[mountainmanz]

This is probably a nube question, but when my motor gets warm and the fan is running when I go to park it should I let it idle until the fan kicks off, or is it enough to turn it off, but leave the fan running? 870 mid size. Thanks!

 

[alloutdoors]

That is a good question and keeping a thoughtful eye on the machine will serve you well in the future. As for the question, I'm unaware of any hard data available to suggest which way to go in terms of adding or subtracting from engine life given that situation. However, I would be sensitive to the fact the engine will climb in temperature when you shut it off, so if the fan is running then you are in the zone where the engine needing cooling down. Now, if you are bumping up on the upper limit (210 F), fan running and pushing it very hard, say towing something or similar and quickly shut it off then will it do damage? Again, I’m unsure where the limits (actually damage the head, etc.,) but for me, I would let the unit cycle and allow the fan to stop before shutting it off, but that might be more a personal choice vs. needed.

 

[littlebigrancher]

Anytime after a ride if my fan is on when I pull up to park I always leave it idling till fan shuts off to cool down.

 

[sledder1]

Where possible, I will try to let the fan run its course or let it run as long as possible depending on the circumstances. If the engine temp is quite high, let it run, especially if you have a good battery.

 

[POS POLARIS]

Zach-

The simple answer is, it won't matter.

any vehicle you have once the engine is turned off the engine temp will climb for a second, then drop. engines are designed for it and handle it just fine. there's really nothing to be gained by cycling the fan just before shutting down. On the flip side, if you like doing it, there's nothing wrong with doing it either. the choice is yours

 

[commanderjjones]

......The simple answer is, it won't matter......

I agree. But on some of the 800 Rangers that were plagued with vapor locking issues, it would be a good idea to let it idle until the fan cut off. On my 900RZR, I never give it any consideration and cut off the engine whenever I feel like it........never did anything different on my '06 XP either.

 

[POS POLARIS]

agreed Jerry, some say it does help on the 800s to give them a cool down period to help with the vapor lock issue.

on our 800s, I found that once that vapor lock problem started happening, the fuel pump was always on it's way out, and a new fuel pump always remedied the problem.

 

[FuriousJ]

I let it idle until it cools off, but that's just me coming from a background of boosted cars and letting the turbo idle to cool off lol?

 

[Marty]

I never much bothered with a cool down period unless it had just been run wot or just hard. I've done that with all my bikes both air or water cooled. A bit like an oil thread here. All I can say is that I've always done it, I've never in nearly 40 years had any issues with an engine.
In the service there were many engines that required it. Hydraulic mules for instance.

 

[trog]

its wrote in the book to let it idle till fan shuts off T&S

 

[mountainmanz]

Thanks for all the replies! Appreciate it!

It's been awhile since I've posted since buying my 570, but still loving the ride. There are times when riding in the mountains I wish it had more clearance, but still a great little machine.

 

[revrnd]

Sometimes I\ll let it idle & cool down, other times I'll shut it off.

Like someone posted earlier yes the coolant temp will spike when the machine is shut off. Since the mid 80s I've had liquid cooled snowmobiles (all w/ a temp gauge). Up to my current sled (an '07) when I restart the sled after a short stop, the gauge would be sitting about where the gauge was before for being shut down. The sled I have now has the same motor as the previous 2 had, but they must've made changes to the cooling systemn or sensor location. The gauge will have climbed dramatically during the shut down. A minute or so of riding and the gauge returns to it's "normal" position.

 

[Jungleman]

I always let the fan cycle before shutting the engine off but then I LOVE my motor................