Electrical
Troubleshooting Fan - 1981 A3
- dcarver220b
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
-
- Posts: 1231
- Thanks: 287
Troubleshooting Fan - 1981 A3
5 days 20 hours ago - 5 days 20 hours ago
2026-05-06 Troubleshooting Fan - Chocolatie
While working on ignition wires , Chocolatie over heated - no fan.
Jumpering the wire at temperature switch to ground failed to spin the fan.
FSM says fan relay is near fuse box. Found it.
Looks pretty good, all things considered.
Going into this project, was confident it would be replaced.
Even went to town and bought a 4 pin modern relay w/ connector.
Researched eBay, found some OEM, but pricy!
Easy to open. Dead spider.
Contacts look good - no pitting. Sprayed them with DeOxit.
It bench tested SAT.
Installed and working.
From testing, the relay contacts into the connector had minor corrosion preventing relay action.The temperature switch needs be tested next - but I'm 99% confident it has failed.
The End
While working on ignition wires , Chocolatie over heated - no fan.
Jumpering the wire at temperature switch to ground failed to spin the fan.
FSM says fan relay is near fuse box. Found it.
Looks pretty good, all things considered.
Going into this project, was confident it would be replaced.
Even went to town and bought a 4 pin modern relay w/ connector.
Researched eBay, found some OEM, but pricy!
Easy to open. Dead spider.
Contacts look good - no pitting. Sprayed them with DeOxit.
It bench tested SAT.
Installed and working.
From testing, the relay contacts into the connector had minor corrosion preventing relay action.The temperature switch needs be tested next - but I'm 99% confident it has failed.
The End
Last edit: 5 days 20 hours ago by dcarver220b.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- biltonjim
-
- Offline
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 968
- Thanks: 250
Re: Troubleshooting Fan - 1981 A3
5 days 3 hours ago
Good work!
Are you going to fit a fan switch from a Voyager, which I believe triggers the fan at a lower temperature than the original KZ item?
Are you going to fit a fan switch from a Voyager, which I believe triggers the fan at a lower temperature than the original KZ item?
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- dcarver220b
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
-
- Posts: 1231
- Thanks: 287
Re: Troubleshooting Fan - 1981 A3
4 days 20 hours agoNot sure.. like the idea.. I've heard this before, but have not confirmed the Voyager turns on early. In any case, I'll mount a handlebar switch w delay relay for manual activation.Good work!
Are you going to fit a fan switch from a Voyager, which I believe triggers the fan at a lower temperature than the original KZ item?
Back to Voyager switch, here's what Gemini says..Stock specifications for the ZN1300 (Voyager) and the KZ1300 indicate that they effectively use the same fan switch parameters, though part numbers have evolved over time.
OEM Part Comparison
The original factory part for both models was 27010-1026. This switch was common across the entire 1300-6 range.
• Standard Activation: The factory switch typically triggers the fan at approximately 210∘F (99∘C) and cuts out around 196∘F (91∘C).
• Superseded Parts: Kawasaki later replaced this with part 27010-1036. Some enthusiasts in the community have noted that this newer version may actually have a higher or slower activation point (sometimes cited as high as 110∘C), leading to concerns about the fan kicking in too late on the temperature gauge.The "Lower Temp" Confusion
The idea that the ZN1300 might have a lower cut-in point often stems from aftermarket modifications or later ZG/ZN series parts being swapped in. Because the 1300-6 engines are notorious for running hot in traffic, many owners switch to an aftermarket sensor (often from Italian manufacturers or generic automotive cross-references) that triggers at 190∘F (88∘C).Technical Summary Feature
Original Spec (KZ & ZN)
Common Aftermarket Mod
Part Number
27010-1026
Various (e.g., Tridon/Intermotor)Fan ON
~210∘F (99∘C)
~190∘F (88∘C)Fan OFF
~196∘F (91∘C)
~175∘F (79∘C)Thread Size
1/8" BSPT (Pipe Thread)
1/8" BSPT
Note: If you install a switch with a lower cut-in point (like 190∘F), ensure your thermostat is also functioning correctly (standard opens at ~172∘F–187∘F). If the fan cut-out temperature is too close to the thermostat's opening temperature, the fan may never turn off because the engine cannot naturally cool down below that point.
The following user(s) said Thank You: stocktoy
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: scotch
Time to create page: 0.172 seconds
