If you race, and have hook-ups for cooling down your F7, you need to modify the thermostat so that the coolant will circulate through the entire system, and not just the motor. With other brands, you can remove the thermostat but not with the Firecat. There are a few ways to do this, and here is our:
Approx. Time: 1 Hour
*Hardware and Tools Needed:
1 - .1875" Drill Bit
1 - 5/32" Diameter x ".5 Long Roll-Pin
1 - " Allen Wrench (With Ball-end)
1 - " Wrench
1 - Electric or Cordless Drill
Shop Rags
Step 1:
Remove belt, primary clutch, and secondary clutche.
Step 2:
Remove engine support plate Once all bolts and burrs are removed, plate can be pulled up over jackshaft without removing oil line (AVOID REMOVING OIL LINE).
Step 3:
Remove Allen head screws of thermostat cover, and pull out thermostat. You will have coolant running all over, so use shop rag to help plug hole after thermostat is removed.
Step 4:
Compress thermostat until it is open as far as it will go. Mark shaft as tight to bottom "movable washer" (for lack of better term) as possible.
Step 5:
Drill hole through shaft. With thermostat compressed all the way, insert roll-pin through hole, and let "movable washer" rest against roll-pin. This ties open the thermostat to let the water circulate through the motor and running boards.
Step 6:
Put thermostat back into motor. Make sure to line the bleed hole in the thermostat up with the hole in the motor.
Step 7:
Replace cover and tightem Allen screws.
Step 8:
Re-charge cooling system (hook to cool-down cart and circulate) and inspect for leaks.
Step 9:
Re-mount motor support plate.
Step 10:
Put primary clutch and secondary clutch back on and check alignment. Put on belt.
