Overheating sidewinder

[Rider 4 Life]

I have a Sidewinder BT-X (SE, 153” 1.75 BC Track) and have had all kinds of issues with it overheating since new! Please read through as it seems this has ultimately cost me the engine!

At first I attributed to an air pocket, but after adding and adding water it seems its using/losing coolant somewhere! I’m not a mechanic and rely on the dealer to perform all work, but a couple of the guys from our club are (professional) mechanics and after witnessing these issues are now all in agreement there’s more to the problem.

The issue seems to be highlighted when riding and then stop for 5-10 minutes, when you start it up it immediately goes into limp mode. Knowing there is the smaller heat exchanger in the rear on the B-TX model, I’m careful after take-off from a stop (and especially in these instances) to immediately hit some deep fresh snow to load the skid and tunnel with (when stopped for a period, the snow melts/falls from the heat exchanger).

This is my 4th new Yamaha snowmobile in the last 7 years, and first MAJOR issue I’ve encountered with any of them. I’m super frustrated (and downright pissed at this point) as it’s ruined every ride I’ve taken on it. Due to the snow conditions near home this season, I’ve been forced to trailer 3-4 hours north to find good snow; it’s sure mess when you’re in the middle of the Northwood’s and you encounter these issues. Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of time alone on the side of the trail trying to get this thing to cool down so I can ride it while NOT in limp mode.

## UPDATE ## My last ride this past weekend (fresh 13” snow, ungroomed trails) I encountered the same issues, but this time resulted in black smoke out of engine and windshield/panels along with pulp coming out of the exhaust. It’s clear the engine is toast and now the sled us sitting at the dealer awaiting to be torn apart. Not only is my concern they resolve the original overheating issue (in addition to the result engine issues), but my bigger concern is that if the heat has done this damage to the motor what other internal components have been severely stressed/compromised (ie; did not fail currently but will down the road).

Here’s the details/what I’ve attempted:

1. Use ice scratchers regularly (even when show conditions don’t require), every time I stop I look to confirm the heat exchangers are getting plenty of fresh snow. (mechanic friends observed and agree that is NOT the issue)

2. After stops and frequently while riding (trails) I ride the side and go off trail to pack the rear full of fresh snow, again heat exchangers have plenty of fresh snow on them.

3. At cold starts I’ve taken the radiator cap off and ran engine while adding water until full, then fill the overflow reservoir to the full line at ‘Cold’

4. Did the same procedure in #3 above on snowbank where front end was much higher than rear (to eliminate any potential air locks)

5. Had in to Yamaha dealer for break-in services at 90 miles and 550 miles and complained of the overheating and coolant usage, dealer has been unable to locate anything wrong other than low coolant level. I requested they pressure test and examine further, as the coolant is going somewhere (they could not locate any issues and attributed to burping/air).

6. Overflow reservoir never overflows/fills, level always only goes down.

7. Engine oil is at normal level and does not seem to be pressurized/foaming.

8. Radiator cap is secure and tight, no coolant leaking from there (or overflow tank).

9. Regularly monitor to ensure snow is not blocking the front intakes.

10. I’ve let dry off and then started/idled to see if I could spot a leak/puddle, but nothing!

11. Seems to occur at all air temps, frigid temps (below zero) may slightly decrease occurrences (?).

12. Riders behind me do not report any suspect odors from exhaust (until recently with black smoke)

13. It’s completely stock, and followed proper break-in procedures.

14. Due to the overheating issues I’m careful not to let it idle while not in motion, although from discovery it seems if it’s only going to sit for 1-2 minutes it’s better to leave running rather than turn off engine (due to engine heat soak?)

 

[excallibur101]

Did you follow the procedire

I have a Sidewinder BT-X (SE, 153” 1.75 BC Track) and have had all kinds of issues with it overheating since new! Please read through as it seems this has ultimately cost me the engine!

At first I attributed to an air pocket, but after adding and adding water it seems its using/losing coolant somewhere! I’m not a mechanic and rely on the dealer to perform all work, but a couple of the guys from our club are (professional) mechanics and after witnessing these issues are now all in agreement there’s more to the problem.

The issue seems to be highlighted when riding and then stop for 5-10 minutes, when you start it up it immediately goes into limp mode. Knowing there is the smaller heat exchanger in the rear on the B-TX model, I’m careful after take-off from a stop (and especially in these instances) to immediately hit some deep fresh snow to load the skid and tunnel with (when stopped for a period, the snow melts/falls from the heat exchanger).

