Topic: Older Honda four wheeler

[antiq]

I just bought an older honda four wheeler, serial number JH3TE060XFC044328. I've been trying to find information about it. It seems the kick starter is not engaging correctly and the electric starter does nothing at all. THe neutral light is on but the wheels don't want to roll so I'm pretty sure I've got some work to do. Any ideas where I can get more info on this thing. The guy I got it from thinks it's a 300cc.

[mattcb350f]

Hi antiq, I've got a bit of experience with Honda fouwheelers, Happy to help..
The kicker engages through a one way bearing/clutch as does the starter. When they sit for a long time they get gummy and slip. When you use the kicker, gently push down on it to just before the point of rolling it over to set the clutch and then continue with a good kick. Works for my 250 anyway..
As for not wanting to roll, I bet its in the brakes. If its shaft drive there is are usually very little problems with that system. Could be the front brake cylinders are seized and stuck in the out position, holding the brakes on. Could be the same problem with the rear. Loosen the brake adjuster off and manualy pull the brake arm back.
Some pics would help me identify the year....But it should say on a sticker which is usually located under the front fender, ahead of the handle bar shaft on the tube of the frame somewhere.
It will also say the model there too. For some reason, Honda liked to hide these stickers really well 
Here's a helpfull forum I found for ATV's of all makes (http://www.atvfrontier.com/)
 Matt.

[antiq]

Thanks much! I'll register with the forum you suggested and see if I can get more information. I did get it to freewheel for a moment then it went into gear somehow and I could feel the motor roll over. I was rolling it downhill. Then it doesn't seem to release back to neutral.

[mattcb350f]

A bit on those transmissions..
The engine has a centrifugal clutch on it, making it an "automatic" geared transmission. When you shift gears, the gear shifter disengages another "regular friction plate" style clutch to allow the gears to change. Other than the clutch, the transmission itself is much the same as a normal style motorcycle transmission. What this means is that they don't like to be pull or bump started. If you got it to roll over going down hill, then that happened through the one way kicker clutch which barely work for that task.
Also, remember that neutral is all the way at the bottom of the shift pattern, not in between first and second like a bike. And sometimes, when they are shut off in a gear, you have to rock the bike back and forth more than you would a bike, while shifting down to get it back to neutral
 Matt.

[antiq]

Thanks for the explanation of the tranny. I knew some of that but I'd forgotten. Didn't use my last quad much.

[antiq]

A bit on those transmissions..
The engine has a centrifugal clutch on it, making it an "automatic" geared transmission. When you shift gears, the gear shifter disengages another "regular friction plate" style clutch to allow the gears to change. Other than the clutch, the transmission itself is much the same as a normal style motorcycle transmission. What this means is that they don't like to be pull or bump started. If you got it to roll over going down hill, then that happened through the one way kicker clutch which barely work for that task.
Also, remember that neutral is all the way at the bottom of the shift pattern, not in between first and second like a bike. And sometimes, when they are shut off in a gear, you have to rock the bike back and forth more than you would a bike, while shifting down to get it back to neutral
 Matt.

Well Matt it seems you're more help than the atv forum. I got it in neutral now. The kicker does roll the engine over pushing it by hand. I tried cleaning the start switch and lost a tiny disc. Doesn't seem the wires have power there though any way. Any ideas on where I can look to identify this quad by the vin number?

[mattcb350f]

Well, I'll have a look in my Honda Manual for the starter circuit schematic. That might be a grounding switch? As for the VIN number, I did a bit of googling and found nothing too. Your best bet is to ask a dealer. I know there is a Honda book out there that has all recreational vehicles listed and VIN's etc that all dealers usually have for their own purposes. It is in fact available to buy, I remembered it being more expensive but it's only $33.00, Part # 2GMAS00AH
Link:(http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2.asp?Style=&mscsid=RJAW2X5SKKCX9G82C6B2EXJGQXTX19L0)
Anyway, If you don't get the book, the dealer should be able to identify what you have.

In the mean time, this is what I know.. This is my fourwheeler, an 86' TRX250. They were Honda's first attempt at the four wheeled market. Produced from 1984 to 1987 with little changes.

That model was followed by this one in 1988 to 1993?, the TRX300, which is what I'm guessing you have. They are similar but the 300 has far superior front suspension..


Here's another link about Honda History:
(http://www.qrcv.com.au/atv_history/atv_history.htm)

I also just remembered I have some other Honda Fourtrax manuals, I see if your VIN number matches up in any of them 
 Matt.

[mattcb350f]

Nuts  My manuals were no help with VIN numbers...

As for the starter button, there are two fuses,  a main fuse near the battery in a black fuse holder and another one that should be up near the handle bar or under the seat. both these have to be good in order for the starter solinoid to activate.

Of course, if we knew the model I could send you the schematic..

 Matt.

[antiq]

  I found the sticker! It's 1985 trx250. I've tried 2 days to download a service manual but no luck yet.

[mattcb350f]

Ahh, very good! That's pretty much the same machine as mine 
There pretty good, poor front suspension but very sturdy and reliable.
I've got a Honda service manual for that model, 1985 to 1987 TRX250, so if you want me to look something up for you just let me know
 
As for the electrics, there are two fuses behind the cover under the headlight that need to be good. They're old glass tube types and there is also a main fuse in a plastic fuse holder near the battery, under the left rear fender. That one's a newer two prong plastic one. Also, check the ground connection, I've had trouble with that too.

There a good machine, usually lots of parts available on ebay too. I use (abuse) mine a lot hauling fire wood... Matt.

[Aaron J Williams]

I love that firewood pic! I'm gonna borrow it for my desktop background, ok?

[mattcb350f]

I love that firewood pic! I'm gonna borrow it for my desktop background, ok?

Giv'er, 

BTW you got to beef up the swing arm before she's a logging truck like mine antiq 

[antiq]

I love that firewood pic! I'm gonna borrow it for my desktop background, ok?

Giv'er, 

BTW you got to beef up the swing arm before she's a logging truck like mine antiq 

Thanks Matt! First I'll get it running and usable. I just sent you a PM. Once it's back in working order you can explain how you made yours into a logging truck. Guys I work with won't put that much on their trucks!

[mattcb350f]

Got yer' PM, I'll get back to you shortly.
 Matt.

[fuzzybutt]

another possible reason the starter may not operate is dirty contacts in the button, just fixed a co-workers trx-250 that had that, among other problems

[antiq]

another possible reason the starter may not operate is dirty contacts in the button, just fixed a co-workers trx-250 that had that, among other problems

Yep thought of that. I mentioned earlier I took the button apart and lost a tiny disk I was cleaning that was one of the contacts. I'm still looking for it.