| Author | Message | ||
     Hangetsu |
So,until I can get to getting the rocker-box gaskets replaced (DIY), I will have no working fan (blown due to oil saturation). Because of this, I have reduced my riding to my 20 minute commute to work and back and the occasional run out to shops (no more than 15 to 20 minute run time each way.). Without the fan, over these relatively short distances, am I in any great danger of toasting anything? The bike has never gone to "skip-spark" mode, but the right thigh does get a bit toasty toward the end of a run. The next question is, does anyone know of a source for quality gasket kits for these things (better than OEM)? I recall seeing a link in some post here for a vendor that seems to specialize in that sort of thing, and I thought I had bookmarked it. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it. That's about it. Id be grateful for any pearls of wisdom and knowledge you all may have. Thanks! A- | ||
| Etennuly |
I was 600 miles from home when my first fan died. Mid summer 90 degree temps. Rode it home taking a little extra care to shut it off and coast in to a stop. Just rode it home 140 miles to find fan is dead. It hit skip spark a few times on the Interstate at 80 mph. Laid down on air box out of wind drag and that stopped happening. Runs fine. This has happened in the past also. | ||
| Teeps |
Fan repair thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/762330.html | ||
| Hangetsu |
Etennuly, Thanks for the reassurance. It's going to be a while before I will be able to amass the resources I will need to do the repair - rocker-box covers & fan fix, so it's good to know that I can still get around to the necessary places without harming the beast. I'll have to go without fun rides for a while, but I can live with that. Teeps, Thanks for the fan tip. I think I saw that post once some time ago. Good to know there's an option for the time OEM fans disappear altogether. ANyone know of a good non HD resource for good quality gasket kits? Cheers! Alex | ||
| Arry |
The OEM gaskets were updated, some time back. I haven't had a problem, with the Buell updated gaskets. I believe another manufacturer is Cometic (?). I haven't tried them. | ||
| Save_ferris |
I had my fan go out on my '09 XT a couple of weeks ago in the 1st third of a 1900 mile road trip. Besides the CEL, the only symptoms I experienced were some skip spark in towns if we got bogged down in traffic and lights. Also, at the end of a miles long steep downhill from Ohio's cousin to the Tail (Hwy 536), it wouldn't restart until the ecm cooled. I removed the two black plastic ducts from beside the seat to try and maximize airflow under the seat, and rode 80 mph in 95 degree weather without issue for the next three days. | ||
| Etennuly |
Keep in mind skip spark is safe mode for the engine for when it is over heated. Not necessarily a good or OK thing. If you must ride it with a failed fan try to keep it from hitting skip spark as much as possible. I run non synthetic oil. It may need changing more often in this situation. | ||
| Save_ferris |
Well said Etennuly. I did everything I could to avoid getting mired in traffic, but I was with 5 other riders and there were a couple of stops where it couldn't be avoided. | ||
| Hangetsu |
I get a little stop & go action on my way to work and from, but it's never for more than 5 or 10 minutes. I avoid freeways completely during rush hour times. So far, I've never experienced skip-spark, but I have gotten light burns on the inner thighs from the super-heated air oozing out from between the frame-spar and bodywork. It will be a while before I will be able to get this fixed, so I'm taking it pretty easy. Light commuting only with no long fun-rides. |
