There’s a feeling every off-roader dreads: you’re deep on a trail, miles from the nearest road, and you glance down to see your Can-Am Commander’s temperature gauge creeping into the red. It’s a moment that can turn a great day of riding into a long, stressful wait for a tow. That small, often-overlooked part at the heart of your cooling system is usually the culprit.
We get it. Engine trouble is the last thing you want to deal with. But here at FatBoysOffroad, we promise to demystify one of the most critical components for your engine’s health. We’re going to show you exactly how to diagnose, replace, and maintain your can am commander thermostat with confidence.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn what the thermostat does, how to spot the signs of failure before you get stranded, and a detailed, step-by-step process for replacing it yourself. Let’s get your machine running cool and reliable, so you can focus on the trail ahead.
What is a Can-Am Commander Thermostat and Why Does It Matter?
Think of the thermostat as the gatekeeper for your engine’s cooling system. It’s a small, temperature-sensitive valve that sits between the engine and the radiator. Its one job is to control the flow of coolant (antifreeze) to keep your engine operating within its ideal temperature range.
When you first start your Commander, the engine is cold. The thermostat remains closed, preventing coolant from flowing to the radiator. This allows the engine to warm up quickly and efficiently, which reduces wear and improves fuel economy.
Once the engine reaches its optimal operating temperature (typically around 190-205°F), the wax element inside the thermostat melts and expands, pushing a piston that opens the valve. Now, hot coolant can flow to the radiator to be cooled off before circulating back through the engine. This cycle repeats constantly to maintain a stable temperature.
Key Terminology You Should Know
- Coolant/Antifreeze: The lifeblood of your cooling system. It’s a mixture of specialized fluid and distilled water that transfers heat and prevents freezing or boiling.
- Thermostat Housing: The metal or plastic casing that encloses the thermostat and connects the radiator hoses to the engine.
- Radiator: The large, finned component at the front of your UTV that dissipates heat from the coolant into the air.
- Water Pump: The belt-driven or gear-driven pump that circulates coolant throughout the entire system.
Spotting the Red Flags: Common Problems with a Can-Am Commander Thermostat
A thermostat is a simple mechanical part, but when it fails, it can cause major headaches. Failure typically happens in one of two ways: stuck closed or stuck open. Each presents a unique set of symptoms that serve as your early warning system.
Problem 1: Thermostat Fails Stuck Closed
This is the more dangerous of the two failures. When the thermostat is stuck closed, hot coolant can’t get to the radiator to be cooled. The engine temperature will rise rapidly, leading to overheating.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Rapid Overheating: The temperature gauge will shoot up quickly, often within 5-10 minutes of starting the engine.
- Boiling Coolant: You might hear gurgling sounds from the engine or see steam coming from the coolant reservoir or radiator cap.
- Poor Performance: An overheating engine will often lose power, run rough, or even shut down to protect itself.
- Cool Radiator Hoses: The upper radiator hose will be extremely hot, while the lower hose might feel surprisingly cool. This is a classic sign that coolant isn’t circulating.
FatBoysOffroad Pro Tip: If you suspect your Commander is overheating, pull over and shut it off immediately. Letting it run hot can cause catastrophic damage like a warped cylinder head or blown head gasket, turning a simple fix into a massive repair bill.
Problem 2: Thermostat Fails Stuck Open
While less immediately damaging, a thermostat stuck open can still cause problems. In this case, coolant flows to the radiator constantly, even when the engine is cold. This prevents the engine from ever reaching its proper operating temperature.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Engine Takes Forever to Warm Up: The temperature gauge may barely move off the “C” mark, even after 15-20 minutes of riding.
- Poor Heater Performance: If your Commander has a cab heater, it will likely blow lukewarm or cold air because the coolant isn’t getting hot enough.
- Decreased Fuel Economy: An engine running too cold is inefficient, leading to higher fuel consumption over time.
- Check Engine Light: On newer models, the ECU might detect that the engine isn’t reaching operating temperature within a set time and trigger a fault code.
Your Toolkit: Essential Parts and Tools for the Job
Before you dive in, gathering the right tools and parts will make the job go smoothly. Nothing is worse than getting halfway through a project and realizing you’re missing a socket. This is a fundamental part of our can am commander thermostat guide.
Required Parts:
- New Thermostat: Always buy a quality OEM or reputable aftermarket thermostat. Make sure it’s the correct temperature rating for your specific Commander model.
- Thermostat Gasket or O-ring: Do not reuse the old one! Most new thermostats come with a new gasket, but double-check.
- OEM-Approved Coolant: Check your owner’s manual for the specific type of coolant your Can-Am requires. Mixing coolant types can cause gelling and clog your system.
- Distilled Water: If your coolant is concentrated, you’ll need distilled water to mix it to a 50/50 ratio. Never use tap water.
Essential Tools:
- Safety Glasses & Gloves
- Drain Pan (at least 2-gallon capacity)
- Funnel
- Socket Set with Ratchet and Extensions (Metric)
- Pliers (standard and needle-nose)
- Hose Clamp Pliers (highly recommended for spring-type clamps)
- Torque Wrench (for properly tightening the housing bolts)
- Gasket Scraper (plastic is best to avoid gouging metal surfaces)
- Shop Rags or Paper Towels
How to Replace Your Can-Am Commander Thermostat: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? This detailed process will walk you through the replacement. Remember to work on a cool engine and take your time. This is the core of the how to can am commander thermostat replacement process.
Safety First & Cool Down
Park your Commander on a level surface. The most important step is to ensure the engine is completely cool to the touch. Opening a hot cooling system is extremely dangerous and can cause severe burns from pressurized steam and coolant.
