Coolant Change - Arctic Cat Cougar Service Manual

LUBRICATION, MAINTENANCE AND TUNE-UP
81
the original equipment cap or its re-
placement when finished.
b. Install a non-pressurized test cap (part no.
0644-156).
c. Start the engine and run it at 3,000-3,500
rpm until the rear heat exchanger (Figure
13) becomes hot to the touch.
d. Stop the engine and allow the engine and
cooling system to cool.
e. Remove the test cap and check the level of
the cooling fluid. The cooling system
should still be filled completely. If not, add
the mixture of antifreeze and water; return
to substep 5b.
6. Install the original reservoir cap or a suitable
replacement.
7. Add coolant to the holding tank (B, Figure
12)
until the tank is 3/4 full.
Coolant
Only a high-quality ethylene glycol-based
coolant designed for aluminum engines should
be used. The coolant should be mixed with water
in a 60:40 ratio. Coolant capacity is listed in
Table 5. When mixing antifreeze with water, use
only soft or distilled water. Distilled water can
be purchased at supermarkets in gallon contain-
ers. Do not use tap or salt water because it will
damage engine parts.
CAUTION
Always mix coolant in the proper ratio
for the coldest temperature in your area.
Ratios of more than 60 percent antifreeze
will reduce cooling system efficiency.
Coolant Change
The cooling system should be completely
drained and refilled with a fresh mixture of anti-
freeze and water at least once each year prefer-
ably before off-season storage.
CAUTION
Use only a high-quality ethylene glycol
antifreeze specifically labeled for use
with aluminum engines. Do not use an
alcohol-based antifreeze.
The following procedure must be performed
when the engine is
cold:
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill antifreeze on
painted surfaces, as it may damage the
surface. Wash any spilled antifreeze im-
mediately with soapy water, then rinse
the area thoroughly with clean water.
1. Park the snowmobile on a level surface.
2. Open the hood.
WARNING
Do not remove the reservoir cap (A, Fig-
ure 12) when the engine is hot.
3. Remove the reservoir cap (Figure 12).
4. Attach a hose to the drain spout (Figure 14),
then place the end of the hose in a small bucket.
5. Loosen the drain spout (Figure 14) and allow
the system to drain.
6. When the coolant stops draining, raise the
rear of the snowmobile with a jack to allow the
heat exchangers to drain. Be sure to support the
vehicle sufficiently to prevent injury.
7. Use a primer pump and a suitable length of
hose to siphon the coolant from the coolant
recovery tank into a suitable container.