Engine temp...?

[dogteam]

OK
Took the Avenger out for a short shakedown today after work, and I have a few questions:

Took me about 2 minutes to get stuck. Tooled out though the rushes and into the beaver pond, and went aquatic. Wow, I knew it would be nose down, but I had no idea!
After about 30 seconds, I decided that today would not be a convenient day to die. Headed back to shore at the same spot I went in (mistake #1) and drove slowly through the rushes (mistake #2, I assume). Stuck. Can't go forward, can't go back. I'm high-centered, and all 8 wheels are merrily spinning in the loon s***.

Being somewhat of a pessimist, I had my waders with me. Pulled my acreage car down to the shore, and winched out quite easily. This winch does not appear to be capable of free-spooling...so either it's dumb or I am. Am I missing something?

Then spent about 20 minutes driving around in the toolies to get the feel for steering, etc. When I looked at the engine temp (a little late, obviously) the needle was pegged over! I hope I haven't damaged the engine...
It's full of coolant, fans are running...it is warm today, 80 I suppose.

So is this normal..the temp I mean...I have to assume (hope) that my driving will improve...

[dogteam]

Bump.

Read today that you shouldn't run for extended periods with the windshield down, which is what I was doing. That may have contributed to the high coolant temp?

[dogteam]

C'mon Avenger owners! Any tips at all on coolant overheating?

[Rock Doctor]

I have not come across any Avenger temp problems, but could make a couple guesses.
Some, (maybe all) Avengers don't come with a "bug screen" in front of the rad. Maybe your tad is dirty, or maybe someone DID. Install a screen and it needs cleaning.
Check coolant, it should be 50% water 50% glycol.
Ae you sure the gauge is correct?
Were you running in Low Range the whole time?

RD

[Hurtmudman]

Make sure the brake cooling fan is working, without this fan she will overheat.

[dogteam]

I have not come across any Avenger temp problems, but could make a couple guesses.
Some, (maybe all) Avengers don't come with a "bug screen" in front of the rad. Maybe your tad is dirty, or maybe someone DID. Install a screen and it needs cleaning.
Check coolant, it should be 50% water 50% glycol.
Ae you sure the gauge is correct?
Were you running in Low Range the whole time?

RD

There is a removable screen in front of the rad (bug screen?)...It's clean.
I will check the coolant.
I do question the gauge, as almost an hour later it was still at max. Could there be a short? How can I tell whether it's correct?
Yes, I was running at low speed in low range, with the windshield down.

I haven't had time to look at the machine again, I will tonite. Thanks, RD!

Make sure the brake cooling fan is working, without this fan she will overheat.

The brake cooling fan would cause that? Can you tell me where to look for it?

Thanks for your help!

dt

[dogteam]

OK, checked all the above and then took it out for a very short drive, while watching the gauge. It crept up, as you would expect it to, until it got just over 100F, then suddenly shot off the scale! So I'm guessing gauge problems!
At least until I get that solved, I won't panic about it overheating, consensus being that it's not that prone?

RD, what do you think, short, bad gauge, bad sender....?

Thanks to all for your input!

dt

[Rock Doctor]

I'm guessing bad sender, but I'd be lying if I said I knew for sure
I don't even have a gauge on mine, but when it really starts to get hot I can smell it

What yr is your machine?

RD

[Atc250r]

2 thinkgs I did when i had this issue with a truck. I am not sure of what the rad cap is on my avenger but on my truck bought one that had an intergral temp gauge in it. second i had a hand held temp gun to double check my readings, yep 30 y/o sending unit was shot. May be cheaper to just try a new sending unit, was not so easy on my old truck

[dogteam]

Changed the sender, gauge is at max immediately now. So I'm guessing that's either a short or a break in the connecting wire. I guess I'll make a new length. Of course that gauge is the hardest to get at...

[gearhead]

going back to route6x6

[dogteam]

OK, wire from the sender to the gauge is neither shorted nor open. Gauge is at max whether the sender is hooked up or not....in other words, with only the 12vdc and the ground hooked up, the needle goes to max. Can anyone tell me if that's normal? Is it the gauge itself, then?
Yes, I know...I don't really need the gauge, and a lot of you run without one. But I really like everything to work properly.

[gearhead]

going back to route6x6

[dogteam]

If it is a gauge issue the gauge is made by datcon or heres a link for a new Argo Parts - 634-23 - Gauge, Water Temp - Avenger

Thanks!