Hello there!

I recently purchased a 2012 Brute Force 650. It is my first quad, so please excuse me if this question is either redundant or uneducated. My first few rides on the quad were fantastic, out all day and night without a problem. Sadly now I'm having issues with it over heating, even going on short distances like 10km or less. I have cleaned the rad out twice and did it again tonight after coming home the 10km from buddies. I'm wondering if I'm just not doing a good enough job or what cleaning it. Someone from the dealer told me to check the coolant in the rad and I should find it on the left hand side but I can't find it. If it isn't the rad what else could it be? There's nothing showing up on the dash indicating any other errors aside from the overheating. The fan kicks in and is running too.

Additionally i believe I have a reusable air filter however it is just filthy, laden with oil and tons of grease. I'm wondering if I'm just being too cautious, but is it suppose to be like that? Should I just purchase a new one?



Thanks for your help in advance!

 

First the filter. If it is a foam element, yes it should have a bit of sticky oil on there, that is what traps the dirt and keeps it out of your engine. These need to be cleaned and reoiled periodically, sounds like you are due.

As for overheating, yes check the coolant level. It is good you can hear the fan running. Mud is notorious for clogging radiators. If you have been playing in the mud, make sure you can see through all the fins in the rad. I have had to remove them to clean when they get really clogged. A soft brush and a gentile touch can help. It is also possible your water pump is bad, but on a newer machine it is more likely the radiator or low fluid.

 

I've heard about this coolant called Engine Ice. Its supposed to make your engine run much cooler than normal antifreeze. It costs quite a bit more but it is supposed to make a huge difference in operating temperature. I've never tried it myself but here is a video that should tell you a little about it

 

I ve had the same problems with my 06, I know different years but same concept. I have had to replace eveything in the cooling system before realizing that I had timing issues. You may want to make sure that your timing is spot on and go from there. Sometimes it is the radiator, sometimes the water pump really is not working as it should. Let us know what you find out.

Thanks