Can-Am Outlander 800 Coolant: Your Ultimate Service & Care Guide

That big Rotax V-twin engine in your Outlander 800 is an absolute powerhouse on the trail. But whether you’re rock crawling or mud bogging, it generates a massive amount of heat. The last thing any rider wants is to see that dreaded temperature light flash miles from the trailhead.

We promise this comprehensive guide will give you the confidence to manage your machine’s cooling system like a seasoned pro. We’re here to walk you through every step, from selecting the right fluid to performing a full system flush yourself.

In this article, you’ll discover the best Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant choices, learn how to perform critical maintenance checks, and get a step-by-step walkthrough of a full flush and fill. Let’s keep that engine cool and your rides epic.

Why Your Can-Am Outlander 800 Coolant is Mission-Critical

Think of your coolant as the lifeblood of your engine’s thermal management system. It’s not just “antifreeze”; it’s a sophisticated fluid engineered to do a tough job in a high-performance engine.

Your engine’s cooling system circulates this fluid to pull heat away from the cylinders and dissipate it through the radiator. Without it, the intense heat of combustion would quickly cause metal components to warp, seize, and fail catastrophically.

The Key Benefits of Proper Coolant Maintenance

Staying on top of your coolant isn’t just about preventing overheating. The benefits of Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant care are huge and directly impact your ATV’s longevity and performance.

Prevents Overheating: The most obvious job. Proper coolant maintains the optimal operating temperature, ensuring maximum power and efficiency.
Corrosion Protection: Modern coolants contain additives that protect the aluminum, iron, brass, and plastic components inside your cooling system from rust and corrosion.
Freeze Protection: In colder climates, the right coolant mixture prevents the fluid from freezing, which could crack your engine block or radiator.
Lubrication: The coolant helps lubricate the water pump’s seals and bearings, which is a critical moving part of the system.

Neglecting this system is one of the fastest ways to sideline your Outlander with expensive repairs. A simple check can save you a world of hurt.

Choosing the Right Coolant: What Your Outlander 800 Needs

Not all coolants are created equal. Pouring the wrong type into your Outlander can cause serious damage over time. This section of our Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant guide will ensure you make the right choice.

Your Can-Am’s engine has a lot of aluminum components, which are sensitive to certain types of coolant additives, specifically silicates. You must use a silicate-free coolant.

BRP (the parent company of Can-Am) recommends its own pre-mixed coolant, which is a great, foolproof option. However, you can also use high-quality aftermarket coolants, provided they meet the right specifications.

What to Look For:

Technology Type: Look for an OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant. These are designed for modern engines with mixed metals like aluminum.
Silicate-Free & Phosphate-Free: This is non-negotiable. Silicates can be abrasive to water pump seals and can form deposits in the radiator. Check the label to ensure it’s silicate-free.
Pre-Mixed vs. Concentrate: For most DIYers, a 50/50 pre-mixed solution is the easiest and safest bet. If you buy concentrate, you must mix it with distilled water—never tap water, which contains minerals that cause scaling and corrosion.

Avoid conventional green coolants designed for older cast-iron engines. They contain the silicates and phosphates that will harm your Outlander’s cooling system.

How to Check and Top-Off Your Can-Am Outlander 800 Coolant

This is one of the simplest and most important checks you can perform before a ride. It takes less than two minutes and is a core part of any good Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant care guide.

First, and most importantly: NEVER open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The system is pressurized, and you risk severe burns from scalding hot coolant.

Locate the Coolant Reservoir: On most Outlander 800 models, the translucent coolant overflow reservoir is located in the front wheel well area or near the radiator. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.
Check the Level: The reservoir will have “MIN” (or “LOW”) and “MAX” (or “FULL”) lines marked on the side. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be between these two marks.
Top-Off if Needed: If the level is at or below the MIN line, slowly unscrew the reservoir cap and add the correct type of 50/50 pre-mixed coolant until the level is between the marks. Do not overfill.
Inspect the Radiator Cap: While you’re there, give the radiator cap a quick look (when cold!). Ensure the rubber seals are intact and not cracked or brittle. A bad cap can’t hold pressure, leading to boil-overs.

If you find yourself needing to add coolant frequently, you likely have a leak. It’s time to move on to troubleshooting.

The Complete Guide: How to Flush Your Can-Am Outlander 800 Coolant

Over time, the protective additives in your coolant break down. A full flush and fill, typically recommended every 2-3 years, is essential for long-term health. This is a straightforward DIY job if you’re patient and careful. Here’s how to Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant service is done right.

H3: Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

New, approved silicate-free coolant (approx. 2-3 quarts)
Distilled water (for flushing)
Drain pan
Funnel (a spill-free funnel is a huge help)
Basic socket set and screwdrivers
Pliers for hose clamps
Clean rags or paper towels
Safety glasses and gloves

H3: Step 1: Draining the Old Coolant

Make sure the engine is completely cold. Park your ATV on a level surface.

