Cooling System

Content Source: 2020 RS1 Owner’s Manual (9930796 R02) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Cooling System

The engine coolant level is maintained by the recovery system. The recovery system components are: the overflow bottle, radiator vent fitting, radiator pressure cap, and connecting hose.

As coolant operating temperature increases, the expanding (heated) excess coolant is forced out of the radiator, past the pressure cap, into the overflow bottle. As engine coolant temperature decreases, the contracting (cooled) coolant is drawn back from the tank, past the pressure cap, into the radiator.

TIP

Some coolant level drop on new vehicles is normal as the system is purging itself of trapped air. Observe coolant levels and maintain as recommended by adding coolant to the overflow bottle.

Adding or Changing Coolant

POLARIS recommends the use of POLARIS Antifreeze 50/50 Premix. This antifreeze is already premixed and ready to use. Do not dilute with water. See the Polaris Products section for the part numbers.

To ensure that the coolant maintains its ability to protect the engine, we recommend that the system be completely drained every five (5) years and fresh Antifreeze 50/50 Premix added.

Any time the cooling system has been drained for maintenance or repair, replace the coolant with fresh Antifreeze 50/50 Premix.

Radiator and Cooling Fans

Always check and clean the screens and radiator fins at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Do not obstruct or deflect air flow through the radiators by installing unauthorized accessories in front of the radiator or behind the cooling fans. Interference with radiator air flow can lead to overheating and consequent engine damage.

NOTICE

Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure hose could damage radiator fins and impair a radiator's effectiveness. Using a high- pressure system is not recommended.

Radiator Coolant Level / Changing Coolant

This procedure is required only if the cooling system has been drained for maintenance and/or repair.

caution

Escaping steam can cause burns. Never remove the pressure cap while the engine is warm or hot. Always allow the engine to cool before removing the pressure cap.

Remove the radiator cap access panel .
Slowly remove the radiator pressure cap .
Use a funnel and slowly add coolant as needed.
Before reinstalling the pressure cap, bleed the system of trapped air. Locate the coolant bleed screw on the engine above the exhaust head pipe. Use a socket wrench to turn the bleed screw slightly, allowing the air to escape. Slowly add additional coolant to the pressure tank until air no longer escapes and only coolant flows from the bleed hole, then tighten the bleed screw.
Reinstall the pressure cap.

TIP

Use of a non-standard pressure cap will not allow the recovery system to function properly. Your POLARIS dealer can provide the correct replacement part.

Overflow Bottle Coolant Level

Always check and change the coolant at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Maintain the coolant level between the minimum and maximum marks on the bottle (when the fluid is cool). If the overflow bottle has run dry, the level in the radiator should also be inspected.

Position the vehicle on a level surface.
Remove the radiator access panel .
View the coolant level in the overflow bottle .
Remove the cap and use a funnel to add coolant as needed to maintain the level between the two marks.
Reinstall the cap.

TIP

If coolant must be added often, or if the overflow bottle runs completely dry, there may be a leak in the system. Your POLARIS dealer can inspect the cooling system.