This is my 4th new Yamaha snowmobile in the last 7 years, and first MAJOR issue I’ve encountered with any of them. I’m super frustrated (and downright pissed at this point) as it’s ruined every ride I’ve taken on it. Due to the snow conditions near home this season, I’ve been forced to trailer 3-4 hours north to find good snow; it’s sure mess when you’re in the middle of the Northwood’s and you encounter these issues. Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of time alone on the side of the trail trying to get this thing to cool down so I can ride it while NOT in limp mode.

## UPDATE ## My last ride this past weekend (fresh 13” snow, ungroomed trails) I encountered the same issues, but this time resulted in black smoke out of engine and windshield/panels along with pulp coming out of the exhaust. It’s clear the engine is toast and now the sled us sitting at the dealer awaiting to be torn apart. Not only is my concern they resolve the original overheating issue (in addition to the result engine issues), but my bigger concern is that if the heat has done this damage to the motor what other internal components have been severely stressed/compromised (ie; did not fail currently but will down the road).

Here’s the details/what I’ve attempted:

1. Use ice scratchers regularly (even when show conditions don’t require), every time I stop I look to confirm the heat exchangers are getting plenty of fresh snow. (mechanic friends observed and agree that is NOT the issue)

2. After stops and frequently while riding (trails) I ride the side and go off trail to pack the rear full of fresh snow, again heat exchangers have plenty of fresh snow on them.

3. At cold starts I’ve taken the radiator cap off and ran engine while adding water until full, then fill the overflow reservoir to the full line at ‘Cold’

4. Did the same procedure in #3 above on snowbank where front end was much higher than rear (to eliminate any potential air locks)

5. Had in to Yamaha dealer for break-in services at 90 miles and 550 miles and complained of the overheating and coolant usage, dealer has been unable to locate anything wrong other than low coolant level. I requested they pressure test and examine further, as the coolant is going somewhere (they could not locate any issues and attributed to burping/air).

6. Overflow reservoir never overflows/fills, level always only goes down.

7. Engine oil is at normal level and does not seem to be pressurized/foaming.

8. Radiator cap is secure and tight, no coolant leaking from there (or overflow tank).

9. Regularly monitor to ensure snow is not blocking the front intakes.

10. I’ve let dry off and then started/idled to see if I could spot a leak/puddle, but nothing!

11. Seems to occur at all air temps, frigid temps (below zero) may slightly decrease occurrences (?).

12. Riders behind me do not report any suspect odors from exhaust (until recently with black smoke)

13. It’s completely stock, and followed proper break-in procedures.

14. Due to the overheating issues I’m careful not to let it idle while not in motion, although from discovery it seems if it’s only going to sit for 1-2 minutes it’s better to leave running rather than turn off engine (due to engine heat soak?)

I sent tabout the antifreeze mixture a few columns back on this issue,due not run with straight antifreeze,drain some and add water to 75/25 % mixture,if problem still persists there is a further issue,possible air lock or mechanical,follow this procedure,I have encountered this with a few new Yamaha's,I bought new and problem was corrected by doing so.

 

[excallibur101]

It also maybe be possible that you may have a kinked hose restricting flow,or possibly a thermostat not opening properly,but like I mentioned on oabout the antifreeze ,straight AF will retain more heat and take longer to displace,the water will help elevate that heat sponge effect when properly mixed to the right ratio.

 

[Rider 4 Life]

Did you follow the procedire

I sent tabout the antifreeze mixture a few columns back on this issue,due not run with straight antifreeze,drain some and add water to 75/25 % mixture,if problem still persists there is a further issue,possible air lock or mechanical,follow this procedure,I have encountered this with a few new Yamaha's,I bought new and problem was corrected by doing so.

Thanks for the reply (and your earlier documented procedure)! >> I previously followed a different process which brought about the same result, unfortunately no joy!

 

[Rider 4 Life]

It also maybe be possible that you may have a kinked hose restricting flow,or possibly a thermostat not opening properly,but like I mentioned on oabout the antifreeze ,straight AF will retain more heat and take longer to displace,the water will help elevate that heat sponge effect when properly mixed to the right ratio.

What's odd is on engine warm up (cold start), it seems to get to running temp in a normal manner and operates fine initially... The issue seems to occur when engine gets hot from riding a while; in particular if you stop at all that will kick off the overheating cycle(s) and is a crap shoot if it will recover. As mentioned the dealers mechanics had looked over the issue (they claim) a few times prior to the engine getting smoked this past weekend, you'd think if it was something more obvious they would've spotted.

As the coolant seems to be disappearing when away riding I've had only water to refill, so at one point I think it was near 90/10 mix.

