Many owners of the 2013 Polaris RZR 4 800 have reported experiencing difficulty restarting their vehicles after short stops, particularly in hot weather. According to Dirt Wheels, this issue is likely due to a phenomenon known as 'heat soak'.
Heat soak occurs when a hot engine is turned off, and the cooling system ceases to function. The engine temperature continues to rise because there is no active cooling. This can create excessively high temperatures that negatively affect engine performance. According to Dirt Wheels, engines don't run well above approximately 220°F.
One RZR owner, Jerry Barkley from Pahrump, NV, described the problem to Dirt Wheels. After stopping for 10-15 minutes, his RZR 4 800 wouldn't restart, or if it did, it ran roughly until underway again. However, after a 30-minute break, the engine would start and run normally.
Troubleshooting Heat Soak:
- Cool-Down Period: Allowing the engine to cool down for an extended period (30 minutes or more) allows the internal heat to dissipate, resolving the issue temporarily.
- Idle Before Shut-Off: Letting the machine idle until the indicated temperature drops below 180°F can help reduce heat buildup after shut down.
- Radiator Fan Bypass: Adding a bypass switch to the radiator fan enables manual operation, allowing you to lower coolant temperature proactively.
Dirt Wheels suggests consulting page 47 of the owner's manual to learn how to access the temperature display mode. The owner's manual can be found online, as well as the factory service manual.
Disclaimer: Always consult your owner's manual and a qualified mechanic for specific troubleshooting and repair advice.
