Engine too hot!! - Fix IT - How to Install a Radiator Fan

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In this video, I'm going to show you how to install a radiator fan on your KTM two stroke. Over the years, I've installed more than a dozen of these fans and I've never had one fail. I can't say that about others that I've tried!
Here is a link to the exact fan I'm using. Even though the fitment guide said it won't work for bikes newer than 2018, this install video is evident that it does work. I'll also provide the link to the KTM version (made my the same company). Both work great. Both kits come with the wire harness you will need to run power to the fan.
One really great thing about these fans is that they are programmable to come on at any temp you like. Most of the time I run mine at about 180 degrees and it keeps the bike from getting too hot.
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/trail-tech-digital-radiator-fan-kit-p?ref=1017
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/ktm-digital-radiator-fan-kit-p?ref=1017
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[@DirtBikeChannel]

Some bikes will come with factory installed wiring for the fan and you just need to find the end and plug it in. Depends on the model and the year. I usually buy a kit that comes with the wire harness just so that I'm covered that way.

[@johntoenjes8697]

2022 ktm xcw? I just noticed a fan relay.

[@davidsalinas5508]

I appreciate the tech videos like these and the tire change videos too.

[@JoseRodriguez-mp1bl]

Will this work on a 2022 YZ450F?

[@aka_Locke]

Bro your videos are so good for new riders. Love your content. Hope I win that dang GasGas tomorrow!

[@rvh77]

Did this on my 300 xc and added the Trail Tech stator at the same time to accommodate LEDs. Don't think the fan turns on a whole lot. Nice video, Kyle

[@cameronjenkins3246]

Love your videos always so helpful and taught me so much Kyle! Keep up the great work man!!

[@poorwhiteboy6521]

I just bought a 2018 300xc last night. I'll order one of these with your link.

[@just_hoss]

Quick tip on cable ties - don't cut with diagonal cutters as it leaves a sharp edge and can cut person's skin easily, use a lineman's style pliers instead, pull the tie tight, place end of pliers tight to where cable comes through its lock and twist; works well and doesn't leave a sharp edge. Great video as always!

[@Danman1972]

I moved from a 13 300xc to a 22 GG EX300. Never had a fan on the 13, but did run engine ICE. very rarely did it overheat. The TPI did when I first was breaking it in. Had had a gift card from my wife (she ordered the bike with a nice seat, new gear bag, and 500 dollar gift card). Told me I needed it. Anyway I decided on a fan (tusk one). Didn't feel I needed it, but had the gift card. When temps went from the 50s up to the 70s... the fan runs a lot. I set it at 190. Good deal so far. I also swapped this one to engine ice and added the hard parts re-enforced plastic guards (they were 49 bucks). A bit more bracing and thicker than stock and way cheaper than aluminum ones. They still fit with the fan. So, far about 15 hrs on it with the fan, engine ice, and rad re-enforcement. Crash tested and still working well (all of it).

[@duanedumont9967]

Kyle, good video. Just want to make sure people know the EngineIce Coolant is only good until -7 F. "Antifreeze that offers freeze protection down to -7 degrees Fahrenheit". The Motrex Coolant M3.0 is good until -36.4 "Protects down to -36.4⁰ F (-38⁰ C)". This only matters up north where people may store there bikes during the winter where it gets far below -7. In the Northeast we just got well below the -7 and could damage the bike of stored somewhere it isn't temp controlled.

[@leewaken5059]

Splendid tutorial.💪🏼

[@richardhartley1705]

Nice neat install 👍

[@tiagolecasm]

I can add another fan on the other side ??

[@BSm2919]

That is an easier way to do it than what I did!

[@precisionriflereviews2029]

Cool vid mate,,, could you run one on each side I do realise they are linked but two is better than one right???

[@powskier]

On a 23 xc-f, the fan still has plenty of clearance but the temperature gauge hits the fuel tank and pushes the radiator way forward. So I had to bend it out of the way. But now you have to cut a hole in the tank shroud for it to fit.

