Hey all,
I've been noticing, as the heat becomes cruel here in Houston, that my 690 Enduro's fan doesn't kick on until 11 out of 12 bars on the thermostat are illuminated. That seems a bit late for warning!
While riding the Desert Challenge with TenFootGlass, his 530 EXC seized completely because it overheated. He was doing 70mph at the time (trying to catch up to me; I was doing 90
). His back tire locked up for about 80-100 feet; it's a miracle he didn't put the bike down. His fan had failed to engage, and the damage was catastrophic. Rings, pistons, rods...etc
Ouch!
Double Ouch!
I don't want that to happen to me! I've done a bit of reading and learned that KTM designed the 690 to run hot so it's catalytic converter would "digest" exhaust gases (an EU requirement). Since I've already ditched the stock exhaust can (and 'cause I couldn't give a rip about exhaust gasses on a vehicle that gets 60mpg), I've begun looking for a solution.
I found this:
http://www.ktmtwins.com/ktm-950-990-690-rc8-thermostat-switchThe stock switch is designed to activate the fan once the engine reaches a crazy temp of 221 F (!). Even if you don't live in Houston, that's too hot for an engine to get on a daily basis. Perhaps if you're racing, and you're worried about the parasitic draw of the fan...? But for regular use, I think allowing the engine to run that hot can't be good. The replacement switch initiates the fan at a more reasonable 190 F. That's hot enough that I wouldn't be driving around with the fan on, but cool enough that the engine would be kept at a more reasonable temp.
According to folks who've done this, the fan kicks on at 8 bars instead of 11. That would give me a bit more warning if I was having an issue with the cooling system, prior to a locked-up rear tire and a $2600 repair bill.
Has anyone else here done this? Could you please share with us the install procedure and perhaps a few pics? I've been told it's a simple 10-minute upgrade that's as easy as installing a skid plate.
Thanks!