I changed the coolant on my 2002 Sportsman 500.

I started the bike without the filler cap on, and didnt see the coolant flowing through the system during idle or even full throttle.

Is this normal? I dont think this bike has a thermostat?

Thank you,

Drew

 

Hi,yes it is normal until it is up to temp, the thermostat if not mistaken is above and to the left of the oil filter but yes it has one,it's a pretty small stat,you cannot miss it just follow the heater hose to the small housing held in with 2 8mm ?? bolts,right below it you will see a coolant temp sensor.It will take a few minutes for it to open up but even when it does you will not see flow as you would a car only a slight drop.Was it overheating or anything?

 

Thank you for the reply!

I don't think it was overheating, but the fan sure does seem to kick on in a hurry. Even if I'm cruising at a pretty good speed, the fan will kick on early. It's one of those things that just doesn't seem "right". I guess that since the fan shuts back off, that would mean the coolant is doing it's job.

 

Take the cover off the outside of the radiator, it just pops off and wash radiator out from inside and out , do a good job and it will run cooler.

 

As long as it is not overheating your safe.It might not hurt to change the thermostat,I changed it in my 02 last year due to overheating,If my memory serves correct they come with the rubber seal but if you damage the seal you have to buy another stat,the dealer said they do not sell them seperate? Have you flushed out the radaitor outer core,it's a easy mud trap.

 

l did clean out the radiator fins and it looks clear, and I dont think I have any air in the system.

I'll try a new thermostat. Prolly a cheap buy anyways?

 

No they aren't cheap. I've bought two over the years and they are around $90 CDN

 

yep,they are expensive and they do come with the seal but if you screw up the seal or if it leaks you have to buy another thermostat because the seal is not sold seperate if not mistaken,it's a easy job but if you do decide to swap it you may want the stealership to do it so it will be on them if it leaks ect.I know on our 02 the 28" outlaws make a big difference in hot weather as far as running warmer but no issues with the stock wheels/tires.

 

p/n 3084940 $62.59 at the stealership. Can't find it anywhere else..

 

hate to dig up an old thread but does anyone know if this little thermostat cross references to anything from like autozone or napa?