I am having problems with starting and overheating on an FST 435 Wolverine.

The starter doesn't seem to have the juice to turn the engine over when it is warm. I have a good battery, a rebuilt starter and the wiring seems to be sound. has anyone else had similar problems. Is there an aftermarket starter with more torque? I am going to try a different solenoid and bigger guage wiring next unless some can point me in a different direction.

I installed an FST oil cooler to run with the stock cooler but still seem to be getting very high oil temperatures when the machine is run in heavy swamp. Hot enough to roast valve stem seals. The next step is to upsize the stock cooler and run a fan behind it. Any other ideas.

thanks

 

I would suggest that you call Mickey Dunlap. What you are describing is not normal, and as this is his setup, I am sure that he would point you in the right direction.

Are you sure that it is not jetted too lean?

 

I could possibly be a couple of points low. I backed off 10 points from a marginally fat condition and may have went too far. I was planning on talking to Mickey but he can be tough to get hold of.

 

Wolzzy, Did mickey build your engine or did you just buy the kit? If mickey built it how long did it take? Thanks

 

Grimmsniper

All I sent Mickey was the crank, clutch cover and head, I did the rest. He had the crank and clutch case done within a week, the porting took forever though. All in all it took 3 months but in fairness to Mickey about 1 month of that was waiting on Canadian customs.

For me it was worth the wait despite some of the problems I'm having. The pull off the bottom is incredible. Without the extra weight of the centrifigal clutch spinning on the end of the crank the motor is way more responsive. 3rd gear wheelies without the clutch are no problem and it'll spank my 700 across the swamp.

 

Wolzzy, Thanks for thr info![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Wolzzy, curious to know more about your Grizzly front differential.....Is it one of the models with the 2WD/4WD selectable servos?

 

The front diff is from a 2002 grizzly with the 2wd/4wd/4wheel lock. I found a wrecked one and bought the parts. It wasn't an easy project, the a arm mounts need to be redone, basically spread them out +/- 1" on each side as well as the diff mounts themselves. Then the grizzly wiring harness and relays need to be grafted into the Wolverine harness. All in all it was a lot of work, but add the light weight and some decent horsepower from a 435 and it pretty much goes anywhere.

 

Now you have my full attention. lol

I would love to see a photo of the finished work. I have been contemplating such a project for over a year now but have not yet been stuck completely due to the lack of true 4WD. I know that when this happens, I will be ready to rock and roll.

I do have pushbutton control of my 2wd/4wd via an air cylinder operating a Highlifter Unlocker. The button is factory from a Big Bear (I believe it was) but does not have the Diff Lock setup.

I sure do hope you have a digital camera. I really want to see all that was required.

Thanks again,

Robert

 

Oh, by the way, in reguards to your first post, I believe it might be a jetting problem causing all your excess heat. My starter has more trouble turning her over cold, not hot. This tells me you are not too far away from an engine sieze. I would do a plug check immediately. Too Hot will Ruin a motor in a moment.

I do not know just how hot mine was during it's initial break in period as I didn't buy it until a year and a half ago, so she was pretty well broken in.

A call to Mickey would be well warranted.. I know he is easier to reach after 3pm East Coast Time.

I can't remember exactly who (Lotus Position comes to mind) but I believe you can buy a cooler/fan combo off of a Big Bear. The hoses mate right up to the stock filter connection so all you are left with is some wiring, but from your differential project, that cat should be in the bag.

Good Luck.