ATV AnswerMan looks into a problem Honda Rancher 400
When my Honda Rancher 400 sits for a day or more, gas drains back to the tank making it a five-minute crank to start. What can I do to fix this?
Joe Howard
Hi Joe,
Well there is one thing that is for certain, the gas is not draining back into the tank. The tank on your TRX400FM sits well above the carburetor (right between your legs under the handlebars) and cannot return once it leaves via the petcock. There are several things that can be causing the slow start, though, so let’s look at a few options to try and figure out your issue. Since you did not list the year I have to guess it’s at least a 1995 to 2007 variant of the Rancher, as these were the years a 400cc engine was built for the Rancher models.
One of the reasons a carbureted engine is a little tough to start sometimes is the compression of the engine is too low to draw ample fuel into the cylinder to burn. If the rings, piston or cylinder are not working properly, not enough suction or compression is produced to pull the fuel in. Do a compression test to determine if the engine is within spec according to Honda’s service manual.
Another problem you might encounter are the valves not being set in the correct tolerances or being worn past service limits, causing what are essentially timing issues. Shimming or adjusting the valves needs to be performed by a service tech or experienced mechanic, as you can cause more damage by not getting this service done correctly the first time.
These are all real issues that a trusty old ATV will encounter sooner or later and if you do not service the engine properly in the timely intervals required by the manufacturer,then you will see it sooner rather than later. Look at these items carefully and I think you will find that you need to give this TRX400F a few hugs and kisses to get back into the trail.
ATV AnswerMan looks into a problem Honda Rancher 400
When my Honda Rancher 400 sits for a day or more, gas drains back to the tank making it a five-minute crank to start. What can I do to fix this?
Joe Howard
Hi Joe,
Well there is one thing that is for certain, the gas is not draining back into the tank. The tank on your TRX400FM sits well above the carburetor (right between your legs under the handlebars) and cannot return once it leaves via the petcock. There are several things that can be causing the slow start, though, so let’s look at a few options to try and figure out your issue. Since you did not list the year I have to guess it’s at least a 1995 to 2007 variant of the Rancher, as these were the years a 400cc engine was built for the Rancher models.
One of the reasons a carbureted engine is a little tough to start sometimes is the compression of the engine is too low to draw ample fuel into the cylinder to burn. If the rings, piston or cylinder are not working properly, not enough suction or compression is produced to pull the fuel in. Do a compression test to determine if the engine is within spec according to Honda’s service manual.
Another problem you might encounter are the valves not being set in the correct tolerances or being worn past service limits, causing what are essentially timing issues. Shimming or adjusting the valves needs to be performed by a service tech or experienced mechanic, as you can cause more damage by not getting this service done correctly the first time.
These are all real issues that a trusty old ATV will encounter sooner or later and if you do not service the engine properly in the timely intervals required by the manufacturer,then you will see it sooner rather than later. Look at these items carefully and I think you will find that you need to give this TRX400F a few hugs and kisses to get back into the trail.
ATV AnswerMan looks into a problem Honda Rancher 400
When my Honda Rancher 400 sits for a day or more, gas drains back to the tank making it a five-minute crank to start. What can I do to fix this?
Joe Howard
Hi Joe,
Well there is one thing that is for certain, the gas is not draining back into the tank. The tank on your TRX400FM sits well above the carburetor (right between your legs under the handlebars) and cannot return once it leaves via the petcock. There are several things that can be causing the slow start, though, so let’s look at a few options to try and figure out your issue. Since you did not list the year I have to guess it’s at least a 1995 to 2007 variant of the Rancher, as these were the years a 400cc engine was built for the Rancher models.
One of the reasons a carbureted engine is a little tough to start sometimes is the compression of the engine is too low to draw ample fuel into the cylinder to burn. If the rings, piston or cylinder are not working properly, not enough suction or compression is produced to pull the fuel in. Do a compression test to determine if the engine is within spec according to Honda’s service manual.
Another problem you might encounter are the valves not being set in the correct tolerances or being worn past service limits, causing what are essentially timing issues. Shimming or adjusting the valves needs to be performed by a service tech or experienced mechanic, as you can cause more damage by not getting this service done correctly the first time.
These are all real issues that a trusty old ATV will encounter sooner or later and if you do not service the engine properly in the timely intervals required by the manufacturer,then you will see it sooner rather than later. Look at these items carefully and I think you will find that you need to give this TRX400F a few hugs and kisses to get back into the trail.
Looking at options for winch and lighting wiring on here, and ran across a lot of useful information. But I have a question…and would like to get the input of those more versed with these machines than I before I create a potential electrical problem.
I have ordered the harness from my favorite parts supplier, and am waiting for it to arrive. The question is simple: how much load on the sub-harness is too much? I plan to use the keyed power from the harness to supply only switch power for 3-4 accessories: winch switches (handlebar and remote), and two light bars (72W front, 36W rear). Only switch power will come from the factory sub-harness, full battery power will run through relays activated by power from the switches/sub-harness.
Not really interested in installing an auxiliary fuse block at this time since the winch and lighting are all I plan on adding to the electrical system for the foreseeable future. Considering that it is fully possible/probably that all 3 relays will be engaged at the same time, would the power required for them be too much for the sub-harness?
I have a 2011 sportsman ho 500 on demand AWD. I love ths machine. It locked itself in awd . We drained fluids and noticed it was a lot of water in it. So much that some ice chunks came out . Darn winter! Put heater on it and then new demand fluid in. Finally came out of awd for a bit but went back when I picked up speed. Drained fluids again and was milky so must not have gotten all water drained first time. I put heater on it for entire day to make sure this time. Added demand fluid again took it for drive and seems to be fine around yard on grass but as soon as I go on pavement it went back in to awd. Please help!
I have a 2007 sportsman 700. My front seal is leaking where the shaft goes in, can you replace seal while still installed? If removed with age and mileage should I do a Bearing and seal kit? Any issues or problems I should be aware of or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Found a decent deal locally for a set of oem 30" backs on the 14" wheels off an XMR. Will they fit on my 2016 XT without modification? If not what’s different about the XMR that allows them to fit it but not the XT? Thanks, just a question about the wheels not clutching or anything else. I know I’ll need to mod XT clutching.
I struggled last year with having to clean my CVT Inlet Filter numerous times on our mud rides and this proved to be difficult when its wet mud. I don’t want to install snorkels at this point but need to make cleaning the CVT Inlet Filter much easier.
I called Outerwears for a custom cut Pre-Filter for the CVT Inlet Filter. I’m just waiting for them to get back to me with a price. It will be made with the water repellent material, and comes with a top. Should fit nice and snug with the dimensions I have supplied them.
What’s your thoughts? If I think it may be too restrictive I may cut out the filter material on the BRP part and keep the plastic structure and simply slip the Outwear on/off for cleaning.
