Big problem with small engine

[bassdocktor]

Ok I figiure with everyone on here there has to be someone who know alot about engines especially small ones. I also have to figure someone has had a similar problem.

I bought a new 250 Honda ATV 2 months ago and it has 5 hours on it. I've been having alot of problems with starting it lately. Got sick of it the other day and took it in because it has basically become a lawn ornement. Not cool especially with all of the snow lately.

Well my Honda dealer said my carb is all brunt and basically blown out and the spark plug is destroyed. They are saying it is because gas might have frozen in the carb. Their main reason is that the choke was left on for too long and it will cause the inside to burn and possibly gum up. It seems really weird especially since the choke gets left on my all my lawn equipment and I have had absolutely no problems.

I was just wondering what you guys think especially since it only has 5 hours on it and now they are saying it will cost $150 to fix. I may not know alot of small engines but this thing seems kinda crazy.

Thanks in advance and I await your answers. And best yet I took it in the mud for like 30 mins at the most and they said my brakes are basically shot. Keep in mind it was bought brand new.

Bassdocktor

[BOOYAH]

Ummm lets see if i got this right... Its 2 months old and the dealership wants to charge you for repairs?If so call and report that crap, and as your brakes are concerned  there is ALMOST no way you could wear them out so quickly. Unless you rode the brakes the WHOLE 5 hours of run time (not likely). I know honda has a better warranty than 2 months. This disturbs me and this is what gives mechanics a bad name, I have been a mechanic for a long time and HATE it when they try to deliberately rip people off.

I hope you get resolved quickly and FREE!!!!!

[bassdocktor]

Yeah I kinda figured something might be up. Especially the brakes. They claim it was because sand got in there and wore them down. If that were true wouldn't people who live near or on unpaved/dirt roads always be replacing their breaks like every 4 month?

Thanks,

bassdocktor

[Maxximus Redneckus]

The carb thing is not true there is no heat in it to make it burn sounds like a float is stuck and the brake thing bunch of bull also tak eit to another place for a second opinion

[Guest the_muddy_man]

ITS NOT THE SIZE OF YOUR ENGINE BUT HOW YOU USE IT

[lunchbox508]

you could have flooded it trying to start it then it got gummed up. But still i would think it would still be under warranty

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Did I read this correctly?  Are you saying you drive this with the choke open?

most likely-

Float stuck

clogged jet

gummed up (old gas turns to varnish, gets gummy first)

All easily fixed with a break down, cleaning and reassemble.  This is somthing you should learn how to do anyway.  Basic upkeep on an ATV can save lots of time in the shop.  Learn how to clean air box/filter also.

[Catt]

Dealer service departments are in the business of making money!

Take heed of LBH's commits or get your wallet out!

[bassdocktor]

Well a few things in response.

Muddy I should have figured something like that might come from you.

I can understand the float getting stuck alot more than it being burt out as they were saying. I'm lookking into the warranty with this because especially since it is only 2 month old.

LBH and Catt I completely agree about learning to do it myself except since it is still brand new I wanted to see what they would do for me. Especially since I wanted to get it back as soon as possible with school and work I would wouldn't be able to do anything with it for a few weeks.

Also LBH I don't drive it with the choke open. I'll keep you guys updated as I figure out whats gonna happen.

bassdocktor

[Catt]

Honda dealer said my carb is all brunt and basically blown out and the spark plug is destroyed

How does a carb burn?

How does a carb blow out?

Spark plug is destroyed?

The choke gets left on my all my lawn equipment and I have had absolutely no problems

You have been extremely lucky!

[bassdocktor]

Catt as far as the carb buring and blowing out thats what they said to me. Maybe part of the problem is that it wasn't the service guys that were explaining it to me. He was having a hard time trying to give me a description. Again that was his description. The entire thing seems really weird. They originally told me keep the choke out until it will run with out me having to give it gas. Thats what I've been doing. Honestly, it has taken up to 10 mins to get it to a point where it will run long enough (just idleing) to ride it and that was when the temp was still above 40. Mabybe I should have clarified with the spark plug. They said it was completely burnt and they seemed to make it seem like it was even worse than burnt. My best description was destroyed.

Getting back to the lawn equipment. I guess I should clarify that too. It isn't all the time, that was an overstatement. Alot of times in the fall when I'm working for people it is cold and it will be on for several minutes. I'm always conscious of it because with all of that equipment I know when to switch it off, I can hear and feel it by the performance of my equipment.

