Do you by any chance have a winch kit or any other modifications in which you would've had to have tied into the main power source or ground? The reason that I ask is that I had the same problem with my 2001 Sportsman 400. The cause of the problem was that the ground for the power to the solenoid was arcing out and not making direct contact, so that it will overheat because your fan won't kick on for awhile, but once you get messing around with it it will finally make ground, you will turn your machine back on, and the fan will be working fine.

 

Thanks

I try some water wetter and will check the winch connections. My next trip is to Moab , UT. I don't think it is as hot as it is here in the Phoenix area but I'll stay near the truck just in case. Thanks for the tips.

 

is this machine new? it is not uncommon to have an air pocket that takes a while to work its way out. Also, the coolant will evaporate somewhat, both conditions can leave you with a low level of coolant, and your fan cant keep up because steam in the system is too hard to cool. I would carry a gallon of water (or coolant) with you, and just keep a close eye on the level. My 700 had a bunch of cooling system problems, and everytime I filled it back up, I had to burp it later on. Now its gone like 500 miles with no change in the level. If its not leaking onto the floor or getting into the oil, I wouldnt be too concerned, its got to be just air in the system.

 

I just checked out that water wetter site, and while I dont dispute that it may work, based on how they describe it I wouldnt buy it, because they either misprinted it, dont know what they are talking about or they are lying. Plain water does not cool better than 50/50. I have seen this tried so many times, it is just plain simple fact. Why do you think they call it coolant? It isn't just anti-freeze.

I have read where a lot of guys have had good luck with similar products, so there must be something in it that works.

 

Is your radiator full, I had a leak on mine that let coolant escape from water pump.

 

Northstar, are you sure on that one? If that were the case, wouldn't an overheating race car leave a puddle of green or orange? Every time I've seen one, it's nice and clear. I don't claim to know the science behind the heat transfer of different liquids, just noting what I've seen.

 

All I know is sence Ive put the water wetter in my 700 it has not overheated.I dont know but it seams to work..

 

OK heres my take on this. First off my buddy had the same problem doing the same thing, overheating that is when ridden hard in low range. I on the other hand have ridden my HO hard in sand dunes in LO too with no problem but I did have some stops and slow downs so it had a chance to catch up. It is my belief that the cooling system is a little under sized and there lies the problem. You push it real hard in LO range and the cooling system gets overpowered.
What to do about it?
This is what I have done, I installed a buzzer across the high temperature light. This has saved me a couple of times because nobody is looking at the idiot lights when riding hard, but you will hear the buzzer. Get a loud one.
On the subject of coolant, water conducts heat better than 50/50 coolant. Engine coolant has a couple of purposes, one it prevents freezing and two it has corrosion inhibitors.
I have tried Water Wetter in my Bugeye Sprite with no noticeable difference, others swear by it.
Well that's it for me, hope this helps.

 

race cars run water because they are not allowed to run antifreeze. I have always been told, and I have seen with my own two eyes, water does not cool as well as 50/50. It is common knowledge. If you dont believe it, go drain your wifes car and refill it with water. When she calls you all P.O.d because she got stuck in traffic and overheated, tell her I said hello.

 

I think water alone has a lower boiling point then when mixed with anti freeze.. when your coolent boils, turning to steam, is when you have a problem..so with anti freeze should be better...but if I am wrong I am sure one one will correct me...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]