2020 SRX LE Overheating (with scratchers)?

[BearTrax]

Does anyone here know why my low mileage (2200 mile) 2020 SRX LE would constantly be overheating and approaching limp mode (even after installing scratchers and riding in snowy conditions / sub-20 degree days)? I've had the machine in for service and the tech stated that they were not able to replicate the issue, but each time I cold start the machine it quickly climbs to over 200 degrees. I understand this is a pretty broad question, but I am looking for some magical insights as I think that I have tried just about everything I could think of to rectify this issue. Fluids are all up to factory levels, new air filter, etc.... Please help!

 

[sxr70001]

These sleds have to have all the air out of the cooling system or they will overheat. Raise the front of the sled and get all the bubbles out. I also use water wetter. Even if the cooling system is properly purged of air these sleds still get hot fast. As long as I am moving and on snow there are no issues but if I stop the heat rises quickly so always shut it down if stopped for more than a minute. Sometimes when starting back up it will be in limp mode for few hundred feet until the coolant starts moving again. Hope this helps. Thinking about getting a radiator or just riding my viper on marginal days.

 

[MrSled]

Its either air in the system or a blown head gasket. How long do you let it warm up? It cant sit and idle forever or it will shut down.

 

[BearTrax]

These sleds have to have all the air out of the cooling system or they will overheat. Raise the front of the sled and get all the bubbles out. I also use water wetter. Even if the cooling system is properly purged of air these sleds still get hot fast. As long as I am moving and on snow there are no issues but if I stop the heat rises quickly so always shut it down if stopped for more than a minute. Sometimes when starting back up it will be in limp mode for few hundred feet until the coolant starts moving again. Hope this helps. Thinking about getting a radiator or just riding my viper on marginal days.

Thanks for this instruction - I have not bled the cooling system of air so I will try that trick to see if I can get a better cooling response from the heat exchanger.

 

[BearTrax]

Its either air in the system or a blown head gasket. How long do you let it warm up? It cant sit and idle forever or it will shut down.

The last time I attempted to ride the sled was last season. It was a good snow day and around 15 degrees F and the sled would jump up from normal operating temperatures to 200 and climb in under 3-5 minutes.

 

[Sevey]

Sounds like air in the system (assuming like previous comment; head gasket is ok, and assuming thermostat is ok)
There are you tube videos where a guy parked the sled up a sharp bank and let it run while letting the air of the bleeder screw. Worth the watch.

I did mine in the shop, and lifted the nose up. It needs to be reasonably high, and I am not talking 8" off the ground. I had mine past my hip. As you fill it - rock the sled back and forth and you will see the coolant settle as the air burps out. It takes a fair bit of time, Be patient.
Hope that helps.
MS

 

[justinator]

From a cold start it should take several several minutes for the sled to get hot. Ive never timed it but it takes a while. It reaches 165-170 and then thermostat opens and temp drops and then takes what feels like forever to get up over 170. This is starting the sled in a 60 degree shop. If your sled quickly gets warm from a cold start then as previously mentioned you likely have a bunch of air in the system. Can be a bit of a pain to get it all out but it will be worth the effort.

 

[NYTurbo]

I always bleed the system with the screw on the tank by the turbo.

 

[1nc 2000]

Don't forget to tighten all hose clamps. Even the ones on the heat exchanges under the gas tank. A coolant leak will let air in the system when sitting cold!