Engine Cooling
About Engine Cooling
A liquid-cooled ATV or UTV engine relies on a loop of coolant that carries heat from the engine to the radiator. The water pump circulates the coolant, the thermostat holds the engine at working temperature, hoses carry the flow, and a pressure cap and a fan help keep everything in range. Riders come here to fix leaks and overheating, or to refresh the system during an engine rebuild.
Water pumps are the largest group, and most of the listings are rebuild and repair kits for Yamaha, Polaris, Honda, Kawasaki and KTM machines: see Water Pumps. Thermostats & Housings and Temperature Sensors & Switches control and monitor temperature, and the sensors include Polaris radiator fan sensors. Fans & Fan Parts move air through the radiator, Pipes & Hoses carry coolant between components, and Radiator & Coolant Reservoir Caps hold system pressure. Oil Coolers & Lines covers the oil side of engine cooling.
Overheating has several possible causes, including low coolant, a stuck thermostat, a fan that does not switch on, a leaking hose and a worn pump, so find the cause before you buy parts. Use the coolant type that your owner's manual specifies. Brands in this section include DEI, Hot Rods, Vertex, Prox and All Balls. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. The wider catalog is UTV | ATV.
FAQs on UTV and ATV engine cooling
What are the signs that a UTV or ATV is overheating?
Look for a high temperature gauge or warning light, steam or boiling coolant, coolant loss, loss of power, or a fan that runs constantly. If it overheats, stop, shut the engine off and let it cool before checking anything.
How do I check the cooling system on my machine?
With the engine cold, check the coolant level, look for cracked, soft or swollen hoses and for drips under the machine, and clear mud from the radiator fins. Then warm the engine and watch that the fan comes on. Your manual gives the temperature and level marks.
Can I mix different types of coolant?
Use the coolant type and mix ratio that your owner's manual lists. Different coolant chemistries should not be mixed unless the maker says it is fine, and straight coolant should be diluted as the label directs. Mixing the wrong types can cause deposits or corrosion.
How often should I change the coolant?
Follow the interval in your owner's manual, because it depends on the machine and the coolant it uses. Coolant loses its corrosion protection over time, so change it on schedule even if the level looks fine.
Should I replace other cooling parts when I replace a water pump?
It is a good time to inspect them. The system is already drained, so check the hoses, clamps, thermostat and radiator cap, and replace anything that is soft, cracked, corroded or weak. Refill with the right coolant and bleed out air.
