Gentlemen this will be my first liquid cooled ATV. Being that most of my buddies ride Hondas they are certain the radiator will fill with mud and overheat. Thr dealer told me the cooling fan is on all the time so if it isn,t running you probably have to replace a fuse. Is this stuff fact or fiction? Have you ever had to clean out the radiator? If so do you just wash it off? My bullsh#* alarm went off when I heard this stuff so I thought I would go to the source.

 

I have had mine 3 years never cleaned it off and it has never overheated. Been through many, many mud holes fender deep. They are trying to change your mind. I also have my winch in front of it.

 

Yea I think you are right about the sales pitch they're giving me. However, all wasted breath I have already put money down on a new AC 500 and I am very pleased with my decision!!

 

The bit about the fan is correct. It runs all the time, the minute you turn on the key-I guess an added cooling effect to aid with the radiator. So, yes, if it does stop running, chances are you've blown the fuse. That is an easy replacement though, as it is just below your seat, right there in plain sight. However, with all the deep mud holes I've been in, I've never had to clean my radiator of mud or any other debris for that matter. Like Irichard, my winch is in front of it as well, so I'm sure that in combination with the front bumper/winch plate will help protect quite well. And, even with all the heavy towing and work I do, I've never overheated or even had the light come on for that matter. Basically, I think he's trying to change your mind into buying a different machine. Stick with the 'Cat, you won't be sorry.

Mike

 

I'm like the rest of the Cat people.. I to have been in some deep thick stuff,submerged to great depths and have never had a radiator prob..
I also have a winch ( which help's protect as stated by Cowboy).... After a ride when I'm spraying off the Cat I also spray the radiator clean...Don't ever find much of anything..
You made a good choice....

 

You are right about the BS factor. Seems like a lot of people will blow smoke up your *** just because you are considering something that they don't have. Don't worry about it. Too many liquid cooled quads out there for it to be a problem.


99 AC500- Never a radiator problem in over 2 years. Same coolant as it had in it when it was new. You can plug them with mud, but you really have to try.

 

I've had my radiator clog up 2 times with mud. Both times leaning was as simple as letting a water hose run over the front AND BACK side of the radiator. MAKE SURE you do the back side-- this is where your fan is and if you must push the mud to the back and don't wash it off your fan is useless.

If you plan on mudding alot I would recomend installing a fan switch. I've had to use mine a few times cause of the rack deep water I ride in and 2 times I have forgoten to turn it off and blown fuses both times.

 

I have had my 500 a little over a year and have had to clean the radiator twice due to mud and overheating while running on the road. The winch plate and the bumper have no effect on mud getting into the radiator, the mud simply flows around, and right into the radiator fins. The type of mud you ride is the determining factor, up here in northern Mn we have heavy clay and thick gumbo. Some holes you are in are just like pudding, when you go rutting around in there when you drive out or when you get pulled out the goo even fills up between the radiator and the engine, (yes, that large open space!) If you are splashing through mud holes that are mostly water, this isn't a big issue. The two times I have cleaned mine in 850 miles, I have removed the radiator, just pivot down the front bumper, remove the radiator hoses, the two mounting bolts and pull it out. Taking the hose off the motor is easier than taking it off the radiator. Just leave the cap on and hook the hose across the two outputs and wash it out, you should be able to see through it when it is clean. Both times mine was over 3/4 full of mud, both sides. Just my experience only, I am not complaining, any time you are in the mud you have to expect to clean out the radiator, no different than running in the sand and cleaning the airfilter. Aczr2k

 

Oh yea, mine was 2 times in 2650 miles of riding.

 

I have never clogged my fan and have been in some ugly goo. The only problem with goo was a when I got some in my tranny vent and started a bearing growling about to weeks later. And it is easy to get in there too!!. But hopefully I can devise a snorkle when the winter is over.