Prep of long parked ATV

[Bullshot]

Looking for any punchlist tips to address an ATV that sat too long with fuel and is unwilling to run.

My 2009 Honda Rancher (TRX420FA) has sat unused for last 6 years. (It had for a time sat unused for about 8 years prior to that too!) There was apparently a small amount of residual fuel in the tank when parked, and now it is, for the moment, unwilling to start. Everthing probably got gummed up. The sending unit / gauge also is stuck and reading empty even when I’ve now filled with new fuel. That’s a minor issue though.

I have a new injector and a new fuel pump coming soon. Though I’m not sure which, or maybe both, failed. Is there anything else I should do or check before replacing those and trying to run it?

What else is a likely failure point for a quad that sat this long? Fluids, seals, etc? I am going to be solo and reliant on it in CO this fall, I obviously don’t know enough about it (dirtbikes were my actual thing) and have used it only sparingly, literally only on two previous trips west. It’s otherwise probably the best condition 2009 quad on the planet!

 

[marksjeep]

Inspect fuel lines and probably replace. I'd pull the tank and clean it very thoroughly before running whatever residual gunk was left in it through a new pump and injector. Else, just top to bottom inspection. Check tires for cracks or rot.

 

[Bullshot]

Good suggestion about replacing fuel lines. Probably gunk in there, would have overlooked that or just been lazy. Cheap insurance.

 

[Schutzhund]

I'd put a new battery in there if she sat that long and you will be dependant and solo on it. Make sure terminals are clean and tight. Put a new spark plug in there while you're at it. I'm not familiar with the ignition system on that but a tune up is worth while for what you have planned.

 

[millerkiller77]

The tires are probably dry rotted, I'd replace them regardless of how they look visually.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic , bleed the system with a full quart of brand new fluid.
Bleed the shock absorbers if they have a vent screw.
Flush & clean the cooling system if it has ever had tap water in it and add a water wetter after topping off with synthetic coolant.
The clutch packs sitting half wet, half dry for that long is going to be a hit or miss experiment.
If your unit has electronic steering, it should be fine.
Lube every suspension pivot point with BelRay waterproof grease, use a needle injector if needed.

 

[millerkiller77]

I'd put a new battery in there if she sat that long and you will be dependant and solo on it. Make sure terminals are clean and tight. Put a new spark plug in there while you're at it. I'm not familiar with the ignition system on that but a tune up is worth while for what you have planned.

I'd leave the existing plug in and run a SeaFoam treatment through the upper, let all the dislodged gunk and bs foul the old plug, then install a new plug with the fresh injector & fuel lines. I'm not 100% sure the plug location on his particular desert couch, but a lot of them require removing the fuel tank to change plugs. No reason to do that twice.

 

[Schutzhund]

The tires are probably dry rotted, I'd replace them regardless of how they look visually.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic , bleed the system with a full quart of brand new fluid.
Bleed the shock absorbers if they have a vent screw.
Flush & clean the cooling system if it has ever had tap water in it and add a water wetter after topping off with synthetic coolant.
The clutch packs sitting half wet, half dry for that long is going to be a hit or miss experiment.
If your unit has electronic steering, it should be fine.
Lube every suspension pivot point with BelRay waterproof grease, use a needle injector if needed.

Yep, you've got to know your machine intimately, I like your style.

I'd leave the existing plug in and run a SeaFoam treatment through the upper, let all the dislodged gunk and bs foul the old plug, then install a new plug with the fresh injector & fuel lines. I'm not 100% sure the plug location on his particular desert couch, but a lot of them require removing the fuel tank to change plugs. No reason to do that twice.

Even better. Sound advice.

 

[SFC B]

Check out 2Vintage on youtube he does this kind of stuff like a machine. I love watching his stuff.

 

[Schutzhund]

Looking for any punchlist tips to address an ATV that sat too long with fuel and is unwilling to run.

My 2009 Honda Rancher (TRX420FA) has sat unused for last 6 years. (It had for a time sat unused for about 8 years prior to that too!) There was apparently a small amount of residual fuel in the tank when parked, and now it is, for the moment, unwilling to start. Everthing probably got gummed up. The sending unit / gauge also is stuck and reading empty even when I’ve now filled with new fuel. That’s a minor issue though.

I have a new injector and a new fuel pump coming soon. Though I’m not sure which, or maybe both, failed. Is there anything else I should do or check before replacing those and trying to run it?

What else is a likely failure point for a quad that sat this long? Fluids, seals, etc? I am going to be solo and reliant on it in CO this fall, I obviously don’t know enough about it (dirtbikes were my actual thing) and have used it only sparingly, literally only on two previous trips west. It’s otherwise probably the best condition 2009 quad on the planet!

Good luck and have a fantastic hunt this fall!

 

[Bullshot]

Ordered DOT4, coolant, fuel lines, injector, fuel pump, and an auxilliary recoil pull starter to install. Put in a new battery already. Need to order new plug, new air filter. $$ already just to get basic things! May buy and bring a spare starter and solenoid at least to have in truck. Tires look really good to be honest so crossing fingers there, may throw the OE wheels on trailer for spares.

Or maybe I leave it home and just hike. LOL. Old ATV solves some but also brings a lot of extra issues!

 

[MtsPSU]

I'd leave the existing plug in and run a SeaFoam treatment through the upper, let all the dislodged gunk and bs foul the old plug, then install a new plug with the fresh injector & fuel lines. I'm not 100% sure the plug location on his particular desert couch, but a lot of them require removing the fuel tank to change plugs. No reason to do that twice.

I second the Seafoam treatment plan. I use it religiously in all of my tractors, vehicles, and small equipment.

Mark

 

[Bullshot]

Never heard of seafoam before. I am absolutely going to try it, seems to have great reviews.

 

[millerkiller77]

Never heard of seafoam before. I am absolutely going to try it, seems to have great reviews.

I use it as a fuel stabilizer , top end cleaner, and PM measure. Good stuff.

 

[Bullshot]

Making some progress. Thanks for the advice to replace entire fuel system. Tank was a mess. Float completely rusted. Petcock completely disintegrated and clogged. Tank is now cleaned, will be ordering new parts.

Fuel pump didnt look too bad, just residual bad gas in the housing, not much debris. Pump motor has a little surface corrosion but even if it works, its all getting replaced.

Working on fuel lines now.

 

[Bullshot]

She lives!

I know its pretty basic just to renovate the whole fuel system, but it still feels like an accomplishment to get the quad up and running well after all these years. Ran some Seafoam in the gas, some seafoam in the case. I’ll replace the coolant and oil this weekend, then continue to give it a good once over as best I can, and carry what tools and recovery gear I can, to have faith in it on upcoming CO trip.

 

[Schutzhund]

Nice. Confidence is key. That fuel system was funky!