[Paparancher04]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and hoping to gain some insight. My rancher runs, shifts, and pulls great until it warms up (about 20 min of riding). Then I get this grinding sound which is isolated to the front of the hondamatic and the transmission slips. I drained and replaced the oil (ensuring the right type) and saw no indication metallic particles as if gears were grinding. Oil pressure is within spec and no codes are flashing. I am stumped. I suspect the trans is shot From what i can find, there is no info on troubleshooting the hondamatic trans nor on rebuilding it. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Carolynskii]

Is this bike an ES or automatic?
If not automatic then try to run in the gears by manually shifting incase the ES is not fully engaging the gear.
It'd be real helpful if you have a YouTube video that you could post a link to so we can hear and see this particular problem as several things can cause this.

 

[retro]

Is it a 400AT or a 350 ES?

 

[Paparancher04]

Shifts fine in auto or ESP mode.

 

[Paparancher04]

Although this video is not of my wheeler, mine is doing the exact same thing after about 20 min of riding. https://youtu.be/6srXqA5AOf4

 

[Carolynskii]

Hmm I'm not that familiar with the auto trannies but I can tell ya a lot has to do with oil pressure. When you checked the oil pressure did you check it when it was cooler and thought it was healthy or did you check it immediately after it started acting up. I would check it after it acts up to confirm the status of your oil pump.

 

[alloutdoors]

I'm no expert on auto transmissions, but my gut tells me when "hot" pressures are changing within the clutch/springs/weights and something has gone south within the clutch mechanism. Personally, I would describe the problem to a couple local Honda dealer service techs and see if anyone of them has a comment (positive in terms of likely candidate) and bring the unit to that location for an inspection. I know this will cost a $100-$200 dollars, but it would be worth know precisely what is the issue and potential solution.

This is not to imply that someone here may not come along with a solution and that may happen given the talent here. The challenge "appears" to be deep IMO and will likely result in deep surgery to fix, but hope I'm wrong....

 

[Paparancher04]

Thx for the replies....Oil pressure was verified upon startup and during slippage with no changes at any range of rpm. I had a buddy of mine evaluate the issue and he checked the shift motor, trans shift linkage input/output and much more with all checking good. Also, there are no codes being indicated which I think is odd. Keep the ideas coming....I will take the advice to have an ATV repair technician evaluate. Thank you!

 

[Jeepwm69]

It's a Rancher AT. They tend to burn up clutches. What size tires are you running?

 

[Paparancher04]

Stock tires. The clutch assy is new and was changed when a top-end rebuild was done. I suspect the trans is weak or damaged in some way but cant verify. When i bought it the previous owner had attempted to snorkel it but did a bad job. I suspect it spent some time under water.

 

[Jeepwm69]

Yeah the 400AT's don't tend to hold up well, especially if water is introduced to the Hondamatic.

Unfortunately you have one of the few bikes Honda has made that don't really meet usual Honda standards. Not saying you can't fix it and ride it, but I wouldn't put a lot of money into it.

http://www.hondaatvforums.net/forum...orums/atv-purchasing-price/81025-looking-2008-honda-rancher-400cc-any-good.html

 

[ATC4ever]

I've had this on the 400AT, in my case it was low enough on oil that it would slip & sounds like metal crashing. Um..are you checking the oil with the dip stick all the way in? That was my issue :big-grin

 

[Paparancher04]

Thank you for all the input..