Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Bodger Fix
Bodger Fix What they don't show you in the repair manual - tales of duct tape, bailing wire and WD 40. Bodge, Bush Mechanics, farmers fix, patch, temporary repair, or whatever your definition, tell us YOUR best story of a bodge that got you home!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree4Likes
  • 4 Post By iddy

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Mar 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Cheap fix for BMW fan.

Bought myself a older (1999) F650 last year for a bit of fun and to commute on.
After I had changed all the fluids and greased all the neglected bits, cleaned out the carbs, it is now a good reliable machine.
More so now that I've fixed the cooling system. I tested it when I bought it, ie. left it idle until the fan kicked in, waited to see if the red (idiot?) light came on etc. But it stopped working shortly thereafter.
Hmmm.
Problem seemed to be no power to the fan so I replaced the thermo switch with a generic automobile one and all seemed fine until I tested again and got a horrible shaking coming from the fan.
Pulled the fan and discovered this :




Think you can buy a new plastic fan from BMW?
Nope! You have to buy the whole lot, fan, motor, shroud and mount for a mere $245.
This for a piece of plastic worth, what, 10c, 20c, gee even a $1?

My cheap-arse solution:
I've got some aluminium that might work here, but first I need to balance it up:



Snap off the opposing blade, cut a bit of metal....





Got a nice template....


something like this...


[
Okay, looking good, now some epoxy and some rivets...


Tests just fine, reinstall and give it a whirl...

[
That was six months ago.
I tested the system yesterday and the "new" fan hums away nicely.

iddy
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: tenerife
Posts: 75
bmw parts, money....!!??

.....I have had quite a few BMW's....it always STAGGERS me that people buy (or consider buying) ANYTHING from a dealer....if you look around, there are guys..(Motorworks in the UK ) plus others that sell used GOOD quality parts at a fraction of the cost...if you go to ebay you can get them even cheaper..I recently picked up a speedo for an R, 2002 model for 20 pounds, works perfectly, a sender for the fuel warning light for 15 pounds....I have seen a drive on ebay for 75 pounds, another for just over 100, or 140.....WHY do SOME guys have problems then spend 1300 DOLLARS for a drive!!??, etc.etc....and wait days for it to come from wherever??

PS....NICE JOB on the fan, cheap, effective, and no-one will see it where it is, hell you can paint the blades black too if you like....!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cheap van for Nordkapp..? Crusty Light Overland Vehicle Tech 19 6 Dec 2014 21:54
Fan not turning on! ElExplorador Kawasaki Tech 0 6 Nov 2013 21:34
DRZ owners Is the radiator fan essential Fantastic Mister Fox Suzuki Tech 16 18 Feb 2013 17:11
Tenere fan not kicking in...! geoffshing Yamaha Tech 9 29 Dec 2011 09:42

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:21.