Motorcycle Repair: Thermostat, radiator hose, radiator fan

Question
Hi i have a 1986 Honda shadow V6 750 and i was wondering if you could tell me where the thermostat is located i am having problem with the gage going in the red saying its over heating but it never bubbles over so I'm wondering if the thermostat is sticking any help would be great ... Thanks

Answer
Hi Michelle,

The thermostat is located almost directly
below the coolant filler cap.

Another way to find the thermostat on almost any
vehicle is to find the top radiator hose
and follow it backwards. This will lead you
to where the hose attaches to the thermostat housing.

If your bike is overheating the radiator
fan should come on. If the fan does not
come on then you may have a faulty fan
or fan sensor in the radiator.

Make sure the cooling system is full
and all the air is out before you
put the filler cap on. You can rock the
bike a bit back and forth to release any
possible trapped air in the system.

If the fan does not work you can check
the fan itself by unplugging it
and connecting it to 12 volts
and see if it turns.
If the fan turns okay but still never
comes on when the bike is hot then
the fan sensor or wiring may need checking.

Let me know if you need more info.

Good luck!
Wayne S.
------------------------------------