85 xj700 questions

I'm still new to motorcycles (As far as repair). So here are what may appear be stupid questions.

1. Is the radiator pump always on when the keys on?
2. Do I put just normal radiator fluid in this motorcycle?
3. Is there a way to check and make sure the pump still works without having to remove if from the motorcycle?
4. Does anyone have the electrical blueprints for this bike (Haven't got my cd in the mail yet)?

 

answer to question 1) pump will run when tour key is in the "on" position. 2) yes you can use the typical green 50/50 mix of antifreeze that you use for your car. 3) electical lead to pump with voltometer or you could just let it sit their in Idle position and let it run for 15 min or so, or take it for a good lomg ride and watch the temp guage. If it goes in the red that should raise a flag. 4) no, sorry!

 

Hi Tracker797

1. I think you're referring to the radiator fan, which is electrical, right? It will turn on with the key on and the thermo switch triggered.

2. It's important to use silicate-free antifreeze/coolant to protect aluminum parts and especially water pump seals. I don't believe this is the typical green stuff - I use Havoline Dex-Cool which is orange. Also, don't mix the two different types of coolant.

3. It is not uncommon for the temperature gauge to get up to, and just in, the red on our "X". So, don't panic too much about that. But right about that time the fan should kick on an bring down the temperature fairly quickly.

4. I have the factory service manual with the fold out electrical diagram. Is there something I can look up for you?

Z

 

Well I had to bypass the sensor for the fan 'cause if was bad and I don't have a spare just sitting around. But I'm still not certain that the water pump is working I had it sit for a good time running and got hot but once I turned on the fan it started cooling down. And when I checked my radiator fluid, the cap had pressure on it. Well I'll just have to take for a long ride and see what happens. As for the electric layout, I just really wanted a copy of it so I can do some electrical customizing. :twisted: 8)

 

From what you say, it seems that your water pump and fan are working properly.

I would challenge the fact whether your thermo switch is not working properly. As I mentioned in my previous post, it's not uncommon for the gauge to go into the red before it kicks the fan on. Obviously you don't want it to max out, and you do want the fan to kick on, one way or another.

Once the bike is moving at any decent pace, the radiator alone will cool it well, without the need for the fan. But as soon as you have to stop at idle the temperature will start climbing fairly rapidly, especially in warmer months, so you need the fan to be functional. Maybe a manual switch, if indeed you think the thermo switch is bad.

Z

 

The Pump does work (atleast it seems too). I'm not real certain if the fan sensor if bad of not (Might just be dirty) but I put a switch in, for when it doesn't kick on. Thank you for the advice.

 

I finally made a good copy of the electrical diagram for you. Tried to post it here, but the file size is too big, and a reduction in file size makes it unreadable.

You've got mail! (At your hotmail address.)

Z

PS: Any suggestions for posting it here, at full size, are welcome.

 

I do have hotmail... It's tracker797@msn.com

 

I originally sent it to a hotmail address you have in your profile, but I've now sent it to the msn address.

Let me know if you don't receive it, as it may be rejected because of the size of the attachment.

Z