Remove any plastic panels necessary to access the radiator and engine.
Place your drain pan under the water pump housing on the engine. There is usually a drain bolt (often an 8mm or 10mm bolt) on the lowest point of the housing.
Slowly remove the radiator cap. This will allow air in and help the coolant drain faster.
Loosen and remove the drain bolt. Let the old coolant drain completely into the pan.
Once drained, reinstall the drain bolt and torque it to the manufacturer’s specification (don’t overtighten!).

H3: Step 2: Flushing the System (Optional but Recommended)

If your old coolant looked particularly dirty or rusty, a flush is a good idea. This is one of the best Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant best practices.

With the drain bolt reinstalled, fill the system with distilled water through the radiator neck.
Reinstall the radiator cap and run the engine for 5-10 minutes, just long enough for it to warm up and circulate the water (keep an eye on the temp light).
Let the engine cool down completely, then repeat the draining procedure to get the dirty water out.

H3: Step 3: Filling and Bleeding the System

This is the most critical step. Air trapped in the system can cause hot spots and lead to overheating.

Ensure the drain bolt is tight. If your Outlander has a bleed screw (often on the thermostat housing), loosen it slightly.
Using a funnel, slowly pour the new 50/50 coolant mix into the radiator. You’ll see bubbles coming out as the air escapes.
Continue filling until coolant begins to seep out of the bleed screw, then tighten the bleed screw.
Fill the radiator up to the base of the neck. Squeeze the large radiator hoses gently to help “burp” any trapped air bubbles out. You should see the level in the radiator drop as you do this. Top it off again.
Fill the overflow reservoir to the “MAX” line.
Leave the radiator cap OFF. Start the engine and let it idle. As the thermostat opens, you will see the coolant level drop. Continue to add coolant to keep it full.
Let the engine run until the cooling fan cycles on and off at least once. This confirms the engine has reached operating temperature and the thermostat is working.
Once no more bubbles are coming up, top off the radiator one last time and securely install the radiator cap. Check the reservoir level again and add more if needed.

After your first ride, let the engine cool completely and re-check the coolant level in the reservoir. It’s normal for it to drop slightly as the last bits of air work their way out.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Can-Am Outlander 800 Coolant Systems

Even with perfect maintenance, issues can arise. Here are some common problems with Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant systems and what to look for.

My ATV is Overheating

If your temp light comes on, stop immediately and let the engine cool. Common causes include:

Low Coolant Level: The most obvious culprit. Check for leaks.
Clogged Radiator: Mud and debris can cake the radiator fins, preventing air from passing through. Clean it carefully with a garden hose (not a pressure washer, which can bend the fins).
Faulty Fan: Does your cooling fan turn on when it gets hot? If not, you could have a bad fan motor, fuse, or temperature sensor.
Stuck Thermostat: If the engine overheats but the radiator feels cool, the thermostat may be stuck closed, preventing coolant from circulating.

I See Coolant Leaking

A puddle of sweet-smelling, brightly colored fluid under your machine is a clear sign of a leak. Check hose clamps, the water pump “weep hole” (a small hole that drips when the internal seal fails), and the radiator for any signs of damage or wetness.

My Coolant Looks Milky or Brown

This is a serious red flag. Milky, chocolate-milk-like coolant indicates that engine oil is mixing with your coolant, most likely due to a failed head gasket. Brown, rusty coolant means severe corrosion is happening inside your system. In either case, this requires immediate attention from a qualified mechanic.

Sustainable Coolant Practices: Eco-Friendly Disposal and Care

Being a responsible rider means taking care of the environment. Ethylene glycol, the primary ingredient in most coolants, is highly toxic to animals and humans. Adopting sustainable Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant practices is crucial.

Never pour old coolant down a drain or onto the ground. It can contaminate groundwater and harm wildlife. The sweet taste is attractive to pets and other animals, but it is lethal.

To practice eco-friendly Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant disposal:

Store the used coolant in a clearly labeled, sealed container (like the empty jug from your new coolant).
Take it to an auto parts store, a local repair shop, or a municipal hazardous waste collection facility. Most of these places will accept used coolant for recycling free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander 800 Coolant

What color is Can-Am Outlander coolant?

BRP’s official pre-mixed coolant is typically a vibrant green or blue-green color. However, color alone is not a reliable indicator of coolant type. Always rely on the specifications on the bottle (silicate-free OAT/HOAT) rather than the color.

How often should I change the coolant in my Outlander 800?

A good rule of thumb is to perform a full drain and fill every two to three years, or as specified in your owner’s manual. If you ride in extremely harsh, muddy, or hot conditions, consider doing it more frequently.

Can I just use water in an emergency?

In a dire trail-side emergency to get back to the truck, yes, you can add water. But it should be drained and replaced with proper 50/50 coolant as soon as possible. Water alone has no corrosion protection, a low boiling point, and no freeze protection.

Taking care of your Can-Am Outlander 800 coolant system is one of the most effective ways to ensure your ATV remains reliable and powerful for years to come. It’s a simple set of tasks that pays huge dividends in performance and peace of mind.

Now, get out there, check your fluids, and hit the trails with confidence. Stay safe and happy riding!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.