I own a 1997 Kawasaki Prairie 400. I having problems changing antifreeze and need help please. I removed the bolt at the base of the water pump and ran the engine as the old antifreeze started to drain. I added new antifreeze to the plastic tank.

However, the engine ran until the "hot" light came on without the new antifreeze from the plastic tank going into the engine. I waited until the engine cooled a little and then tried again with same result about three times.

I thought maybe the water pump or thermostat could be bad but I've never had a lick of trouble until now when I tried to change the fluid in the way a dealer mechanic told me to a few years ago. It's been about four years since I changed antifreeze (no problem last time doing it the same way).

 

Plastic Tank? That is the overflow tank on most atv's.
You need to add the new anti-freeze directly into the radiator & then you will need to get the air-out of the system as well.
You may want to check some of the other atv forums for any info on your Model for the exact procedure, like Nyroc.com or high-lifter in the Tech sections.

 

Thanks very much for the reply. I'm out of town but will use the radiator cap idea the moment I return.

 

The last time I messed w/the Coolant was with my Cat 454. I cracked the water pump cover on a freak rock hit.
After changing out the Cover, I had to do the refill by the radiator Cap. The biggest pain was getting the air bubbles out of the system, it took some time but I did it.

 

How did you get the air bubbles out?

 

Sorry but I don't recall. It has been at least 10 yrs since I had that 454.
Maybe the Nyroc forums in the Tech section will have a answer for you.