2012 800 switchback assault cooling issue

[Jerseyrider]

Own a 2012 800 Switchback assault that has a puzzling cooling issue. After about 2 to 3 minutes of riding on any kind of snow (soft or hardpack) the engine heats to about 180 degrees fahrenheit. If I stop and leave it on idle for 15-30 seconds it will cool back down to about 120 degrees. Then I ride again it heats right back up to 180 degrees fahrenheit. Stop and idle for 15-30 seconds and cools right back down. I have never had a sled cool down that fast without me throwing snow on the engine or the cooler. When I run it on a stand with the track spinning it takes longer to overheat but still overheats. But cools right back down when idling. If I let the sled idle it never overheats.

I have swapped the thermostat and temperature sensor from another Pro-Ride that I have. Also made sure there is no air in the cooling system (or I think so). The SBA has scrathers on it as well. I bought the sled with an engine issue and I rebuilt the engine.

Any ideas on the potential casue?

Thanks

 

[ditch1000]

You’ll probably need to pull the oil pump cover to confirm the impeller is still in one piece and is turning.
You’ll need to pull the hood and pipe to get at it and buy a new oil pump seal before you tear into it.
Once you have it all apart, pull the spark plugs out and pull it over a couple times to confirm it is turning.

 

[Jerseyrider]

Do you mean water pump cover?

Thanks

 

[ditch1000]

Just follow the bottom coolant hose; it goes to the water pump. Buy a new gasket and then pull that hose and cover to confirm that the water pump impeller is turning when you pull the engine over.
If the impeller is damaged or wont turn; you’ll have overheating issues.

 

[Jerseyrider]

OK. Will do that over the weekend. Have to go out of town for a couple of days. Thanks