Hi guys,

This will probably come across as a stupid question, but since we have this new bike I'm paranoid of busting something or screwing something up so I've been avoiding mud holes. Today I went through one which was not quite the height of the seat. I was in 4x4 low and it pulled through no problems about 30 yards or so. I could hear the exhaust bubbling under the muddy water. When I got home I had grass and roots hanging everywhere but my main concern was the rad and motor. Can the cold water on the hot engine crack something? I haven't checked my fluids yet but assuming they're all OK, what damage could possibly be caused by doing this? I cleaned it up when I got home along with a good spray of a WD-40 type of product. The only other check I did so far was the air box.

Am I just paranoid or is there something to this?

Thanks,

 

ride that sportsman like there is no tomorrow!!!!! thats what is was built for.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of "muddin". Many of us crave the slop. Not too much better than getting ALMOST stuck. Will it put a bit more wear on your machine... ya some. Will your radiator get plugged.... ya. But that is all part of it. I have been up to my tank in mud & water. Never hurt the engine. As long as exhaust is going out water is not coming in.

 

Make sure that you know where the top of the snorkels are at. Be sure to check all of the drains, fluid levels, and radiator after getting home and cleaning it thoroughly. Letting the mud set on the machine and dry will only cause it to rust, eat seals, and make your maintenance more difficult. You also need to check all of your fluids afterward. The cold water shouldn't hurt as long as it isn't being sucked into the engine. If I have really been bogging alot I will go ahead and hit all of the grease zerks. I am sure that I am missing something. Some of the studs will help out I'm sure.

 

Thanks for the info, it's been raining here for a day and a half so I'm now looking forward to my days off and play. I do wash the bike every outing, and grease all fitting also. From the sounds of it, as long as the bike doesn't stall and keep things under pressure I should be OK.

Thanks,