Ok, on the first "major" ride (Harlan
Co Summerfest) I found that the 800 will overheat with splashing
through mud puddles on normal riding. There were about 4 us riding bombs
and essentially ALL our ATVs started overheating at the same time. We
had to find water to squirt in the radiators which was of course very
scarce where we were. Luckily there were folks with more experience
riding these that packed bilge pumps just for this reason. Second problem this
addresses is the flimsy grill. I punched out the plastic grills on
another ride (Quadabusers
Labor Day Bash) on river bamboo. So the mesh does double duty in
preventing the radiator getting poked with sticks in addition to keeping
it clean.
Here's how I decided to
add an easy to remove radiator screen to help with this problem. I bought a
12"x24" stiff mesh screen at Home Depot. Cost about $10. It has 1/2 in.
openings, I would have liked something with slightly tighter mesh but I
think this will do fine to start with. I can add tighter mesh to it if
the need comes up.
You might have an hour
or so in this....took me 2 but I had to scratch my butt a couple times.
Sometimes the simplest solution is best!
Upon careful inspection I decided the
easiest way to allow quick removal of the screen would be to make it
removable from the top under the front trunk. I attached my front
box to the lid of this compartment for ease of access to the fuse box
and radiator already.
Using a
Dremel I cut a slot just big enough to allow me to slide the screen down
in front of the upper radiator mounting bolts and drop all
the way to the bottom of the front "scoop".
The radiator is slightly off center
to the left but if you cut the slot in the front corner inside
from the left almost to the radiator cap (10 inches wide) the screen
will rest against the upper mounting bolts well away from the radiator.
You have to do a little trimming to the
sides of the screen to get it to go all the way to the bottom of the
scoop
I bent the screen at the top to allow an
easy handle to pull on to remove the screen for cleaning. This rest
against the bottom of the front cover, no squeaks or rattles.
Screen position in relation to the radiator.
Right side panel removed to take picture.
Screen rest at the bottom front of the
scoop.
Finished screen. Notice it is much larger
than the radiator, allowing more area for circulation.
Finished. I guess I might paint it black to
totally hide it but I figure there will be plenty of future mud to color
it in.....
