those using the lower than stock temperature switches and examining the options available.
Myself:
I personally have purchased the Vmax Outlaw low temperature switch http://vmaxoutlaw.com/merchandise/index.htm and am in the process of deciding to use it. I have had some issues with it already. The primary one at this point is that it comes on WAY too soon. I metered it from a cold engine while running and the switch closed at the small triangle just above the C on the temperature gage.
I further tested it by immediately removing the radiator cap and sticking an oven meat thermometer into the radiator fluid. I got a reading of 150F. There could obviously be some discrepancy there so lets say (+ or - 10F) is reasonable. Either way around 150F is far to soon for it to be coming on and will make the fan continually run which will kill the battery and put an unnecessary toll on the electrical system.
Switches:
I found this link:
http://users.telenet.be/pianne/technical/A-Z.htm
Which lists three suggested lower temperature switches for our high temp problems on the VMAX:
I have read on vmaxforum.net that some people use the VMO, the Borg, or the NAPA, the third I have not read about. One of the key issues I am running into is WHERE ARE THE SPECS for these switches?? And how can we make a determination of what is best without this information?
Background (Stock Switch):
To start with we need to look at the stock switch. Here is the info I find from the Yamaha Vmax Service Manual:
AND
From these specs what I see says stock switch turns on around 221F and back off at around 208F.
The other switches--------
NAPA FS-147:
If you visit the NAPA website and view the switch here is what you see:
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Coolant-Fan-Switch/_/R-ECHFS147_0365986580
The specs listed on the site say:
Sounds perfect right? But wait there is a major discrepency! When I called NAPA and then visited the local store to check this info and availability the service employee saw the same thing I did. So he offered to call the manufacturer to verify and I said SURE. What came back was that it turns on at 225F, :bang head:
The service employee suggested his best guess would be that it turns back off at the 195-203F listed, but didn't know for sure. So by the manufacturer's own information this switch is basically identical to the stock switch in terms of ON temp.
BORG WARNER:
There is no contact phone number on their website and I did not bother to fill out the form which may never get answered or many days from now. I did find this:
http://www.the-clearing.org/Bike/Vmax/Tech/cooling
But that is speculation as far as I can tell. So as for the BORG-WARNER there are no specs that I can find.
Besides that I cannot find where to buy one anyway.
WELLS:
This brings us to the Wells. I was not able to find a spec sheet but I was able to call their their tech team. He quoted as saying:
Conclusion:
I would like to hear about any personal results you all have found with these. Which one works, which one doesn't, and why.
I know many are using the VMO switch, but my findings are not good. Again it simply turns on WAY too soon. I could simply have a bad switch. What are those of you who use the VMO switch seeing for on/off temps? What spot on the temp gage?
Same question for those using one of the other 3, and feel free to input any other helpful info regarding automatic fan switch solutions.
Thanks guys, I hope we can clear up the myths about these automatic switches and really nail down what the best switch is for those of us who want an automatic solution for our MAX!
I have read more than a few posts now about the temperature problems with the VMAX. It was one of the first things that brought me to this forum after purchasing my Mr. Max this year, seeing it for myself, then searching for a solution.
On this forum there is a split for those who use manual switches and those implementing lower temperature fan switch sensors. This post is for those using the lower than stock temperature switches and examining the options available.
Myself:
I personally have purchased the Vmax Outlaw low temperature switch http://vmaxoutlaw.com/merchandise/index.htm and am in the process of deciding to use it. I have had some issues with it already. The primary one at this point is that it comes on WAY too soon. I metered it from a cold engine while running and the switch closed at the small triangle just above the C on the temperature gage.
I further tested it by immediately removing the radiator cap and sticking an oven meat thermometer into the radiator fluid. I got a reading of 150F. There could obviously be some discrepancy there so lets say (+ or - 10F) is reasonable. Either way around 150F is far to soon for it to be coming on and will make the fan continually run which will kill the battery and put an unnecessary toll on the electrical system.
Switches:
I found this link:
http://users.telenet.be/pianne/technical/A-Z.htm
Which lists three suggested lower temperature switches for our high temp problems on the VMAX:
I have read on vmaxforum.net that some people use the VMO, the Borg, or the NAPA, the third I have not read about. One of the key issues I am running into is WHERE ARE THE SPECS for these switches?? And how can we make a determination of what is best without this information?
Background (Stock Switch):
To start with we need to look at the stock switch. Here is the info I find from the Yamaha Vmax Service Manual:
AND
From these specs what I see says stock switch turns on around 221F and back off at around 208F.
The other switches--------
NAPA FS-147:
If you visit the NAPA website and view the switch here is what you see:
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Coolant-Fan-Switch/_/R-ECHFS147_0365986580
The specs listed on the site say:
Sounds perfect right? But wait there is a major discrepency! When I called NAPA and then visited the local store to check this info and availability the service employee saw the same thing I did. So he offered to call the manufacturer to verify and I said SURE. What came back was that it turns on at 225F, :bang head:
The service employee suggested his best guess would be that it turns back off at the 195-203F listed, but didn't know for sure. So by the manufacturer's own information this switch is basically identical to the stock switch in terms of ON temp.
BORG WARNER:
There is no contact phone number on their website and I did not bother to fill out the form which may never get answered or many days from now. I did find this:
on here:
http://www.the-clearing.org/Bike/Vmax/Tech/cooling
But that is speculation as far as I can tell. So as for the BORG-WARNER there are no specs that I can find.
Besides that I cannot find where to buy one anyway.
WELLS:
This brings us to the Wells. I was not able to find a spec sheet but I was able to call their their tech team. He quoted as saying:
And I do find these listed on Ebay, etc.
Conclusion:
I would like to hear about any personal results you all have found with these. Which one works, which one doesn't, and why.
I know many are using the VMO switch, but my findings are not good. Again it simply turns on WAY too soon. I could simply have a bad switch. What are those of you who use the VMO switch seeing for on/off temps? What spot on the temp gage?
Same question for those using one of the other 3, and feel free to input any other helpful info regarding automatic fan switch solutions.
Thanks guys, I hope we can clear up the myths about these automatic switches and really nail down what the best switch is for those of us who want an automatic solution for our MAX!