[@bowilloughby2403]

I smashed my thermostat from running stock radiator guards just fyi. The billet ones keep the shrouds rigid and won’t flex against your hoses/ thermostat (which is another hot point/ cracking point in the system) been doing multiple coolant upgrades aside from the fan, should solve my boiling at 165 degrees problem lol

[@duckworthatvandmxadventure6601]

Coming from a farmer "Farmer Tight" is knowing how tight to get it exactly!!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I spent time working on multiple farms growing up. Your farmer tight and my farmer tight are much different things! haha!

[@Anonymously.1]

Yeah Kyle must have worked/visited a dipshit that didn’t know how to wrench . I grew up on huge ranches , if mistakes are made like over tight stripped out parts it costs a ton of money and time . Most farmers and ranchers I know don’t make mistakes like that . Bad analogy Kyle .

[@perezan2010]

I will add this fan on my list. I have a 22 SX-F what's the fates tire I can you, Thank you an advanced

[@morganpeckenham7802]

I have a question I have a 2023EXF 450. Is it wise to put a fan on that particular motorcycle? I’ll be riding it quite fast here and there and some slow sections but not super slow. I was just wondering I did order one.

[@ashwillmot2051]

I found the ktm one plugs straight in. It also didn’t run on after the bike was off. My friends one runs for quite a while after the engine stops. Ends up running the battery out on stop start trails. Any insight?

[@RC.56]

I remember seeing one of your videos with a new KTM that came with a radiator fan....was I dreaming that or is there indeed one that comes with it? 22 350 xcf-w maybe??

[@poorwhiteboy6521]

It says the fan kit don't fit with over size tank. I believe there is two sizes of oversized tanks standard oversized tank is about 3.0 gallons and bigger one is 3.5 ? I have the 3.0 tank will it fit my bike ? 2018 300xc

[@robmcrobbie99]

My 2002 CRF450RX is having issues with losing coolant... do you have a fan that fits my bike? Secondly, would an expansion tank assist?

[@OldBrokenBastards]

Fans only work if you have a battery. I ride a YZ 250 and have never had an issue. I do have a coolant reservoir.

[@billwillson5361]

Do you know of a fan kit for a 2022 Honda 450rx please and thank you? I can't seem to find one.

[@riderlife9937]

Would a engine like a 100 or 125 or 65 run cooler than a 450 or 250?????

[@sanderlillesund1916]

does it work to put a radiator fan on a tc85 2017?

[@braapppp986]

Mate have you considered reviewing a 250 xc-w? I know it’s designed for hard enduro so the 300 will be more popular but you have had the same 300 bike a number of years in a row and you love a 250?!?!?! Why not try the xcw rather than the xc 250 to mix it up? I was all excited about seeing a 2022 in your shed!

[@hillquestdualsport]

Kyle, I followed this to install a rad fan on a 22 xcf250. The temp is set to 180 and the fan comes on usually on slower trails in the trees or during harder hill climbs. Last week I got stranded with a dead battery. I had to bump start it a few times just to get out. Is the draw of the fan too much for this bike?

[@crazyharold3005]

I just bought a new battery and it did the same thing mine is a KTM 450 SFX I'm wondering if I need a better battery.

[@christobey4198]

Kyle do you have any experience with Tusk fan? Wondering what the difference is since it about $100 cheaper than the Trail Tech????

[@daverossignolful]

TUSK seems to get it's not about how much you can soak them for...great quality, not cheap just less expensive. The tusk fan kit is an excellent choice. Thankful for tusk as a company they seem to understand those on a budget or who have family's to support. They've helped make this hobby I love affordable anyway

[@stevedouglas1654]

Here waiting for the GasGas 300 giveaway on 4/15/22 at 6:00 pm 🤞

[@DirtBikeChannel]

yeah, should be a good time!

[@poorwhiteboy6521]

Is it best to put the sensor at the top ? I see my instructions shows at bottom. Make sense to be at top so it's at running temp all the way up

[@aceman1741]

I put mine on the bottom like the instructions but I don't think it really matters

[@jaredsnope793]

No first impressions or review of the new xcw??????

[@saiinth]

You don't need to remove the top "air bypass" screw on the cylinder head when you refill the coolant? Or is just when you're rebuilding the engine?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I've done it both ways. This way is faster and I just add a little coolant once it's been started and warmed up.

