Has anyone swapped in an electric cooling fan into a Big Bear 4X4? Mine runs very hot during heavy trail riding. Or are there other ways to make a hot Bear run cooler? Thanks. TF

 

I have two air cooled machines (91 Big Bear and a 96 Xplorer) I use for work.

They would both run hot when loaded up and climbing long hills, especially if it was slow rough going.

I switched both machines to Castrol 5W50 synthetic, and they run noticeably cooler. You cannot make the hot oil indicator lights come on in any condition.

Its worth a try for $20 of oil.

Raul

 

Thanks, I switched to the synthetic oil. But I would still like to place an electric fan over or in front the oil cooler. Has anyone done this modification? I want to cool this machine down as much as I possibly can. TF

 

So you can run regular synthetic in your ATV? I changed the oil on my wolverine and they had me buying YamaLube because they said regular oil would not lubricate properly....what's the real deal?

 

Yes you can use synthetics, and yes they will cool down the operating temperature on air cooled machines. I made this switch over a year ago, and it has helped. And beware of Yamaha sales reps selling snake oil. You don't need to by Yamalube. TF

 

My Big Bear also runs hot when worked hard on the trail. I have Vampires, ATV Locker, lift kit, larger snorkel, but the engine is stock. When riding in deep sticky mud, or when the trail gets technical and I have to keep it in 1st for extended periods.

I have tried to install a larger oils-cooler but can't find room for it. Also, read the article on the ATV Connection, about the add-a-rad kit. This is an oilcooler with a fan, that can be added to your quad.

I too want to add a fan to my quad but can't find a fan to use. Does ANYONE know how much a Kodiak or Grizzly fan costs???

Larry R. '98 Big Bear 4x4

 

When you guys are saying you're running hot, is the over-temp light actaully coming on?? or is it just feeling hotter than you'd like??

what temp does the light come on at anyway??


Raul

 

It just feels hotter than it should, and the engine seems to be lacking in usable power under these hot conditions. When my machine gets this hot I also get gas coming out the carb vent tube as well, and the engine runs rough. I have yet to have the oil light come on under this kind of situation though? What puzzles me is this is the same engine I have in my warrior and it has no oil cooler, and I never have these problems with the warrior. TF

 

the Warrior probably doesn't get hot because

1) its a much lighter machine

2) different type of riding, I have the most heat problems when riding slow, uphills, loaded up machine, etc. The type of riding you probably don't do on your Warrior.

If you're looking for a cheap waterproof fan, My Polaris Xplorer has a small fan (6" diameter. It stands up to water and mud no problem, and hangs from a sheet metal bracket that could easily be bent to fit. Try a Polaris dealer, I know from experience that Polaris parts are about 60% the price a Yamaha part will be.

good luck.

Raul