Leaking Coolant

[goonadams]

I have a 1999 polaris 500 magnum and it is running hot. I put a new fan and temp switch on it and the fan works and comes on but the temp light comes on and it is leaking coolant out of what looks like the thermostat housing from alittle hole in it but it is not a crack. is the thermostat stuck or something????

Could very well be. I would get a new one and also replace the seal.

[luvsandpits]

Originally posted by goonadams@Sep 18 2004, 10:26 AM
I have a 1999 polaris 500 magnum and it is running hot.

it is leaking coolant out of what looks like the thermostat housing but it is not a crack

is the thermostat stuck or something????

thermostate usually don't go bad on their own ... they go bad from the cooling system being neglected ... rust scales and particles may very well have embedded themselves in the thermostat pintle ... this keeps the thermostat closed and does not allow it to open ... think of the stat as a stuck door, a stuck door that's closed ... you can't enter, and neither can the coolant to flow ...

I would remove the thermostatt completly, then reinstall the housing only ... fill the cooling system with good automotive cooling system cleanser, conditioner and water ... let the bike idle for a while, then drain the entire cooling system ... stick the garden hose in the radiator and run the bike for another 10 minutes or so ... COMPLETLY drain the system ... remove the thermostat housing and install a NEW thermostat and gasket (may just be an "o" ring) ... get yourself some engine ice ... most good motorcycle shops sell it, and you'll be there to but a new stat and gasket, anyway ... let the bike shop look at the stat housing to determine if it's cracked or not ... it not, reinstall it ... if it is, replace it ... ... refill the cooling system with engine ice ... always install a new radiator cap when servicing the cooling system ... I just did the same exact service to the cooling system on my DS650 today ...

Let us know how you make out - JACK

[rpyfz450]

Why do you supposed that ATV has a thermostat at all? Not very many ATVs/bikes have them.

[luvsandpits]

Originally posted by rpyfz450@Sep 18 2004, 11:59 PM
Why do you supposed that ATV has a thermostat at all? Not very many ATVs/bikes have them.

I "assumed" it did ... something has to control the flow of coolant ... my DS has a thermostat ... if there was no flow restriction , the coolant would continously be flowing thru the radiator preventing the motor from reaching normal operating temperature ... if you run a motor colder than it was manufactured to be run over an extended period of time, you wind up with carbon build up and premature internal engine wear ... but, I never claimed to be a Polaris expert ... LOL

J M O