Drain the Coolant
Locate the radiator drain plug or the lowest radiator hose. Place your drain pan underneath and slowly open the plug or remove the hose clamp to drain the coolant. Open the radiator cap to help it drain faster.
Locate the Thermostat Housing
Follow the large upper radiator hose from the radiator back to the engine. The point where it connects to the engine is the thermostat housing. It’s typically a small metal or plastic dome held on by two or three bolts.
Remove the Housing
Use your socket set to remove the bolts holding the thermostat housing in place. You may need to gently tap the housing with a rubber mallet to break the seal. Once loose, pull it away from the engine. Be prepared for a little more coolant to spill out.
Remove the Old Thermostat
The old thermostat will be sitting right inside. Take note of its orientation—specifically which end is facing out. The spring side almost always goes into the engine block. Remove it, along with the old gasket or O-ring.
Clean the Mating Surfaces
This is a critical step! Use a plastic gasket scraper and a clean rag to meticulously clean both the engine block surface and the thermostat housing surface. Any old gasket material left behind can cause a leak. Make sure the surfaces are smooth, clean, and dry.
Install the New Thermostat and Gasket
Place the new gasket or O-ring onto the new thermostat or into the groove on the engine block/housing. Install the new thermostat in the same orientation as the old one. The small bleeder valve or “jiggle pin” on the thermostat should typically be positioned at the 12 o’clock position to help air escape.
Reinstall the Housing
Carefully place the housing back over the thermostat and start the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Use your torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque in an alternating pattern. Do not over-tighten, as this can crack the housing or warp the flange, causing a leak.
Refill and “Burp” the System
Reconnect any hoses you removed and close the drain plug. Using a funnel, slowly refill the radiator with your 50/50 coolant mixture. Squeeze the large radiator hoses to help push air bubbles out. This process is called “burping” the system and is vital for preventing air pockets, which can cause overheating.
Once the radiator is full, fill the overflow reservoir to the “COLD” line. Leave the radiator cap off for now.
Check for Leaks and Final Top-Off
Start the engine and let it idle. Watch the coolant level in the radiator—it will likely drop as the new thermostat opens and coolant circulates. Keep topping it off as needed. Once the engine reaches operating temperature and you see coolant flowing, and the level is stable, you can put the radiator cap back on securely.
Let the machine run for a few minutes with the cap on, keeping a close eye on the temperature gauge and checking for any leaks around the thermostat housing. After one more full cool-down cycle, double-check the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary.
Benefits of a Healthy Thermostat and When to Upgrade
A properly functioning thermostat is about more than just preventing overheating. The benefits of can am commander thermostat health are significant for the longevity and performance of your machine.
A healthy thermostat ensures:
- Optimal Engine Performance: The engine runs most efficiently at its designed temperature.
- Improved Fuel Economy: A quick warm-up and stable temperature prevent wasted fuel.
- Reduced Engine Wear: Proper operating temps ensure oil circulates correctly and metal components expand and contract as intended.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your cooling system is reliable is priceless on a remote trail.
Should You Consider an Upgrade?
For most riders, the OEM temperature thermostat is perfectly fine. However, if you ride in extremely hot climates, do a lot of slow, technical rock crawling, or have a modified engine that produces more heat, you might consider a lower-temperature thermostat (e.g., 180°F instead of 195°F). This will cause the thermostat to open sooner, starting the cooling process earlier. Consult with a performance shop to see if this is the right move for your setup.
Can-Am Commander Thermostat Best Practices and Care Guide
Maintaining your cooling system is key to ensuring a long life for your thermostat and engine. Follow these can am commander thermostat best practices to stay ahead of problems.
- Regular Coolant Flushes: Follow the service interval in your owner’s manual. Old, degraded coolant loses its anti-corrosive properties and can damage components.
- Use the Right Coolant: Never substitute automotive coolant unless it is explicitly compatible. The chemical makeup matters.
- Inspect Hoses Regularly: Check for cracks, bulges, or soft spots in your radiator hoses and replace them before they fail.
- Keep Your Radiator Clean: Mud and debris caked on your radiator fins will severely reduce its ability to cool. Wash it out after every muddy ride.
- Sustainable Coolant Disposal: This is our top eco-friendly can am commander thermostat tip. Coolant is highly toxic to animals and the environment. Never dump it on the ground or down a storm drain. Collect it in your sealed drain pan and take it to an auto parts store or local recycling center for proper disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Commander Thermostat
How often should I replace my Can-Am Commander’s thermostat?
There is no set replacement interval for a thermostat. It’s a “replace when it fails” part. However, as a preventative measure, many mechanics recommend replacing it whenever you perform a major coolant system flush, typically every 3-5 years, as it’s an inexpensive part and you already have the system drained.
Can I just remove the thermostat and run without one?
No, this is a bad idea. While it might seem like a quick fix for an overheating issue, running without a thermostat will cause the engine to run too cool. This leads to poor performance, increased fuel consumption, sludge buildup in the engine, and long-term wear.
My Commander is still overheating after replacing the thermostat. What else could it be?
If a new thermostat doesn’t fix your overheating issue, other potential culprits include a clogged radiator (internally or externally), a failing water pump, a bad radiator cap that can’t hold pressure, a faulty cooling fan, or a more serious issue like a head gasket leak. You’ll need to continue your diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause.
Taking care of your Can-Am Commander’s cooling system is one of the most important DIY jobs you can learn. By understanding how your thermostat works and following this guide, you’ve equipped yourself with the knowledge to tackle the job with confidence. Keep your machine running cool, and it’ll reward you with countless hours of reliable fun on the trail.
Now, get out there and ride with peace of mind. Stay safe, and we’ll see you on the dirt!
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