Radiators are vital to ensure your engine doesn’t overheat. Overheated engines break down easily, so you should fix any problems with your radiator as soon as you can to ensure your vehicle’s longevity. Many different things can cause radiator problems on your Can-Am Maverick.
Common Can-Am Maverick radiator problems include a dirty radiator, a bad radiator cap, and a faulty radiator fan. The radiator may leak due to holes or bad hoses. Solutions include cleaning the radiator regularly and replacing your radiator caps, fans, and hoses as necessary.
Most radiator problems are due to a lack of maintenance, which leads to a buildup of rust and debris that clogs up the system preventing coolant from circulating properly around the engine. Here are some common Can-Am Maverick radiator problems and how to fix them.
1. Dirty or Clogged Radiator
You should never ignore a dirty or clogged radiator because these interfere with the functioning of your radiator, causing your engine to overheat.
The most common cause of a dirty or clogged radiator is debris from driving on unpaved roads, which can get stuck in the radiator’s fins.
There can also be rust or debris from a damaged fan blade that clogs up the radiator. Excessive dust and mud can also clog the radiator and cause cooling problems (source).
Some signs of a dirty or clogged Can-Am Maverick radiator include:
- The vehicle constantly overheats.
- Coolant may start leaking from your vehicle.
- A visible sludge buildup.
- Damaged or bent radiator fins.
- A thick or discolored coolant.
How To Fix It
The radiator is a crucial component of the engine and the core of your car’s cooling system. It removes heat from the coolant, which in turn cools the engine.
A dirty or clogged radiator can cause many problems with your vehicle, such as overheating and decreased fuel efficiency. To identify clogs in the radiator, you should periodically check for rust or debris buildup (source).
- Start by checking for visible debris on or inside your radiator grill. If any leaves or small pieces of dirt obstruct airflow through the grill, remove them with a vacuum cleaner attachment or compressed air.
- Drain the radiator by removing the hose connected to it. Replace the hose and tighten the hose clamp.
- Pour distilled water into the radiator and let your Can-Am run for at least 10 to 15 minutes to flush out any loose dirt, rust, and gunk from the cooling system.
- Drain the distilled water and dirt from the radiator.
- Add fresh coolant to the radiator and overflow tank.
2. A Bad Radiator Cap
One of the most common Can-Am radiator problems is a bad radiator cap. Cooling systems in most modern vehicles are pressurized, and the radiator cap maintains pressure and ensures that excess pressure is released to prevent engine damage.
A bad radiator cap may not seal properly or have a hole that allows air to escape and coolant to leak out, which can damage the engine if left unchecked.
A bad radiator cap may also prevent the radiator from circulating coolant into the reservoir tank. Some symptoms of a bad radiator cap include the following:
- An overflowing reservoir tank
- Leaking coolant near the radiator cap or hoses
- An overheated engine
- A torn radiator hose
- Low coolant levels
How To Fix It
A bad radiator cap can be a significant problem for any vehicle, and it is vital to replace it as soon as possible. It is something that anyone can do with basic knowledge of cars and tools. The most common problem with a bad radiator cap is that it will allow the coolant to boil, and the engine will overheat.
Replace your cap the instant you notice any of the symptoms detailed above. As part of regular maintenance, you should replace your radiator cap every time the cooling system goes in to be serviced (source).
3. A Faulty Radiator Fan
Radiator fans are responsible for pushing air over the radiator and cooling it down. A faulty radiator fan can cause many problems for your Can-Am Maverick, as it will not be able to cool down adequately and maintain its operating temperature.
When the fan is not working correctly, it will be unable to circulate air around the radiator and cool it down, which can lead to many problems with your engine and other parts. Some common causes of a faulty radiator fan include:
- Damaged fan motor
- A blown fuse
- A bad relay
How To Fix It
You must fix engine overheating problems as soon as possible, as they can potentially damage your vehicle’s engine (source).
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you may need to replace your radiator fan:
- Your Vehicle is overheating
- Your Can-Am Maverick makes strange noises when the engine starts up or driving.
- The radiator fan may not turn on
- You notice the temperature warning light
You can also purchase a radiator fan cover to ensure the radiator works more efficiently by evenly distributing air through the entire radiator core.
Check out this Maverick X3 Cooling Radiator Fan Cover (link to Amazon). It’s easy to install, durable, and waterproof, which makes it excellent for keeping your radiator fan working well for a long time.
4. Faulty/Torn Radiator Hoses
Radiator hoses are a crucial component of any vehicle’s cooling system. The radiator hoses are made of rubber which can tear or get faulty over time and need to be replaced.
A torn or faulty hose will decrease the amount of coolant flowing through the engine, resulting in an engine overheating, which can cause many other problems, such as a blown head gasket or even an engine fire.
How To Fix It
Radiator hoses connect the radiator with other components in your vehicle’s cooling system. The most common problems with this part are leaks and faulty connections (damaged hose clamps). If you find either of these problems, you must replace them as soon as possible.
I’ve also written a guide on common Can-Am Maverick fault codes. Read it to find a list of these fault codes and methods to fix them.
Final Thoughts
The Can-Am Maverick, one of the most popular ATVs on the market, is known for its reliability and toughness. The radiator is one of the most critical components in your Can-Am Maverick and should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
Sometimes the radiator’s component parts may get damaged over time due to its high-pressure performance, and you may need to replace them.
