Argo Conquest 1993 Kawasaki FD620 overheat

[Akenny]

Hi
I am a new member and just bought a 1993 Argo Conquest.
I'm learning as I go and have a few questions. I just got my radiator back from being re-cored and still have a problem. They said the rad had frozen, as the tanks were expanded. My temp gauge goes right to the top end after 3 to 4 minutes of running. Yet when I check the rad the fluid is still cold. If I run it without the rad cap, I don't really see much movement, but it does flow up after a minute or two...
I checked the thermostat and it works (in a pot of boiling water...)
Any thoughts or similar experience on a Kawasaki?
Thanks

[ARGOJIM]

Carefully check both hoses for temperature, could just be a bad sending unit.

[Akenny]

Thanks Argo Jim...
Is there a way to ensure there is no air trapped in the engine? In the manual it says to take the cap off and let the air out. But frankly that does not make sense to me and did not do anything.
Thanks

[Nubs]

If that engine was ever turned over when it was frozen its very possible the impeller on the water pump came loose or the plastic drive gear is broken. john deere gators ran the same engine in the early 90's and had water pump issues. you can run it without the thermostat to conform circulation, are you sure the thermostat is installed the right way?

[Akenny]

Hi Nubs

Thanks for the info. I am pretty sure that it will only go in one way, with the spring towards the engine. I made sure the jiggle valve was at the top.
I guess that's my next step to remove the water pump and see if it is damaged...

[olargo]

Hi Akenny
Welcome to the site - there is a wealth of info here from a great bunch of guys.
I'm not far from you in St Mary's. Although my argo's are air cooled let me know if I can be of any help.

[Akenny]

Thanks Olargo

Yes, I can see that there is lots of info and its great to see people willing to help someone out.

[Akenny]

It's working now

Turns out it was the Water Temperature gauge. I put in a new one and it goes up to around 190 and starts to come back down. When I check the top rad hose it gets hot at this point. So the thermostat must be opening at that temp and letting the Rad do its job.
What a relief, I was afraid to run for more than a few minutes in case it blew the engine...
Thanks for all the help everyone.

[olargo]

Glad to hear that you've got it sorted out!

[Jesus Perez]

Hello everybody, I am new to the site,and I recently got my ArgoConquest 1995 with the Kawasaki engine. It is the most amazing thing in the world to ride.
I am a little worried about the temperature it hovers around 195F´ after about 20 minutes of use. I do not know this kind of engine and I am worried that it might be overheating - Can anyone tell me what is the normal operating temperature for this engine? Thanks.....

[JoeMeg]

Hello Jesus Perez and welcome to 6x6world. I'm not an expert so hopefully someone will chime in and correct me if wrong. From what I remember when driving my Conquest w/the Kaw FD620 185-190 is about the normal operating temp. In my opinion,your ok running like that.