How To Bleed Cooling System Can Am Outlander

Ever topped off your coolant or replaced a hose on your Can-Am Outlander, only to see that dreaded temperature light flash on your next trail ride? It’s a gut-wrenching feeling that can cut a great day short. You know you added coolant, so what gives?

The culprit is almost always trapped air in the cooling system. We promise this complete how to bleed cooling system can am outlander guide will show you the exact, dealership-level process to get every last air bubble out. Your engine will run cooler, last longer, and give you the peace of mind you need deep in the backcountry.

In this article, you’ll learn why bleeding is critical, the tools you’ll need, a foolproof step-by-step process, and pro tips to avoid the common pitfalls that frustrate many DIY mechanics. Let’s get that machine running right.

Why Bleeding Your Outlander’s Cooling System is Non-Negotiable

Thinking you can just “top off” your coolant and hit the trails is a rookie mistake that can lead to catastrophic engine damage. An air pocket in your cooling system is like a clog in an artery; it creates a hot spot where coolant can’t reach.

These air-bound hot spots can cause your engine to overheat rapidly, even if the radiator feels cool to the touch. The consequences range from poor performance and boiling over to warped cylinder heads and complete engine failure—repairs that can cost thousands.

Properly bleeding the system ensures that pure liquid coolant is in direct contact with all the critical engine components, providing maximum heat transfer and protection.

Key Benefits of a Properly Bled Cooling System

Understanding the benefits of how to bleed cooling system can am outlander is key to appreciating this crucial maintenance task. A bubble-free system isn’t just about preventing overheating.

Optimal Engine Performance: A cool engine is a happy engine. It runs more efficiently, produces consistent power, and responds exactly how you expect it to.
Increased Engine Longevity: Preventing overheating is the single best thing you can do to avoid premature wear on gaskets, seals, and internal engine parts.
Reliable Heater Performance: If you have a cab and heater, trapped air can prevent hot coolant from reaching the heater core, leaving you cold.
Peace of Mind on the Trail: There’s nothing worse than constantly watching your temp gauge. A properly bled system lets you focus on the ride, not on a potential breakdown.

Gather Your Gear: Tools and Supplies for the Job

Before you start, get all your ducks in a row. Having the right tools makes the job smoother, safer, and much less frustrating. You don’t need a full professional shop, but a few specific items are essential.

Essential Tools & Materials:

Can-Am Recommended Coolant: Always use the coolant specified in your owner’s manual. Most newer Can-Am models require a 50/50 premixed, silicate-free, long-life coolant. Don’t mix coolant types!
Spill-Proof Coolant Funnel Kit: This is our number one recommended tool. A Lisle-style funnel (or similar) creates a high point in the system, making it incredibly easy for air to escape. It’s worth every penny.
Jack and Jack Stands: You’ll need to safely elevate the front end of your Outlander to encourage air to travel to the radiator cap.
Basic Hand Tools: A set of sockets, wrenches, and pliers will be needed to remove any necessary plastic panels to access the radiator cap.
Drain Pan: A clean pan to catch any spilled coolant.
Shop Rags or Towels: For inevitable clean-up.

The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bleed Cooling System Can-Am Outlander

Alright, let’s get to the main event. This is our field-tested, step-by-step process. Follow it closely, and you’ll have a perfectly bled system. This how to bleed cooling system can am outlander care guide is designed for clarity and safety.

Step 1: Preparation and Safety First

Safety is always the first step. A hot cooling system is under pressure and can cause severe burns.

Work on a completely cold engine. We can’t stress this enough. Let the ATV sit for several hours, or preferably overnight, before you begin.

Park your Outlander on a level surface. For now, keep it on the ground. We will lift it in a later step.

Step 2: Access the Radiator Cap and Fill

Depending on your Outlander model and year, you may need to remove a front rack or plastic shrouds to get clear access to the radiator cap. Take your time and keep track of any removed hardware.

Once you have access, slowly and carefully remove the radiator cap. Attach your spill-proof funnel to the radiator neck, ensuring you have the right adapter for a snug fit. This funnel will now be the highest point of the cooling system.

Slowly pour your 50/50 premixed coolant into the funnel until it’s about half full. You’ll see bubbles coming up immediately as the coolant displaces air in the radiator and hoses. This is good!

Step 3: Elevate the Front End

Now it’s time to use gravity to your advantage. Air is lighter than coolant and wants to rise to the highest point.

Using your floor jack, carefully lift the front of the Outlander. You want the radiator cap (and your funnel) to be significantly higher than the rest of the engine. A lift of 12-18 inches is usually sufficient.

Securely place jack stands under the frame for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Step 4: The “Burping” Process

This is where the magic happens. With the funnel still attached and half-full of coolant, it’s time to start the engine.

