just bought a sportsman 500 h.o.and was wondering if you could get a temp gauge.haven't needed it but if it's like most idiot lights when it comes on it's to late.just wondering

thanks alot
groundhog
2001 sportsman 500 h.o.
1980 xr 250
96 chevy ext. cab 4x4

 

Check with Highlifter.com they have them.

 

Better yet, go to Wal-Mart and get an auto one for a whole $10 dollars. You will have to do a little plumming into one of your radiator hoses, but it works great.

 

Groundhog, the idiot light comes on soon enough, the problem is your eyes are watching the trail not warning lights. By the time you are aware there is a problem your quad is already boiling over. The same applies to a gauge. My advice is to obtain a 12-vdc buzzer and install it across the light. This way when the light comes on the buzzer will sound too and you will have plenty of warning of impending trouble. This is what I did and it has saved me from boiling over.

 

how much did your HO set ya back??? how fast is it? how would you plum that guage(from wal-mart) in the hose on the sp?

 

You have to use a t-hose fitting for the sender. A good place is just after the water pump. Since the sender is like a thermalcouple, the wire to the guage is kinda stiff. A good place to mount the guage is to make a bracket and attach it to the plastic around the gas tank, or to the plastic side cover. Takes a little messing around to get it right. I think a temp guage should be standard on any liquid cooled atv, if just for peace of mind. I don't think I ever seen my Magnum over 170F, which is about were the fan kickes on. Mudden in Mich.