[Ilhunter1986]

My machine keeps overheating and im beginning to think the issue is due to clogged radiator fins. Whats best way to clean the dirt out of them. How hard is it to remove front plastic to get to radiator easier. Thanks in advance

 

[commanderjjones]

Removing the front facia isn't that difficult......just a little time consuming. It's a shame that you have to do that in order to have full access, but that really is the best way, and nearly the "only" way for some machines. At one of the PRC rallies several years ago, Curt's Ranger kept overheating and we finally had to remove the entire radiator. Sure enough, the lower portion was pretty much completely clogged.

I have seen folks use homemade devices (nozzles using 90* elbows) on their pressure washer and/or water hose to make access easier. I have even seen folks drill 1/2" to 3/4" holes in their plastic in a few locations to provide access to nozzles. Recently I saw a thread where one member made a removable shroud so he could get to the back side of the radiator in order to blow it out from that direction.

Although my RZR has less of an access issue, it is still difficult to get to ALL of the areas thoroughly. That's why I use a pressure washer......which some people (including Polaris) will recommend that you should NEVER do. If you use a pressure washer, just make sure you use the widest fan tip ("pencil" tips are a big no-no) that you have, and don't get any closer than 6" to the fins. I've been cleaning radiators on ALL of my off-road machines (dirt bikes, quads, and SXS's) for over 35 years and have never damaged one. Just use common sense on which tip and how close that you use it, and you will be fine.

 

[Ilhunter1986]

Thanks for the helpful information commander. Im thinking the best thing to do would be remove the facia.you don't happen to have a "tutorial" on how to remove front facia do you? Trying to avoid removing more than necessary. Thanks again for your help. Thats why i love this forum

 

[Texas]

I'll second commanderjones. I have not done this on the Ranger, but having had issues with over heating on my old Grizzly I would recommend removing the facia to give you full front access. I always "thought" that I was cleaning my radiator well, but when I pulled it off there was more crap in there than I could have imagined. I don't think you can ever get it truly clean until you spray water through the fins at a perfect 90 degree angle. Plus this keeps you from having to use a pressure washer on it.

 

[HRTKD]

There is a spray product that you can get at Home Depot (or most home stores) that is for cleaning the fins on condenser coils. I've used on my home's A/C unit and also on my truck. It helps.

 

[commanderjjones]

....you don't happen to have a "tutorial" on how to remove front facia do you?......

Not really. The only ones I have ever done were my '12 RZR and '06 XP.

I think Curt's was an '09 XP, but we really didn't remove the facia on his......we simply removed the radiator from the machine. Unfortunately, that means draining/refilling the coolant, then trying to get all of the air purged from the system. I really wouldn't recommend that route unless circumstances made that necessary.

Which year and machine? Maybe another member will chime in with specifics.

 

[Ilhunter1986]

2013 ranger 900 xp

 

[mrxlh]

If it's caked and baked, which by your description it is, if you do not want to remove it, first set up a sprinkler that will put continuous flood of water on the radiator for at least 30 min with the machine off. Cleaning radiators or coolers is far more about volume than pressure, that said not everyone has access to a 2 or 3 inch pump/hose. Zep industrial cleaner (purple) cleans mud/clay really well without a pressure washer. You can use a $19.95 as seen on TV hose sprayer to clean it without a pressure washer. Turbo Jet Power Washer | Water Jet | As Seen On TV.com Shop

 

[kudidl]

I'd just take mine for cruise in the clear water of the San Gabriel river. It's about a block from my house.
haha:encouragement:

 

[trailcutter]

I put screen in front of all my rads ,it keeps most of the seeds and bugs out.

 

[Ilhunter1986]

Well I made a failed attempt at removing front facia . I removed 4 screws and all plastic rivets I could see. It became loose but I cant get it off.seems like something else might be holding it on. Possibility light? Any help is appreciated

 

[kudidl]

Well I made a failed attempt at removing front facia . I removed 4 screws and all plastic rivets I could see. It became loose but I cant get it off.seems like something else might be holding it on. Possibility light? Any help is appreciated

2013 Polaris RANGER 900 XP ALL OPTIONS (R13UH88/UH9E) Engine, Cooling System All Options | Babbitts Polaris Parts House
see if this helps

 

[rockn h]

I may have missed this somewhere in post, but I would never use a pressure washer on a radiator. One wrong angle and you can do a lot of damage to the fins. I like to use compressed air and blow as much as I can out with air. Then use a acid wash like aluminium brite or aluminium wheel cleaner and rinse it with a water hose. If your aluminium radiator is a dark brown color instead of silver, that's an extra layer. It won't make a huge difference in it transferring heat, but it still makes a difference. My two ¢