[RLP_2008]

First Post here on the forum!

Long story short... I was just given a '99 FourTrax by my dad recently (hasn't run in a while) and while we were working on it on Saturday, I actually got it running and even rode it around for a little bit... We took all of the fuel out, replaced with some new fuel, replaced fuel lines, petcock, fuel filter, battery and ignition coil. We got it started up on the 3rd try!

Here is our problem. After riding for a few minutes, we realized that we have/had a fuel starvation issue. After doing some reading (I read the manual, yes the whole manual) and did some reading on here, I believe we need to do a carb overhaul or even potentially a carb replacement... I REALLY want to get this thing back to the "old reliable" it once was and I think the carb is our issue here.

I'm not new to mechanics- I have a '02 Tacoma TRD 4x4 that I've completely replaced the front suspension and brakes on (literally soup to nuts complete with re-painting and coating everything) so I can handle nuts and bolts with a good YouTube video and manuals... I just am new to Honda TRX 300 engine stuff, but I want to learn and get it figured out.

Now, here are the questions:

1. There are a TON of different carbs for sale on eBay, everything ranging from $35.00 china replacements to $269.00, Honda OEM replacements... Is there a specific one I should buy? I'm steering toward the "Honda OEM" type, but if there is a good, solid, quality aftermarket one- what would it be OR should I just go OEM???

2. Carb overhaul kits. Again, there are a TON of carb overhaul kits on eBay as well... Do you recommend a specific type, or specific one? I just want to make sure I get all the parts/pieces and I DO NOT have an ultrasonic cleaner. I don't want to have to do this again in a few months. Buy once, cry once... Right?!? I just really want to make sure I get all of the parts I need in 1 shot so I'm not having to wait a week here and a week there to get what I need.

3. What other parts should I get/replace "while I'm down there?" Should I get "air boots" or the "pulse modulator" (I believe that's what it's called) and what else should I go ahead and replace?

4. Oil. I just asked my dad and he said it has regular oil in it. Do you guys have a preference on brand or type like: Lucas Oil Full Synthetic? I just want to make sure we do it right, do it once. Also, do I need to get a crush washer that goes over the drain plug to make sure there are no leaks?

5. Anything else I didn't consider or ask that I need to get or look at? I'm open to everything. Please send and give me some suggestions if you have them.

By the way, I live in Houston, TX and my current elevation is like 85' ASL, so I don't really have to worry about the high altitude main jet...

Thank you guys in advance. Sincerely, I really appreciate the help. I just want this rig to be solid and reliable so me and the little guy can have some adventures like I had when I was a kid...

Thank you,

-Ryan

 

[chasecoker]

Alrighty on the carburetor I would not bother replacing it. It probably just has some gunk inside of it. All you need is a set if torch tip cleaners and some clorinated carburetor cleaner. Buy a good brand cleaner like GUNK brand, cheap cleaners don't work well. Pull the carb and pull the bowl clean the bowl out nice and clean then the Jets one at a time and they holes the Jets screw into. Then pull the top and clean the slid and where the slid runs. And also clean the choke jet it's over on the top of the carb across from the throttle cable.
For a good video set to watch on rebuild and cleaning them is D ray Smith on YouTube. He has more videos on how to properly maintain a Honda 300 than anyone.

On the oil I have ran everything from cheapo Walmart oil to shell rotela 15-40. Never any issues with any of it but if course my favorite is the shell rotela 15-40 heavy duty Diesel oil. It is a little thicker and a little more expensive but will not break down under hard useage. I've had a Honda 300 so hot that it should have locked up and that shell oil kept it lubed. Change fluid and filter. Put the filter in correctly

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[RLP_2008]

Awesome!

I do have an air compressor and was going to use that to start blowing everything out.

What about gaskets when I get it put back together? Do I need to get new gaskets? What about float bowl or anything like that?

I don't mind getting new parts, but I'll definitely get started with the cleaning...

Sincerely, thank you for your help.

-Ryan

 

[retro]

1) Unless a carb is OEM Honda it is generally china made garbage, no matter the price. If you buy china you'll get china... and deserve it.

