[86_4trax4x4]

Hi guys and gals! Thanks for the join. I have an 1986 trx350a looking for some advice and know how. So last weekend i was riding and got in to deep in a water crossing and swamped my bike. I've changed all fluids and flushed the motor a few times before putting rotella and a new filter in. Now comes my issue. Went on a nice 50 mile ride yesterday and noticed when i would shift from 2-3 or 3-4 if i was getting on it hard it would slip unless i let off it then i could get back in to it. Does anyone think that i should go ahead and replace the clutches and go from there? Any specific clutches people are running? Any insight on special tools or things i should know before attempting this job? I also have found that every where shows the 300 and 350 share same clutches? Is that true? Should i go with a heavy duty clutch kit since im running 27s? Thanks!!

 

[retro]

Try adjusting the clutch first. If it still slips you might want to put an EBC DRC clutch kit (complete with springs) in it.

 

[SamUK]

I ran EBC HD clutches in my 300 with new OEM springs, the spring rating of the HD clutch kit was ridiculous IMO so I opted for the new OEM springs which have caused no issues what so ever. I would certainly try adjusting before replacing though.

When you flushed the engine did you spin the wheels and go through the gears at all? It may be worth while dropping your oil and looking for contamination now you’ve ridden it.

I used to change all oils after every two outings (300 was a mud bike), even though everything was sealed the best it possibly could be contamination was still noticeable in ALL oils. In your case you may have fluid (whatever you used to flush or crud from being swamped) trapped between clutch plates.

 

[86_4trax4x4]

Ok. Thanks for the quick replies. I did run it after the flush. I filled it up started it and cycled thru the gears. I drove it once enough to load on my truck then off. I did try adjusting but it didnt make a difference. Do you know if the 300 clutch is the same? From what I can see they call for same number. As far as springs were they to stiff??

 

[SamUK]

I don’t know if 300 clutches are the same, it’s been a long time since I looked in a 350 and I haven’t checked part numbers out, email EBC and they should provide you with the correct part number, their a helpful bunch. I never tried the springs in the bike, they were noticeably stronger when I compressed them by hand and I didn’t want stronger springs. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing I just wanted OEM.

 

[86_4trax4x4]

I don’t know if 300 clutches are the same, it’s been a long time since I looked in a 350 and I haven’t checked part numbers out, email EBC and they should provide you with the correct part number, their a helpful bunch. I never tried the springs in the bike, they were noticeably stronger when I compressed them by hand and I didn’t want stronger springs. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing I just wanted OEM.

Thanks for the help!! I'll shoot them an email and see what they say. Im ok with heavier springs since im a sportier type rider and play mud too.

 

[86_4trax4x4]

So i did some research along with emailing ebc. The factory part numbers for the clutch plates both steel and friction are the same between my 86 and a 90 trx300 fourtrax. So with that being said i am to believe that a heavy duty 300 kit would also be a heavy duty kit for my 350. Any one recommend a gear reduction kit while im in there?

 

[Jeepwm69]

So i did some research along with emailing ebc. The factory part numbers for the clutch plates both steel and friction are the same between my 86 and a 90 trx300 fourtrax. So with that being said i am to believe that a heavy duty 300 kit would also be a heavy duty kit for my 350. Any one recommend a gear reduction kit while im in there?

https://www.hondaforeman.com/157-vintage-honda/98057-350d-gear-reduction.html#post2715697

@mac102004

Where has mac been lately? He's been quiet.

 

[SamUK]

For a GR get in touch with Jeremy Lee at Reduction Boss, you’ll find him on FB, or Ron Shaw would be able to help you out, again you’ll find him on FB or from anquick google search.


Yes, where is mac102004 ?

 

[86_4trax4x4]

Thanks for the replies. I found one on ebay that's supposed to be a drop in kit. 200 for kit minus 75 dollar core. So 125 for both gears.

