-07 F8 AC overheat - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Snohorse · 08-22-2009, 11:14 PM

When I was riding my brand spanking new F8 in Minnesota last winter I got overheat light coming on. YOu know it is flashing red, which means I am getting close to overheating, and if I would not go into powder at that point, it would get steady red light (too hot). The area had received some snow not long time ago, and we were the first to hit freshly groomed trails. It was the smooth surface grooming surface, and it was like riding on butter, very smooth. It was on this surface that the overheating happened. It also happened later on that trip on a more hard packed trail. Coolant level is ok. Dealer said this is normal. Is it normal?! Sounds strange to me.. the other sleds did not have problems (1 watercooled Indy 500, 1 aircooled Indy 500, 1 -02 Skidoo).

While I am at it, another question: I bought my -07 sled in Jan -09 and rode it 6-700 miles. Question is: Do I need to change the chaincase oil as recommended by user manual, or is it overkill after 1st season?

Thanks folks!!

**smallengineguy** · 08-23-2009, 07:25 AM

The dealer is an idiot! An overheat light is NOT normal! Is the snowflap still on the sled, or is it modified? Ask the dealer if it's still under warranty since it's 2 years old now, but you bought it as a leftover.

Snohorse · 08-25-2009, 10:45 PM

Hehe, that was my original thought as well.. The snowflap is still on the sled. Sled is under warranty, it will expire Jan -10. I will call up another dealer to see what they have to say.. Another thought> is it possible to get hold of Arctic Cat centrally? I.e. engineers at Arctic cat? Surely they would have gotten reports about this by now (after all it is an -07 model)..

Any thoughts on what could be wrong? Thermostat is unlikely as they are rather reliable components.. Maybe water pump? Electrical maybe...this sled is going faster than other sleds of this type from what I have seen posted, maybe it is overtuned a little..

**RJ Gleason** · 08-26-2009, 12:28 PM

Maybe the coolant is low or there is an air lock in the exchanger.

Snohorse · 08-29-2009, 09:22 PM

I did top of the coolant, although before it was also within the allowable interval.

I suppose an air lock is plausible, the dealer could flush the system and see if they can get rid of air. I will suggest that. Thanks for the suggestion.

**kccats** · 08-30-2009, 08:48 AM

To check the coolant level, you need to warm the sled, then raise the front as high as possible, then check level and add as needed! This will remove any air bubles!
The other thing to do is to add scratchers! These will throw more snow on the heat exchangers! As with any light weight sled, the first thing to go is the cooling ability! It probably would work fine at 0 out and in 4" of snow across a lake at 100mph!

Snohorse · 09-04-2009, 12:44 PM

Thanks for input kccats. Scratchers is a new term for me, do you mean studs in the track? That is bad for the track isn\t it?

**RJ Gleason** · 09-04-2009, 06:55 PM

Scratchers are basically just a spring the is let down to "scratch" the ice or snow and to \throw some of it into the track so assist in cooling the sliders and the engine too.

Snohorse · 10-28-2009, 08:49 AM

I found a supplier of the scratchers; Holz Racing Products || ATV - 450R || UTV - RZR RZR-S || Sled - Rev IQ RMK. The kit goes for $60. The instructions does not list the Firecat series, so I sent them a query about that. Looks like the scratchers can cool the engine down about 30 degrees!!! Great stuff. I will still get in touch with my dealer and have them troubleshoot it.

SnoCat800 · 10-28-2009, 10:27 AM

Kccats said:
[quote]To check the coolant level, you need to warm the sled, then raise the front as high as possible, then check level and add as needed! This will remove any air bubbles [quote]

That was one thing the PO of the sled I bought, that he warned me of, otherwise it would get airlocked and overheat, especially if the rear has been lifted real high.

Snohorse · 10-28-2009, 12:21 PM

SnoCat800, what does PO stand for?

Regarding the coolant; I plan to put the sled on the sled bed, tilt the sled bed, start and idle until engine gets hot, and hopefully that will get rid of any airlocks. In addition I think I will talk to the dealer about it, and see if they have additional troubleshooting.

SnoCat800 · 10-28-2009, 10:17 PM

PO is Previous Owner.

**kccats** · 10-29-2009, 09:01 AM

As long as the cap is off while warming, this will give the buble a place to go!