[@saiinth]

@@DirtBikeChannel alright 👍🏻 I guess the trapped air will find its way out after a while anyway Great video 👍🏻🔥

[@duckworthatvandmxadventure6601]

They Don't come with a radiator fan because they would charge another 3 grand

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Wanna know the most money I've ever spent for a dirt bike? It was a 2020 Sherco 300 SEF, and it came with a radiator fan :). Biggest check I've ever written for a single bike.

[@duckworthatvandmxadventure6601]

@@DirtBikeChannel it was because of the radiator fan 😆

[@biggiechin69]

Damn comment bots. They always plaguing comments

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Yeah, I've been coming on comments recently to ban them.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I run Engine Ice but I haven't experienced that much dIfference in coolant temps compared to standard coolant.

[@iguanatron]

Personally, I think the antifreeze that come stock in the bikes runs great. I tried Evans, and my bike was touching 240°. Swapped back to stock and now I never get above 220°. If you're riding some really gnarly stuff do you average around 195-200° with engine ice?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Yes, I've found that things tend to run a touch cooler with engine ice. I don't replace it on most of my bikes, but on the bikes I KNOW will get hot, I use this stuff.

[@jonnyhumphreys9133]

I've seen engine ice tested. Maybe good for 1 degree. I believe Project Farms channel tested it and I've seen a couple other enduro guys run a side by side comparison. Save your $$$ IMHO.

[@iguanatron]

@@jonnyhumphreys9133 that's about what I assumed. Engine ice tastes great though!😂

[@seatime674]

​​@@DirtBikeChannel Hello I have a technical question if you or anyone can answer please that really knows. I Have a WR450 with a 1.1 bar cap 16psi.. It never overheats and always stays under 180..if I put a 1.8 bar 26psi cap will thar cause undo steess to hoses or gaskets?? I know water boils at 225 with a 1.1 so if it stays nowhere near there any cap over 1.1 should be fine is that right?

[@adambatchelder4121]

Its all set up for a ktm fan , just plug in the ktm one and suplied relay. Ecm will control it .

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Yes some are. Depends on the model and the year. I wanted to show wiring it up since many of them (including XC bikes) aren't. I've wired them several different ways.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

In addition, I like to be able to program it myself so that I can have it run a a lower engine temp. It's good either way though.

[@nayrproductions]

@@DirtBikeChannel engine temp wont run any lower, it has a thermostat.. if you can use the ECU it knows temp at head and not at radiator which would be the better of the two.

[@adambatchelder4121]

@@nayrproductions yep and the ecm doesnt fail like the trail tec controlers, ive seen so many dead trail tec screens.

[@johntoenjes8697]

I just took the shroud off my brand new 2022 xcw to put bulletproof braces and found the entire outside row of the left radiator smashed and smashed where it mounts to the frame.

[@CharlieTrevaskis]

My radiator was bent from the factory too. Not enough to make a difference and i could still fit my bulletproof guards on but it pissed me off to have a brand new bike with bent rads

[@2WheelDerness]

"Ready to race they said"...after you pht 2k in additional parts :))

[@hrsey71]

has anyone installed a fan kit on their SXF? i run mine for harescramble/tight trails and would like to install one

[@crazyharold3005]

I have one on mine make sure the fan is not running for too long when the bike is off because it will drain the battery.

[@hrsey71]

@@crazyharold3005 what kit did you install and did you have to make any mods? I tried the tusk kit, and the fan wouldn't fit in between the radiator and tank

[@mattheusabrahamvandijke8809]

You shouldve done a before and after for the temp man

[@mattheusabrahamvandijke8809]

Would be cool to see the difference

[@trevorwinkworth1208]

In australia where getting ripped off. that same fan you have if you buy it here $400.

[@theboogieman401]

If u ride in a hot area ..obv ..lol jesus

[@seatime674]

Trail Tech $230 / Tusk $120..

[@mozambique32762]

MEOW

[@robh3267]

Might want to mention that this only works on bikes with a battery.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Nah.... that will be our little secret, Rob!

[@59plexi]

do you have covid!?