Coolant Shut Off Valves

[WFO]

Anybody out there install coolant shut off valves on their RS engine? I installed a coolant shut off valve on my RX1. If the temp is above 0 degrees Fahrenheit, I close the valve - below 0, I open the valve. With the valve closed, the sled runs and starts better.

The RX1 has only one coolant line. The RS, however, has two coolant lines. So, do both the lines on the RS flow the same way? In other words, is one line used for inflow and the other line used for outflow to the carbs?

If you haven't installed coolant shut off valves on your RS, I'd recommend it. On the RX1, as stated above, the shut off valves helped performance and starting.

 

[Tfin]

I haven't installed a coolant shutoff valve on my Vector yet. But would certainly like to do so if it boosts performance and aids in starting.

I'll be interested in hearing what the deal is with the two coolant lines though.

 

[WFO]

Okay, I checked with my dealer today and he said that both the coolant lines feed into the carbs. So, I installed the shut off valves. The first photo is the RX and the second photo is the RS. (Sorry about the fuzzy pictures.)

 

[WFO]

Went out and test drove the wife's RS Venture today with the shut off valves installed. Because I don't ride her sled that often, my "butt-o-meter" couldn't tell much of a performance difference. I did hit 95 mph on the "dream-o-meter," however. From a "hot start" point of view, the sled popped off with the flick of the key after sitting for 15 minutes after runner her hard in 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Before the shut off valves, I had to crack the throttle to get the RS to start when it was hot.

Although I think the RS is a great sled, the RX1 is definitely faster and smoother. 0-60, the two sleds are close, but after 60, the RX1 walks all over the RS.

 

[p0wd3rp1l0t]

hey wfo...whats up with the 151 track by 1.25 inch lug? did u change it or am i just seeing things? and why would u change it? kinda defeats the purpose of havin a mountain sled...but to each there own

 

[WFO]

hey wfo...whats up with the 151 track by 1.25 inch lug? did u change it or am i just seeing things? and why would u change it? kinda defeats the purpose of havin a mountain sled...but to each there own

pimpedrsrage..........Well, in '03, the only track choices available were the 121" or the 151" (the 136" didn't come out till '04.) Thinking (like my wife does ) longer is better than shorter, I bought the 151." I did take the sled out to Togwotee in '04 and it performed well, but most of the riding I do is in the flatlands.

This year, I'm thinking of trading in the 151" for a FI 165hp 136." Hopefully, Yamaha comes through with a 136" 165hp FI version for '06. I'm heading to the Mpls. show on Monday. Guess I'll find out then.

 

[johnboy]

WFO,

It looks like you installed plastic shut off valves on the RS motor. I have a set of plastic shut off valves like the ones you used, but I was not sure about using them because of the hot coolant temps in the cooling system. I was worried about them leaking after getting heated up a few times.

Let us know how they hold up after a few weeks.

 

[WFO]

johnboy.......Yea, the harware store that I bought the valves at didn't have metal ones. I'm not worried, however. Interestingly, the plastic valves say not to use them for gasoline. Thusfar, the valves are working fine and I can't see any leaks.

 

[Tfin]

Great, thanks for the pics and the info. I'll definately be installing the coolant shutoffs on my RS.

 

[genesis]

i havn"t had ant starting or performance issues du to temps. ive bee ridin anywhere fron 20 below to 40 above sled allways starts instantly. i did up the idle a tad from stock tho...1,500 rpms.

 

[kargaaro]

Want to buy a shut off for the carbs on my warrior. Any idea what size line?

 

[thrasher]

Installed coolant shut-off valves on my Warrior due to always having to give it some throttle to start when hot. Unfortunately, didn't seem to help. As for my Vector, no issues with it when hot, fires right up instantly. An easy job to install coolant valves, but no real benefit imo. However, have never really ran in way above freezing temperatures for long periods of time either.

 

[kargaaro]

I have never had a problem with my Vector either. The warrior is a different story. Some say that it helps, worth a try.