 

[shadetree]

be warned !, if any traces of crap is still in the lower part of the motor ?, new clutches will not last no time !. all your going to do is eat them up if sand/grit is in the lower motor, just a heads up. if you play ?..YOU PAY !..LOL.

 

[86_4trax4x4]

be warned !, if any traces of crap is still in the lower part of the motor ?, new clutches will not last no time !. all your going to do is eat them up if sand/grit is in the lower motor, just a heads up. if you play ?..YOU PAY !..LOL.

Thanks shade! My plan is to try to super clean the bottom end while i have it apart to try to get as much junk as possible out of it. I have to say i love this bike though. Especially with my initial purchase price of $50 lol

 

[shadetree]

be warned !, if any traces of crap is still in the lower part of the motor ?, new clutches will not last no time !. all your going to do is eat them up if sand/grit is in the lower motor, just a heads up. if you play ?..YOU PAY !..LOL.

Thanks shade! My plan is to try to super clean the bottom end while i have it apart to try to get as much junk as possible out of it. I have to say i love this bike though. Especially with my initial purchase price of $50 lol

lol, 50 bucks huh ?, you stole that atv !..lol. then again, I got my '89 trx350D foreman for free..sooooo...lmao. picked up a trx450fm today ( needs a lot of work ), 400 bucks, got it to turn over, needs my touch. no this is not a project for me, but for a good friend, I promised him I would keep my eye out for him, and sure enough, this ran across my sight..lol. I think its a 2003 or later ?, have not got to the vin # yet ( yes..the plate and vin is there !...lol ). its on the back burner for right now, i've got my plate full right now.

 

[shadetree]

other than pulling the motor, and splitting it ?, you will NEVER get that motor clean enough once they are sunk !. been doing this for 25+ years, I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT !.

 

[86_4trax4x4]

I understand that. Just gonna flush the snot out of it a few times and hope for the best. Atleast it was clean water lol

 

[SamUK]

I understand that. Just gonna flush the snot out of it a few times and hope for the best. Atleast it was clean water lol

What you’ve done usually does the trick, Shady doesn’t donthings by halves, it’s all or nothing! Lol. Just do a few regular oil and filter changes in the next couple months and keep your eye on things, maybe run a few compression tests and take notes.

 

[shadetree]

I understand that. Just gonna flush the snot out of it a few times and hope for the best. Atleast it was clean water lol

there is no such thing as clear water !!!!. what might look clean to the naked eye ?, pop it under a microscope, and i'll bet a dollar to a dime yu'll see crap that makes ya go huh ?!..lol. been there, done that, wont make that mistake again.

 

[shadetree]

I understand that. Just gonna flush the snot out of it a few times and hope for the best. Atleast it was clean water lol

What you’ve done usually does the trick, Shady doesn’t donthings by halves, it’s all or nothing! Lol. Just do a few regular oil and filter changes in the next couple months and keep your eye on things, maybe run a few compression tests and take notes.

your starting to know how I do things...THIS WORRIES ME !..LMFAOOOO.

 

[86_4trax4x4]

Well yea there is always something in it lol but this was running water so surely thats a lil better haha. But yea thats my plan. Do you think the clutches will work themselves better if i change it a few more times? Its weird how they are. Like i can mash in sl or 1st and no slip. But when i shift from 1-2 or 2-3 it slips if im on it hard. But as soon as i let off and come back in it doesn't slip a bit. Also no slip from 3-4 or wot in 4.

 

[shadetree]

Well yea there is always something in it lol but this was running water so surely thats a lil better haha. But yea thats my plan. Do you think the clutches will work themselves better if i change it a few more times? Its weird how they are. Like i can mash in sl or 1st and no slip. But when i shift from 1-2 or 2-3 it slips if im on it hard. But as soon as i let off and come back in it doesn't slip a bit. Also no slip from 3-4 or wot in 4.

your friction disk are bad. chances are, you grinded them down when you got in that '' clear '' water !..lol. that..and age !.