I recently purchase an 02 rancher 4x4 ES. It has around 900 miles and 130 hours. I've put about 35 miles on it over the last few weeks. It seems like a good bike and everything works - with the possible exception of the oil cooler fan. It has never come on. It has been relatively mild around here - no more than 80 - 84 deg. F. I've probable not run it for more than 45 min. to 1 hour at at time. To this point, I've only used it for light to medium trail riding.

I know there's a lot of variables that go into an answer for this question, but generally, how often should the fan come on?

Thanks,
Rodney

 

Usually cooling fans don't kick on unless you're putting a heavy load on the engine, or there's no air moving over the cooler. If you climb a long steep hill, tow something heavy like another quad, or just let it sit and idle for 5 minutes after it's warmed up the fan should probably come on, but under normal trail riding there's no reason for that fan to run. As long as you're moving more than 5 mph there's enough air moving over it to pass off the heat that the engine is making with a light load on it. I'd check it out more if it feels like the engine is running abormally hot and the fan doesn't kick on, but it sounds like you're good to go right now.

 

I have the same thing but a 2000. I have put on 100 miles since I got it a month ago. The only time the fan has come on has been while I was pulling a drag on my father's driveway. I was working it pretty good in first gear and it came on. I let it sit for about 2 minutes and it shut off after cooling.

Kev

 

Thanks for the replies guys. If it becomes an issue, I'll inquire further.

Wearing shorts, my legs will get hot after tooling around slow with the family for awhile. I have to keep my legs further out on the floorboards. You dont really notice this on the yamaha timberwolf, which has been in the family forever. I may let it sit and idle for awhile after my next ride and see what happens - should be in the high 80's over the next few days.

Rodney