Abstract: A snowmobile has an engine with a liquid cooling system and a housing defining a tunnel with a track disposed therein. The track is carried by a suspension assembly including a drive sprocket, and the drive sprocket is connected to and driven by the engine. A heat exchanger is disposed within the tunnel and is in fluid communication with the cooling system for cooling the liquid. A protecting apparatus protects the heat exchanger from contact with and damage by the track. The protecting apparatus includes a pair of protective brackets fastened to the housing which restricts the outward and radial movement of the track and prevents the track from impinging upon the heat exchanger.