I have recently purchased the new upgraded R/R for my VFR. As everyone knows, these are a weak point on the magna's as well as the VFR. Before I install the new R/R, I thought I would go ahead and add a computer fan on it since there is ample room for it.
My question is, which way do I need to have the fan blow? Should the fan blow onto the R/R or should it pull air away from the R/R. I thought it should pull air away from it, but I am getting mixed answers from other owners. Some say blow air onto it, some say pull air off of it.
What do you guys think?
Here is a picture of the new bigger R/R beside the original.
The other pic is where the R/R mounts which is on the tail section on the left side of bike.
Thanks for the help!! :grin:
I would have the fan blowing onto the R/R.
I chose this direction because you are not sucking heat into the fan causing the fan to have a shorter life...
Just a thought.
I would think pull the air away, so you are 'pulling' the heat away. Very likely either way is fine. Although, I can see Hoots point and it makes sense. Also, remember that a computer fan is not designed for exposure to moisture at all. It likely won't last long.
I have seen radiators that have the fan pushing the air through instead of pulling due to clearance issues inside.
I have a 1st gen, but just from reading all the posts on this subject, the relocation sounds like the way to go. I mean mine is located below the left side panel where it is exposed to the air flowing by as you ride and it is not an issue on 1st gens.
I tried to mount a computer fan on mine, at its original location under the battery box on the 2nd gen models, but gave it up and relocated the R/R on the right side aft the side cover. Temperature tests show substantial improvement as long as it is not sitting still for more than a few minutes exposed to the direct sun. Under this circumstance, the temperature is about the same as the original mounting. I have yet to experience a failure in either location, and cannot discern why some do and some don't. I certainly ride in high temperatures in the summertime.
If you are determined to use the computer fan, be sure it is running. If it gets water or grime in it and stalls, it will increase the temperature above what the bare R/R would otherwise experience.
As far as cooling, it shouldn't matter which direction the air flows. I suppose the fan adds a small amount heat from its motor, so blowing onto the R/R might provide less cooling than pulling air past it. These fans move a lot of heat from the power supply of a "desktop" computer, and get pretty hot in the process, so I think they should hold up to the heat from your R/R pretty well. The life is much more likely to be limited by grime and moisture, as the bearings are pretty fine and not sealed.
There are waterproof ones available.
Away would be the best IMHO, You don't have much cool air circulating there so placing it blowing onto the R/R wouldn't do much. Having it blow away from the unit would take heated away from the unit faster.
It's how I run my PC fans. Hot air out, Cool air in.
Ditto on what was said about moisture and dirt. On ones made for PC's, if you look into the crack between the frame and rotating hub, you can probably see the motor; no seal at all.
Blow into the heatsink. The turbulence and momentum of the air will carry it deeper into the fins where you want it. If you suck out of the heatsink the air will travel the path of least resistance and stay near the tips of the fins.
Rick Frankenberger
I understand Rick's point, and agree with it. Has to do with momentum of the air. If you find a sealed unit at a rational price, please post the details.
Thanks for everyone's input and help!! Looks like I will mount it facing the heat sink. Thanks again everyone. :-D