2) Carb kits vary from supplier. Again, most of the aftermarket kits contain parts made in china. Buy OEM only, if you can... if you can't buy OEM carb parts, use only the gaskets and o-rings from the cheap kits. Jets and float valves are usually (always) china garbage.

You can clean the carb in a slow boiling Lemon juice bath or buy a Berrymans carb soak kit. Completely disassemble the carb (separating soft parts from hard parts) before using either method. Reassemble step-by-step and adjust exactly as the service manual recommends. Adjust cables and clean the air filter as well during reassembly.

3) Replace anything worn or broken that you find. You shouldn't need a carb boot yet unless yours has been damaged or cracked open. Remove and inspect the boot then reinstall with an appropriate sealer or o-ring grease as needed.

4) Use any major brand/type of oil you want to... as long as the motor oil is JASO MA or JASO MA/2 certified (for wet clutches) it should be fine. Avoid cheap store brands, as some of them may contain small quantities of paraffin.

5) Read, understand and follow the service manual every time you work on your bike. You can get a free copy HERE if you need one. Also clean and flush out your fuel tank and clean the petcock. Replace the fuel filter and avoid putting ethanol-laced gas in your tank. If you have any questions or get stuck on a problem, let us know all about it and we'll do our best to help.

Have fun, both of you!

 

[chasecoker]

Yeah most times you can reuse all gaskets which is only the bowl O ring the top Oring is made on the slide so you will resuse it anyway

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[RLP_2008]

1) Unless a carb is OEM Honda it is generally china made garbage, no matter the price. If you buy china you'll get china... and deserve it.

2) Carb kits vary from supplier. Again, most of the aftermarket kits contain parts made in china. Buy OEM only, if you can... if you can't buy OEM carb parts, use only the gaskets and o-rings from the cheap kits. Jets and float valves are usually (always) china garbage.

You can clean the carb in a slow boiling Lemon juice bath or buy a Berrymans carb soak kit. Completely disassemble the carb (separating soft parts from hard parts) before using either method. Reassemble step-by-step and adjust exactly as the service manual recommends. Adjust cables and clean the air filter as well during reassembly.

3) Replace anything worn or broken that you find. You shouldn't need a carb boot yet unless yours has been damaged or cracked open. Remove and inspect the boot then reinstall with an appropriate sealer or o-ring grease as needed.

4) Use any major brand/type of oil you want to... as long as the motor oil is JASO MA or JASO MA/2 certified (for wet clutches) it should be fine. Avoid cheap store brands, as some of them may contain small quantities of paraffin.

5) Read, understand and follow the service manual every time you work on your bike. You can get a free copy HERE if you need one. Also clean and flush out your fuel tank and clean the petcock. Replace the fuel filter and avoid putting ethanol-laced gas in your tank. If you have any questions or get stuck on a problem, let us know all about it and we'll do our best to help.

Have fun, both of you!

Thank you! That's what I wanted and needed from this response. I think I'm good and ready to get after this project.

Just need to get it pulled and get it apart!

Thank you!

-Ryan

 

[shadetree]

I answered your pm bro, but I am sure retro and others as well as me have gave you great info .

 

[RLP_2008]

I answered your pm bro, but I am sure retro and others as well as me have gave you great info .

I was going to give you a call this afternoon if you're free!

My day job is getting in the way of my 4 wheeler build!

I have another question here too... Seafoam... Do you guys think this is a good idea? I was thinking about running a can through it to get the engine cleaned.

Is this a bad idea?

-Ryan

 

[shadetree]

I answered your pm bro, but I am sure retro and others as well as me have gave you great info .

I was going to give you a call this afternoon if you're free!

My day job is getting in the way of my 4 wheeler build!

I have another question here too... Seafoam... Do you guys think this is a good idea? I was thinking about running a can through it to get the engine cleaned.

Is this a bad idea?

-Ryan

some sware by seafoam ?, others such as me ?, well..it's not the '' miracle answer '' !..lol. nothing beats a good old fashion carb cleaning !. I have a sticky in the repair section, I go into great detail on how to take them apart, clean them, please read it ! .

 

[shadetree]

oh, and you can call me anytime tonight .