My wifes 2004.5 Polaris got into the mud really deep today, The fan had swap grass and stuff in it, and the Hot light came on. After I got the fan working it still would come on if ridden very fast. The radiator is pretty plugged also. We would stop amd let it cool then you could ride a few miles. It never did over heat ( blow coolant out) does anyone know at what temp the Hot light goes on? Any tricks to keep the Rad. clean? Thanks for any info

 

2004.5 Polaris sportsman 500HO

 

I believe that the light comes on at 210 deg F. I think the fan comes on at 180-190 deg F. Will be able to tell you for sure later, don't have access to my manuals right now. As far as keeping the rad clean, try not to pack it with mud if you can avoid it. If I am not going very far and I have time to sit and wait for it to cool; I play in the mud a little more. If I know that I have a long ride ahead of me, I avoid it if I can. Be sure to just spray it out with a lower pressure spray like the garden hose. Spray it until the water comes out clean. High pressure spray like the carwash will bend the fins. I have had mine to that point a couple of times. It scared the crap out of me the first time it did it until I figured out why. I am going to be adding a temp gauge to both of mine soon. Hope this helps. I am sure that some of the more knowledgable guys will be chiming in here.

 

i think its in the 200 plus range. the dealer told me once when i ask him why it runs so hot. i know if i lived in a warmer climate( not worring about freezing up) i would put some of that stuff that makes the machine run cooler in the radiator.its designed to actually make the engine run cooler. if your rad. gets plugged w/ mud and crap your screwed as far as cooling goes.

 

Does anyone know if there is a thermostat that changed over faster

 

Thanks for the info, I do clean the rad after every ride,even if its dry. It gets so much dust in it.
I dont want to hurt the motor,hopefully I havent hurt anything,since its still full of coolant, at least Polaris set it up to give you some warning before it overheats. Thanks again

 

AS far as i know the warning comes on when the engine is HOT not overheating....