arctic cat running hot

[smurfette6]

I have a 1999 arctic cat 300 4x4.When running it at slow speed it seems to be running hot.Wondering if anyone would no what would cause it.

[mudslinginfool]

The 300 is not liquid cooled but it is oil cooled and i dont think on that specific model it has a fan on the oil cooler. So thats one reason it may be running hot or hotter than normal. The oil cooler may also have dirt clogging the fins on the oil cooler which will not allow air to flow through. Another obvious reason is,Is there enough oil in the engine? And finally, the slower you move the less air flow to the motor and oil cooler which will allow it to get hot faster and stay hot. If you moving slowly then you may be running high RPMs,which will work the engine harder,creating heat/friction,but the bike will not move fast enough to cool it off. hope this helps and welcome to the forum!

[swampyjunior]

I agree with mudslinginfool. Oil cooler probably plugged. I was very surprised at what came out of my oil cooler last winter when I cleaned it.

Also, does your model have the cooling fan on the oil cooler? I heard some of the earlier models had the oil cooler but no cooling can. If it does not you can get a fan kit OR go to an auto parts store and pick up a small import auto electric radiator fan (like for a 1990 geo metro).

My 400 gets quite warm when I have to grind along at slow speeds 5-10mph towing a heavy load for long distances when I am hauling stuff. That is about the only time my cooling fan will kick on.

SJ