Sidewinder SRX Overheating

[DPG44]

I borrowed a 2021 Sidewinder SRX from my local dealer a couple of days ago and absolutely loved it. However, it was a warm day and it started overheating after an hour into the ride. We stopped for lunch and let it cool down, but the same thing happened on the way back several times. I realize the riding conditions weren’t ideal, but my buddy was driving my ski-doo 900 and didn’t have any issues. I’m really interested in getting a 2022 SRX, but it seems based on my quick scans through the forum that this is a common issue with the Sidewinders. Any perspective / feedback from Sidewinder owners would be much appreciated.

 

[RAMSOMAIR]

I had a 17’ SW with 15000kms and now a 19’ SRX both tuned to 270hp and rarely experienced overheat issues. I had/have ice scratchers mounted on the skid but hardly ever use them. It’s mostly a snow condition thing and with the scratchers, you won’t have any issues.

 

[SidewinderConvert]

The other thing that I have found is huge is bleeding all the air out of the cooling system. The winders seem really picky about it. I was able to take my machine from overheating all the time to I didn't even put scratchers down just by properly bleeding the cooling system. Alot of dealers don't do this and it usually shows up in a sled that has temp spikes and overheats.

 

[hellflyer]

I've never had a overheating issue ever until last week in central ontario where the snow was real hard. Just ordered scratchers.

 

[paulsee]

it was a warm day and it started overheating after an hour into the ride. We stopped for lunch and let it cool down, but the same thing happened on the way back several times. I realize the riding conditions weren’t ideal, but my buddy was driving my ski-doo 900 and didn’t have any issues. .

I have a 17 winder with intercooler. I assume the new SRX is the same. There is NO fan whereas your buddies 900 I'm sure has radiator with fan similar to a Viper. That's why the winder can over heat and is not a problem for your typical 4 stroke.

I over heat often and quickly depending on conditions. Some may not like this but it's not a problem for me and I enjoy driving in a manner to keep sled cool. 99% of the issue is "operator controlled". Some people just are not "heat" aware and drive like such. With my winder I frequently dart into snow to throw into track to kick on exchanger. When temps are really warm and there is barely any snow, I go faster to force air in and cool it down. I don't stop if she is heating up and getting regulated by ecu. I go faster or until I can jump into a little snow. Easy and fun!

If there is a little loose snow you'll never have a problem. Worst situation was -15F on hard pack trail that had no loose snow and trail super winding where I could not go fast enough to keep here cool. I finally got some quality scratchers to solve that problem. In 4 years I've only used scratchers twice.

 

[KnappAttack]

I have a 17 winder with intercooler. I assume the new SRX is the same. There is NO fan whereas your buddies 900 I'm sure has radiator with fan similar to a Viper. That's why the winder can over heat and is not a problem for your typical 4 stroke.

I over heat often and quickly depending on conditions. Some may not like this but it's not a problem for me and I enjoy driving in a manner to keep sled cool. 99% of the issue is "operator controlled". Some people just are not "heat" aware and drive like such. With my winder I frequently dart into snow to throw into track to kick on exchanger. When temps are really warm and there is barely any snow, I go faster to force air in and cool it down. I don't stop if she is heating up and getting regulated by ecu. I go faster or until I can jump into a little snow. Easy and fun!

If there is a little loose snow you'll never have a problem. Worst situation was -15F on hard pack trail that had no loose snow and trail super winding where I could not go fast enough to keep here cool. I finally got some quality scratchers to solve that problem. In 4 years I've only used scratchers twice.

The intercooler cools intake temps from the turbo and has no effect on the engines water temp.

Water temp will heat up from lack of cooling snow from the trail though yes. Studs helps, scratchers help and of course having actual snow there to cool the exchangers is the only thing that will cool the engine.

 

[Renegade XRS 900R]

Most people never check bleed screw just above the turbocharger,right side.When cold, once the plug is removed the coolant should be up to the threads with sled on a level surface page 113 in main. Manual. I did add a pair of OTTP scratchers mounted to the inside of the front skis that really help with the above mentioned issues.

 

[paulsee]

The intercooler cools intake temps from the turbo and has no effect on the engines water temp.

Water temp will heat up from lack of cooling snow from the trail though yes. Studs helps, scratchers help and of course having actual snow there to cool the exchangers is the only thing that will cool the engine.

Holy crap, what else don't I know. Thanks for explanation.

 

[paulsee]

Most people never check bleed screw just above the turbocharger,right side.When cold, once the plug is removed the coolant should be up to the threads with sled on a level surface page 113 in main. Manual. I did add a pair of OTTP scratchers mounted to the inside of the front skis that really help with the above mentioned issues.

Nice: I gotta check this out and also get a service manual. The more you know the more you know.

Got me to think gotta go visit the rock star information in FAQ and other spec threads. Lots and lots of gold nuggets there. I'm been too often inventing my own wheels to various problems.

There might be more room for improvement for my heating besides driving like I stole it.
https://ty4stroke.com/threads/sidewinder-coolant-bleeding-process-how-to-inside.161863/page-2

 

[Kenneth Rogers]

I have 2 sidewinders. One I bought from what I will call a shitty dealer. The other one bought from a dealer that has a great mechanic. Guess which one overheated the most? Also had boost leaks from day one. I think dealer prep varies greatly. But scratchers seem to be the cure even if cooling system is working perfectly when there is next to no loose snow.

 

[sideshowBob]

When the trails are real hard packed or icy my 2019 XTX with the 1.75" track will overheat especially at low speeds. From day one I have had ski mount scratchers and when deployed they quickly cure the problem.
When conditions get very icy with no new snow, like this time of year, I ride my trusty Apex...never an overheat issue with it.

 

[Motorhead]

The other thing that I have found is huge is bleeding all the air out of the cooling system. The winders seem really picky about it. I was able to take my machine from overheating all the time to I didn't even put scratchers down just by properly bleeding the cooling system. Alot of dealers don't do this and it usually shows up in a sled that has temp spikes and overheats.

Agree 100%
I went from overheating all the time, even in good snow conditions, for the first 2 years when mine was new, to what is this limp mode (211) and safety shut off (246). Still cannot believe how much of a difference properly bleeding a sled that had never been properly done, right from the factory or dealer? 2017 Winder

 

[Crossfire12]

SCRATCHERS period

 

[sailor joe]

SCRATCHERS period

agree, scratchers period...the trails are hard packed now, without scratchers just watch the cooling temp go up and then limp mode

 

[Sevey]

Gotta be air in the system.
I ran mine last year all day in 8 degree C weather - engine temp was steady - that is hot weather for sledding. Had every vent in my jacket open. Wet slushy snow, but the heat exchanger worked great. Dont let it sit around and idle, keep in moving and it was fine.

Sure if its super cold, hard dry snow, you will need scratchers to help cooling.
MS