After about twenty minutes of riding, my atv loses power. I can't go over 15 mph. I cruise it at that speed for a few minutes, then its fine, the power is back. Sometimes the overheating light comes on, so I pull over, let it cool down and it's fine. Any ideas on why it is doing this?

 

start out by checking the fluid level first and then check to see if the rad is clean and then check to see if the fan is working.

 

All that checks out. I was thinking maybe the thermostat. What do you think?

 

Which Prairie model do you have, 300, 400,etc?

 

it is a 2001 prairie 400 4x4

 

it could be the thermostat, but not likely. i would say probably a dirty rad. check to see if you can see light through the fins.

 

Just checked it. The fins are clean. No obstructions at all. What else could it be?

 

if the rad is clean and fluid level is correct and your sure the fan is working, it leaves the thermostat and pump as a prime suspect. if you have had this bike for a long time then i would presume the cooling fluid is clean and the rad is clean inside, if the fluid shows signs of being dirty i would flush the rad first with rad cleaner and replace fluid with good coolent. if this cures the problem you will be ok if not the thermostat is next in line. i would pull it out and then run without a thermostat to see if it runs cold or hot.
check to see if thermostat is working properly before reinstalling it. yes these engines need a thermostat. if it runs cool then it was the thermostat if still running hot its the pump or you missed something along the way.

 

Remove your thermostat and check it out by heating some water and dip it into the water , if the thermostat is good it will open before the water starts to boil ; this would be the safe way to check out your thermostat !

williebee......

 

i wonder what ever became of the overheating problem ????