Start the Engine: Leave the radiator cap OFF (the funnel is attached in its place). Let the engine idle.
Monitor the Funnel: As the engine warms up and the thermostat opens, you will see a surge of air bubbles escape into the funnel. The coolant level in the funnel may drop—this is normal. Keep it at least 1/3 full at all times by adding more coolant as needed.
Let it Run: Allow the engine to run until the cooling fan cycles on and off at least twice. This ensures the thermostat has fully opened and coolant is circulating through the entire system.
Squeeze the Hoses: Carefully (they will be hot!), squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses. This can help dislodge any stubborn air pockets hiding in the system. You’ll often see a corresponding burp of bubbles in the funnel when you do this.

Step 5: Finalizing and Topping Off

Once the engine has run for 10-15 minutes and you see no more significant bubbles coming up into the funnel, you’re almost done. The system is now bled.

Turn off the engine. Let it cool down for a few minutes. Use the stopper provided with your funnel kit to plug the funnel, then remove the funnel from the radiator. The radiator should be completely full to the very top of the neck.

Reinstall the radiator cap, making sure it’s on tight. Lower the ATV off the jack stands. Finally, check the level in your coolant overflow reservoir (the plastic bottle) and top it off to the “FULL COLD” line.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bleed Every Time

Want to go from amateur to pro? Here are a few extra how to bleed cooling system can am outlander tips we use in our shop to guarantee a perfect result.

Rev the Engine Gently: While the engine is idling, giving it a few gentle revs (up to 2500-3000 RPM) can help the water pump push stubborn air pockets through the system more quickly.
Use a Block Heater (If Equipped): If you have a block heater, plugging it in for an hour before you start can pre-warm the coolant and help the thermostat open faster.
Check for a Bleeder Screw: Some older Can-Am models may have a small bleeder screw on the thermostat housing or a high point on the engine. If yours has one, you can crack it open slightly during the filling process (before starting the engine) until a steady stream of coolant comes out. Consult your service manual to confirm.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting After Bleeding

Even with the best process, you might hit a snag. Here are some common problems with how to bleed cooling system can am outlander and how to solve them.

Problem: Still Overheating After Bleeding

If your Outlander still runs hot, it could be a sign of a few things:

A Stubborn Air Pocket: Sometimes one just won’t budge. Try repeating the bleeding process, perhaps lifting the front end even higher.
Faulty Thermostat: A thermostat that is stuck closed will prevent coolant from circulating, causing a rapid overheat.
Bad Radiator Cap: A cap that can’t hold pressure will lower the boiling point of your coolant, causing it to boil over prematurely.
Clogged Radiator: Mud and debris can clog the external fins, and internal scale can block passages. Make sure your radiator is clean inside and out.

Problem: Coolant Level Keeps Dropping

If you have to keep adding coolant after the initial bleed, you have a leak. Carefully inspect all hoses, the water pump weep hole, and gaskets for any signs of dripping coolant (it often leaves a chalky residue when it dries).

Best Practices for Coolant Management and Disposal

Being a responsible off-roader means taking care of the environment. Coolant (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic to animals and harmful to the environment.

This is a core part of our how to bleed cooling system can am outlander best practices. Never dump used coolant on the ground or down a storm drain.

Pour your old coolant from your drain pan into a sealed container, like an old milk jug, and label it clearly. Most auto parts stores or local recycling centers accept used coolant for free. This is the most sustainable how to bleed cooling system can am outlander approach and the only responsible one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bleeding Your Can-Am’s Coolant

What kind of coolant should I use in my Can-Am Outlander?

Always default to your owner’s manual. Most modern Can-Ams use a long-life, silicate-free 50/50 premix coolant. BRP sells its own brand, but a high-quality aftermarket equivalent like Peak Long Life or Prestone Dex-Cool compatible coolant is also acceptable.

How often should I bleed my cooling system?

You only need to bleed the system whenever it has been opened—for example, after replacing a hose, the water pump, the thermostat, or flushing the entire system. You do not need to bleed it as part of routine maintenance if the system has remained sealed.

Can I use just water in an emergency?

In a dire trail-side emergency to get back to the truck, yes, you can use distilled or clean water. However, you must flush the system and refill it with the proper 50/50 coolant mix as soon as possible. Water alone has no anti-corrosion properties and a much lower boiling point.

There you have it—the complete playbook for keeping your Outlander’s engine cool and protected. Taking the time to do this job right is one of the most important DIY tasks you can master. It saves you money, prevents catastrophic failures, and builds your confidence as a mechanic.

So grab your tools, take your time, and follow the steps. Your Can-Am will thank you with thousands of cool, trouble-free miles on the trail. Ride safe out there!

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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.