I've had my 2000 Kodiak 4X4 for about 4 months and ride it at least once a week. On two occasions, I've experienced the engine temp light come on. In both cases the radiator was packed with mud and I removed both removable side covers, let the engine cool, and ran hard through the next water hole to get some water through the radiator fins. I clean the radiator good after each ride but have found that if I run mud sections at the beginning of the ride that don't have much water, the mud gets in the fins, dries, and presents a cooling problem later in the day. The radiator is well protected and it's difficult to clean the radiator even when throwing brook water in the front grill area since the screen and louvers dispurse the water I'm trying to get to the radiator. Has anyone experienced this?

 

You might want to check your water level. I have a kodiak for about a year and a few months and the only problem I had was with the water pump seal leaking, it was fixed under warrenty and no problem after that. I have had the kodiak in some very deep mud but it hasn't over heated. The only time I have had it overheat was when I held it wide open down a fire road for a long time in very hot weather.

 

I don't care what you ride. If you dunk in the mud alot you will eventually pay for it in some manner.

 

Yes, I have experienced the same problem. And I have found the perfect SOLUTION: DRIVE FASTER!

 

I experienced overheating last weekend. I was trying to get up a steep section and had to dismount and drive from the side. In 4wd and tires a spinning. After I made it thru the temp light came on. I thought that the Kodiak had a fan assist when it got too hot. It did not come on. Did your fan come on? If there is a fan, how can I check it to make sure it works. Any input is appreciated.

 

There is a test in the manual to check the fan, though I've never done it. Mine has not over-heated even when riding for 3-4 hours straight. The fan does kick on though and you can hear it.

2000 kodiak/4x4 beige
2000 warn winch
Excavators
alum rear skid

98 Ranger ext cab 4x4 off road,98 Explorer XLT 4dr

 

Thanks for the info.
Now that I think about it, I do remember hearing the fan come on. But that was a long time ago, must have got too much water in the fan or something, gonna check it out now.

Thanks.

 

Mark6,
My fan does come on and you can hear it. It will come on before the light. Removing the two plastic side panels under the fuel tank helps a lot on those days when I have a problem. I found that after each 3rd ride, I'll remove the front rack and plastic cover under the rack and clean the radiator real good with a water hose. My Kodiak's still the best thing that happened to me this year--I love it.

 

My Temp light came on once and I found the sending unit wire off and grounding out on the pipe.

 

Thanks for the input. I got the fan out and had it tested, it is bad. Yamaha is going to pay for half of the unit price (300), since it is a year old. I don't know if it is my fault or not. I have had water over the top of the grill. Anyways, it is still number one in my book.