I am finally caving in and setting aside my ego. Although I never claimed to a master mechanic, I usually am someone above completely helpless when it comes to general ATV or car maintenance and simple repairs.

I bought a used 2008 Artic Cat ATV that was running pretty well until recently when after about 3 or 4 minutes the ATV ceases to move fw or backwards. I replaced the oil, added axle lubricant, etc. I am trying to find where to add antifreeze, but have completely failed. The manual tells me about a radiator access panel on the front hood of the ATV, but there is no radiator access panel on the hood of my ATV. Its a solid body with no panel. I don't want to completely take apart this ATV to put antifreeze in.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Anyone encounter this before?



Thanks- complete newbie

 

Also, it's an Arctic Cat 400, 2008 model. It seemed to overheat, and other than an oil change, I figured coolant was the next thing to change. Any suggestions?

 

There is two Arctic Cat 400s. I take it that yours is the sporty DVX?

2008 Arctic Cat 400 DVX ATVs

 

If you have the DVX400 and not the utility 400 4x4, then you DO need
to remove the front fender plastics to get at the radiator cap. However,
the overflow cap it accessible on the left side without removing anything.
I just drained/replaced coolant in a 04 DVX400.

Sounds like your manual is for a 4x4.

 

Thanks for the replies. Actually, I have the utility 4x4.

 

In that case its not a liquid cooled motor. Its a Air/oil cooled 376cc motor made by Suzuki.
The radator looking thing is a oil cooler.2008 Arctic Cat 400 4x4 Automatic Reviews, Prices, and Specs
Its pretty well impossible to over heat that motor , even if the oil cooler fan did not work the oil cooler still does its oil de tour job, the fan is just a assist device.
What makes you think its over heating? Is the oil temp light coming on?