I have two SP 500s that run well and have no problems. One however seems to run hotter requiring the fan to run twice as often while on the trals. I am considering using a coolant additive to make this machine run a little cooler.

What additives are out there and which have the best results?

 

There are two products that I know of. Water wetter and engine ice.

Water wetter gets added to your coolant and some say its reduces engine temps. It is known for creating gunk build up in the over flow tank so I don't know if I want that flowing through my water jackets. Also it alters the freezing temp of the coolant so it's now good during winter months if you live in the northern states and Canada. You would have to flush your coolant every fall.

Engine ice replaces your coolant and is good til -27 degrees (not sure if that F or C).

Some say both work well. They are developed mainly for the track so that if there is a coolant spill they dont slick up the track like conventional coolant.

If you live down south then both might help but if you live in Canada like me then only Engine Ice would be worth it. But even -27 might not be low enough your garage isn't insulated or heated. Bad stuff could happen.

I was thinking of using a coolant additive last summer but I am just not sold on their benifts. I'd like to know if anyone else has used these products on their utility machines and what they thought.

 

Low temp protection is not a factor here (it is rare to freeze for over 24 hours). I want a simple coolant additive so the damned fan does not constantly run.

 

they help reduce the heat by bonding w/ the metal to reduce heat soak i beleave. to meit just prolongs the fan from coming on. how is the rad. on the bike nice and clean? biggest reason for hotter running is less cooling surface on the fins to have the air cool it. imo

 

Radiator is clean. The fan just runs more often than my other sportsman.

 

As long as the fan kicks on before temp light and the temp light does not come on you will cause no damage.

I have been using a Wells aftermarket thermal senor that causes my fan to kick on later than the stock sensor for a year now. Its rated at turn on temp 180 vs 170 degrees stock. the temp light comes on at 195 or 200 I think. a engine can run at 190 all year long without ill effects.

 

I too have never seen one overhead with fan running.

 

Interesting answers you could check sensor first with a infrared gun.Shoot the radiator upper and lower hoses when t-stat is open this should tell you if there is a restriction should be about a 7-10 deg split in temp. Plus check water pump pressure to make sure its doing its job.

 

I feak out when it does not come on after 1/2 hour riding. I had a fan die on me once,I had to ride it home until the temp light came on after 10 mins of riding then let it sit for 1/2 hour then ride again for 10 min until red light came on....repeat...repeat... it was the longest 3 mile ride I did in my life.LOL

 

i've actually overheated mine once w/ the fan running. of course the rad. was mostly plugged.