Hopefully this all make more sense.

[Dan:]

This is probably completely unrelated seeing as I have very little to now knowledge of mechanics, but I have had troubles with the choke and getting an engine to start on Honda lawn mowers as well. Other than that, i would do as others have said and get a second opinion, maybe even look online for some information about the engine, maybe it's a common problem that has a fix you can find online...

[bassdocktor]

First off I want to thank everyone for their replies. Second I thought I'd post an update. Only took about 4-5 hours of talking to almost everyone at the store to get things straightened out.

The Service manager was the only one that was actually helpful.

Brakes weren't shot just frozen from the -15 degree temps.

I got them to fix everything and only paid $3.75 for a new spark plug. They said the carb was gummed up and again not blown out like they originally said. After thinking about what you guys all said would not have made sense.

The sales manager was also telling us a bunch of lies. They also believe that I don't care about my atv since I didn't wash it even though as I said it was -15. Overall a bad experience. They also got really scared when we said we wanted the Honda rep to come even though they suggested it. Since it starts better now than it did ever before even in the cold I kinda think they weren't telling me something.

In the future I'll be looking for a new dealership to get another one from.

Thanks again.

bassdocktor

[Water Dog]

I don't know exactly why but they seemed to eye you initially as an easy mark.  Some dealerships, shops, etc.  make money by not fulfilling the warranty or dragging repair out past the mileage, or deadline.

We have all had it happen to us at one time or other.  There is nothing quite as satisfying as to find a reliable mechanic, a reliable dealership, a good service center, whatever.  

With a new automobile it sometimes pays to find out the name and number of the Regional Rep of the Company, believe me it makes a difference if you are having a problem with a dealership.

It's probably the same with the ATV's.  Honda anything is usually a good product and they (unlike some brands) want to keep a good name.

Glad that you got it straightened out.

[Ghost Rider]

I thought those things had electric chokes now days?

Never run you boats or ATV to a dealer with out washing and changing out the gas...it gives them the edge on service. 15 deg should not matter at a car wash

was this ATV 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

There are big lies about gas........There are only so many pipeline that flow gasoline in the United States. Most venders (GAS STATIONS) buy the cheapest gas they can get at the different octine levels.  Most of them will put the boost in at the racks, the only one who ships high grade gas is Valero Pipeline Co...to get there mid grade they mix at the tank farm on the receiving end. In other words Shell buys Exxon etc..........Rac Track buys who knows?....... Never run cheap gas from a gas station 90+ oct. only.  Dont get gas at a mom and pop store either. Do fill up if the station is getting topped off. Watch the tail pipe for water (more than normal)

So be carful where you get your gas at that might be a problem...

The spark plug issue you need to be able to check that your self  such as your gap setting on it. Most dealers dont set the gap properly.  You dont want to run to hot of a plug or run one to cold.. Both can blow an engine.

I would buy a repair TM for your ATV and read up and then ask questions on the boards if you dont understand any thing.

Make sure you run a good after marker fuel filter  that is a see through.  You can get one at any auto parts store. Also clean your gas can out you may have dirty fuel in it also.

It does not matter if you running 5 hp or 700 hp good fuel and proper maintenance to your engine is needed.

I hope this helped you out and if you have any other questions drop me a line

Ghost Rider

PS here is a little wet weather pick me up for you guys !!!

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

BD-Glad you got it all worked out.  Hopefully you learned a bit about upkeep too

I, personally, hate "dealerships".   I suggest trying to find either a motorcycle repair shop or a small engine repair shop and get to know the owner.  I got lucky, I used to do a route where I delivered to a small engine guru.  Young guy, very cool, races anything with 2 wheels.  When it came time to have my jet engine worked on (essentially a 701cc 2 stroke), Dave was a huge help.  Mind you, he does not do boats.  Mainly a moto shop.  Most motorcycle shops don't deal with boats because of space, etc  What I thought the problem was would have cost roughly $400 in parts.  He spent 20 mins with the volt/amp meter.  With labor, it was resolved for $84.  I was going to replace the whole stater plate assembly, he took the plate off and replaced only the pulsor coil.  (plate holds 3 different coils)

This is somthing Yamaha won't even do.  They will only replace the whole plate.  Dave has a customer for life. (and the UPS man has a big mouth and alot of ears to fill I refer him whenever possible)

That's a story you'll NEVER hear from a dealership customer.