 

[cannondale27]

What's odd is on engine warm up (cold start), it seems to get to running temp in a normal manner and operates fine initially... The issue seems to occur when engine gets hot from riding a while; in particular if you stop at all that will kick off the overheating cycle(s) and is a crap shoot if it will recover. As mentioned the dealers mechanics had looked over the issue (they claim) a few times prior to the engine getting smoked this past weekend, you'd think if it was something more obvious they would've spotted.

As the coolant seems to be disappearing when away riding I've had only water to refill, so at one point I think it was near 90/10 mix.

Sure sounds like a head gasket to me. Coolant has to be going somewhere.

 

[ricardo]

Yamahas with 100% antifreeze were all made in Japan. Remember the Winder is a Yamacat made in Thief River Falls and to my knowledge Cat has never made that mistake( one of the few they have missed) .

 

[excallibur101]

Also keep in mind there must be some room left for expansion as the AF gets hot,if there is none that can pose a problem for circulation as well,I seen this happen many times and have seen booties burst also sometimes leakage out the vent hose is common.

 

[synaptic3e]

So I've had my fair share of overheating this weekend. Had to stop multiple times to let her cool. All my buddies ride doos... today I put on some cable scratchers mounted to the lower tunnel skis. Amazing difference, temps were actually lower than normal. Anyone running without them on this sled will overheat.. must have IMHO...

 

[edshults]

Hello all,

Now that I am no longer just someone making my first post trashing Yamaha snowmobiles.. I am on my 3rd new Yamaha in 5 years. Vector, Apex, Sidewinder. I came here 2 seasons ago with my new winder and it’s overheating and gearbox problems, but the posts were deleted.

Snowchecked a 2017, the next time will be the last time I will be back to the dealer. 1st Time was protection mode and overheating (Blamed on air bubble) 2nd time was new gear box (left me stranded on Lake) and third time was overheating (another air bubble!)

My family and I cut our holiday trip to Long Island short to come home and take advantage of the weather in upstate NY. Got on the trails by 4:00. Had to turn around on an unplowed snowmobile road around 6:00 PM and the winder went into protection mode during the k turn.

Could not go over 1500 RPM for about a mile from there. My friend that I was riding with, (we bought our Sidewinders the same day, they are one serial number apart) had no problem, never has.

Yamaha will be hearing from Me!

 

[Riceburner]

Hello all,

Now that I am no longer just someone making my first post trashing Yamaha snowmobiles.. I am on my 3rd new Yamaha in 5 years. Vector, Apex, Sidewinder. I came here 2 seasons ago with my new winder and it’s overheating and gearbox problems, but the posts were deleted.

Snowchecked a 2017, the next time will be the last time I will be back to the dealer. 1st Time was protection mode and overheating (Blamed on air bubble) 2nd time was new gear box (left me stranded on Lake) and third time was overheating (another air bubble!)

My family and I cut our holiday trip to Long Island short to come home and take advantage of the weather in upstate NY. Got on the trails by 4:00. Had to turn around on an unplowed snowmobile road around 6:00 PM and the winder went into protection mode during the k turn.

Could not go over 1500 RPM for about a mile from there. My friend that I was riding with, (we bought our Sidewinders the same day, they are one serial number apart) had no problem, never has.

Yamaha will be hearing from Me!

Did it clear up after a mile?
If so;
Possible Tors issue related to the turn and throttle cable or possibly snow or ice on throttle cable.
I have kept my 2 flawless Apex's in case I run in to issues as you seem to have.
If my new Winder leaves me on the trail it gets Kicked to the Curb immediately.

 

[SAB1]

Yesterday was my first ride on LTX-SE. The bar indicator ran at 3/4 consistently, sometimes higher. It's was five below when we started on hard pack. Whenever I ran slow thru tight spots etc at slow speed it got very hot fast. Overheated once. After things loosened up a bit it ran at 172-174 degrees consistently until I got in slow areas again with little loose snow. Then temp jumped up to 189 quickly. Anytime we stopped I shut it off under threw snow under to cool it. Definately putting scratchers on today. Just gotta figure out where to drill the holes

 

[marc001]

I run my Sidewinder in very low snow conditions and with a lot of stops going thru towns it will get up to about 197 degrees. All I do is drag my boot for about 20 seconds and it cools back to 168-174 almost instantly. 1416 miles on my 17 Sidewinder so for. My riding consist mostly on rails to trails.

 

[XP123]

You need scratchers on all these 4 strokes. Two years ago my Wife and I had constant overheating issues with our 2016 1200 Doo's. The next season I put on scratchers and I have them on my Winder. When running in very hard frozen cold conditions you need them or you will overheat. 4 strokes run hot and get hot quick in low snow very hard packed conditions.

 

[Sidewinder Bob]

Can any one show pictures of the scratchers?