Hello I'm new here at this site. looks like lots of you guys & gal's are up on your machines.
I was wondering if you could help me out .....
I'm having problems... after riding say 3-5 miles. My 6x6 is loosing power and starts to over heat.
what is the best way to go about checking the cooling system? (water pump)

 

I am fairly new as well .check coolant level
check for leaks-if coolant can get out-air can get in & air is bad
most important check rad for mud or dirt clean it out with water hose not pressure washer it will damage fins. then blow out with compressed air - be careful not to damage fins
dirt in rad is most likely cause it dont have to be blocked full enough dust will not let air flow
to check for flow - once bike is warmed up & thermostat is open(if it has one) touch the rad hoses to see if thet are all hot this will tell u that coolant is circulating
when bike is cold take off rad cap & start bike & let it run watch for air bubbles this would tell
u if u have a cracked head, blown head gasket or cracked cylinder.
if the water pump has failed it would be leaking out of weap hole more than likely
I dont know these bikes very well but i am a auto tech. by trade
fell free to ask me any more questions & let me know how u make out
I had the same problem hot light on & i cleaned mud from my rad hopefully its fixed, didnt ride since i cleaned rad
good luck