Rider 4 Life
Newbie
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2017
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 23
- Location
- MN
- Country
- USA
- Snowmobile
- Sidewinder BTX
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?)
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?)
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